Adolescence is a critical phase characterized by the transition from childhood to adulthood, which can bring about various difficulties and hurdles. At this stage, individuals have the power to shape their destinies positively or negatively. The significance of friendships cannot be underestimated as they play a vital role in shaping one’s outlook on life. Modern-day adolescents predominantly seek acceptance and strive not to stand out among their peers. In this essay, I will explore the probability of facing specific challenges such as substance abuse, suicidal inclinations, and homelessness among youth.
During adolescence, which includes the teenage years through the 20s, a disconnection between younger and older generations arises due to the complexities of our modern world. This leads many adolescents to prioritize education as they feel isolated from adult society, thus prolonging their adolescence. Unfortunately, violence has become prevalent worldwide during this stage of life. Teenage suicide is particularly concerning, along with other risk-taking behaviors such as alcohol and drug abuse.
Adolescents are primarily focused on enjoying themselves and attending parties, sometimes leading them to become addicted to drugs. This addiction completely consumes their lives, resulting in some getting arrested or even losing their lives. The power of addiction is so overwhelming that it controls people’s thoughts and urges them to engage in harmful behavior. Adolescents, especially, aim to fit in with their peers by participating in drug use such as crack, booze, pot, and crystal. Dr. Nowinski’s book investigates adolescent drug abuse, featuring specific cases he has encountered. He explores various patterns and causes of drug abuse among adolescents, including feelings of alienation, low self-esteem, stress, and peer pressure. It emphasizes the necessity for new treatment approaches as adolescent addictions differ from those of adults. Dr. Nowinski delves into counseling processes such as denial and compliance, as well as surrender and recovery. He strongly emphasizes the importance of family intervention when dealing with adolescents struggling with addiction. This disease knows no boundaries of race, age, or gender and can affect anyone who ventures down the wrong path.Adolescents often lack awareness of the repercussions of drug use and struggle to heed the advice of their elders. They view their all-night parties, where drugs and alcohol are abundant, as harmless until tragedy strikes or they face legal consequences. These parties occur in various locations, such as warehouses or outdoor recreational areas, accommodating large crowds of over 1,000 young people. Trance music, a compilation of electronic sounds curated by a DJ, sets the atmosphere at these gatherings. Adolescents perceive these events as enjoyable without realizing that they lead nowhere. Over time, this behavior becomes ingrained in their daily lives and often leads to significant suffering. Unfortunately, it is typically only through forceful intervention from authorities or even death that adolescents receive the help they need. Treatment and rehabilitation become necessary following the consequences, unless death has already occurred. To effectively combat this issue, adolescents need to hear personal stories that they can relate to. The efforts made by advertising campaigns and adults speaking in schools are insufficient to address the problem; adolescents tend to ignore advice and continue on their desired path without recognizing the potential outcomes.
Adolescent Suicide, which is caused by frustration and negligence, is a consequence of the various reasons there are to live. In the U.S., thousands of teenagers commit suicide each year. As stated by Miller, suicide now ranks as the third leading cause of death for individuals aged 15 to 24 (following accidents and homicide), and the sixth leading cause of death for adolescents aged 5 to 14. It has surpassed cardiovascular diseases or cancer as the top cause of teenage deaths. Remarkably, adolescent suicide rates have increased by more than 200% in just the last decade alone. Adolescent Suicide can be viewed as an expression of Adolescent Depression. Recent studies indicate that over one fifth of adolescents experience emotional problems, with about one-third of those who attend psychiatric clinics suffering from depression. Maurice Blackman MB, FRCPC suggests that primary care physicians, with support from family members, can effectively address most cases of adolescent depression. Adolescence is marked by emotional instability, introspection mingled with sadness, intense drama, and heightened sensitivity. Psychiatrists encounter challenges in differentiating depressive symptoms from normal developmental turmoil during this period. It is common for teenagers to contemplate death and consider how their passing would impact loved ones; fortunately, these thoughts generally do not lead to actions. Suicidal acts among adolescents are frequently linked to severe crises and depression.
