1. “Adolescence is a time of discovery and experimentation. It is
“Adolescence is a time of discovery and experimentation. It is also a period of physical and
mental development when small changes can impact on the rest of a person’s life.
Adolescence is also the time when a large proportion of teenagers try alcohol, tobacco, and
cannabis for the first time. Use of these substances during this period can often be
detrimental to normal adult growth and may result in chronic use leading to long-term
health problems and early death” (Murphy et al, 2013: 2).Critically reflect on this statement
and determine, using published material, the long-term health problems associated with
substance misuse and abuse during adolescent years.Consider how this period of discovery
and experimentation could be considered as ‘gateways’ to other types of substance
misuse.Demonstrate your understanding of the stages of dependency leading to addiction,
the range of different types and classifications of drugs and the trends/ prevalence of
substance abuse amongst young people in Ireland and abroad.Determine what types of
supports, treatment approaches and interventions are available to young people who are
involved in the misuse of substances.Identify the current responses from Government and
ascertain if these approaches/responses are sufficiently alleviating the issue of substance
abuse and misuse amongst young people in Ireland today. Give reasons to support your
argument.Support your answers with published articles/material and demonstrate your
understanding by exemplification.
