Trends in Drug and Alcohol Abuse and the Impact on Young People
3/19/2024
Dr. Saba Khan, Aspirus Family Medicine Resident Physician
As society evolves,
so do the patterns of substance use among young adults. One notable trend
observed by Saba
Khan, DO, a Family Medicine Resident Physician at Aspirus Wausau Family
Medicine, is the rising prevalence of marijuana and nicotine vaping among
young people.
According to the
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WI DHS), 11 percent of middle
schoolers in Wisconsin have experimented with electronic tobacco products, and
four percent are current users. These figures notably increase by high school,
with 32 percent of students having tried e-cigarettes, and 20 percent
considering themselves current users. In Michigan, the OK2SAY student safety
program reports that half of high school students have tried vaping, and one
out of five currently engages in vaping.
Vaping gained
popularity as an alternative to traditional tobacco smoking, maintaining its
appeal among younger populations due to a variety of flavor options,
accessibility, and its discreet nature. Dr. Khan expresses a major concern: “It
can be done indoors and doesn’t have a strong odor like cigarettes, making it
easier to use these products in secret.”
The act of vaping
involves inhaling steam that comes from hot nicotine liquid. Despite claims of
being a healthier alternative to smoking conventional cigarettes, research
indicates that vaping still poses health risks, including exposure to
harmful chemicals, nicotine addiction, and respiratory issues.
Beyond the medical
risks, substance use during adolescence can impede cognitive development,
disrupt academic achievement, increase the risk of legal issues, and exacerbate
mental health challenges, leading to long-term health consequences.
Dr. Khan underscores
the importance of understanding the underlying reasons driving this behavior
and promoting healthier coping mechanisms.
"Prevention is
key," she emphasizes. “Having an open dialogue and fostering supportive
environments can help them feel safe to confide in you when they need help,
instead of turning to drugs and alcohol.
National Drugs and
Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW), taking place from March 18-24, serves as a platform
for health care professionals, parents, caregivers, and community members to
address the realities of substance use among youth and promote preventive measures.
For more information
about substance abuse and resources for prevention, consult with a primary care
clinician or visit the National
Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) website.
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