The importance of recognizing the significance of crises in teenagers, even if they may not seem important to adults, should be acknowledged. Adolescents who have experienced major stress in the past, such as parental discord, physical or sexual abuse, or substance abuse, are more likely to engage in suicidal behavior. The risk of suicide is also increased when there has been a suicide among family members or close friends because it affects both the immediate family and the entire community. When a family member commits suicide, it is crucial for the family to openly grieve and express their emotions instead of suppressing them. Teenagers who exhibit noticeable changes in behavior and isolate themselves from society, or those who give away valued possessions, may be seriously contemplating ending their own lives. It is important to note that more adolescents attempt suicide than actually succeed, and their methods may be inexperienced. Dismissing alleged minor attempts as attention-seeking or insignificant would be a mistake because a teenager who has unsuccessfully attempted suicide and continues to face overwhelming difficulties may eventually make another attempt that could potentially succeed. Any individual displaying behaviors indicative of lacking purpose in life is essentially asking for help – this plea should be treated with utmost importance. Showing care and concern may hold the key in preventing teenagers from becoming another tragic statistic of adolescent suicide.
No one is satisfied with their current situation. The average person complains about their life daily, complaining at least 50 times. Despite having loving families, good homes, and most of their needs met, individuals still express dissatisfaction. Homeless adolescents face additional stress as school is not an easy environment for them. Peers do not accept them, leading to widespread low self-esteem among this group. Whether sharing a room with their entire family or with other adolescents, these individuals lack privacy and sufficient space for various activities. As a result, they often develop aggressive tendencies.
In addition to the challenges faced by homeless adolescents in school, they also struggle with lacking stability and forming close friendships due to frequent changes in schools. This constant movement leaves them without a sense of belonging, personal space, or belongings. School is just one of the many places where homeless adolescents encounter difficulties. Many resort to exchanging sex for essentials such as food, clothing, and shelter as their only means of survival on the streets.
Furthermore, being homeless puts these youth at higher risk for contracting AIDS or HIV-related illnesses which leads to severe anxiety among them. Shockingly, more than 50% of homeless adolescents will die before reaching the age of 19. Nevertheless amidst numerous stories highlighting potential transformation; one particular account caught my attention.
The text highlights the story of a man who was once homeless but has now become a millionaire. What makes him unique is his unwavering dedication to helping others in similar situations. This narrative reminds us that individuals from various backgrounds can be found among those living on the streets, and it encourages us to consider if these overlooked individuals may have hidden talents and extraordinary potential. It suggests that there could be a modern-day Mozart or an undiscovered genius living in a refrigerator box or navigating through garbage dumps, much like Hitler did years ago. Although we may not have a definitive solution to address homelessness effectively, it is crucial to acknowledge and embrace the fact that every homeless teenager deserves an opportunity to create their own path towards significance and success.
Adolescence is a crucial stage in an individual’s life that has the potential to shape their future. It is a period where teenagers can be easily influenced by their surroundings and may turn to drugs and alcohol as quick fixes for the obstacles they face. Neglect, stress, and peer pressure all contribute to this behavior, which can even lead to thoughts of suicide.
Throughout adolescence, young people begin to confront real-life challenges. Unfortunately, there are many homeless teenagers who lack the necessary support and guidance during this time, making them vulnerable to various types of crime.
This phase of life is often referred to as a “time of storm and strife” because it becomes difficult for individuals drawn towards negative influences to take control of their lives.
The following is the bibliography.
Blackman, M. (1995, May). The Canadian Journal of CME [Internet]. HTTP: http://www.mentalhealth.com/mag1/p51-dp01.html.
Brown, A. (1996). NARSAD Research Newsletter [Internet]. HTTP: http://www.mhsource.com/advocacy/narsad/childmood.html.
Cohen, S. (1969). The Drug Dilemma. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Book Company.
The Pleasure Seekers by Joel Fort (1969) is a book published in New York, NY by The Bobbs-Merrill Company.
Miller, M. (1996). An Outreach division of the Attorney General of the State of Arkansas. [Internet]. HTTP: http://www.ag.state.ar.us/advscripts/teensuicide/teensuicide.asp
National Coalition for the Homeless (1998, October). Homeless Families with Children NCH Fact Sheet #7.
