The impact of negative experiences on substance abuse in adolescence

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to analyse the impact that negative experiences pose on substance abuse in adolescents. In addition, it identifies the main types of negative experiences which are most likely to be influential, as well as the most sought-after drugs by adolescents. A number of these substances include; cocaine, ecstasy, heroin and cannabis, which although are illegal in a large number of countries, are still widely popular and accessible amongst these individuals. Lastly, it establishes whether there are any repercussions to substance abuse, focusing on those of a higher risk. An online questionnaire was used as the data collection tool which was distributed online through university groups and other social media platforms, open to a wide variety of age groups, however, respondents had to be above the age of 18-years-old. All participants were made aware that the data collected would remain anonymous and destroyed upon completion of the study. The questionnaire could be accessed through Google Forms which was made available for approximately one month. IBM SSPS was used to statistically deduce possible correlations and relevant relationships amongst the variables being studied, to better understand the impact of negative experiences on substance abuse in adolescence. The greater majority of respondents believe that negative experiences during adolescence have an influence on substance abuse, with peer pressure and bullying being the most common negative experiences selected. In addition, the results revealed that the two most common substances used and the most accessible amongst adolescents are cannabis and cocaine. Lastly, 78% of the respondents believe that those individuals abusing of substances will be impacted by all of the problem choices given. Summarily, this dissertation concluded that negative experiences during adolescence are influential on substance abuse, and that there were little to no differences between age groups and gender for the majority of the questions.