Regular physical activity is important for everyone, increasing self-esteem, staying active and energetic, and reducing the propensity for serious illness. For teenagers, who go through a lot of hormonal changes and therefore problems related to mood and emotions, regular workouts help them deal with the physical and emotional challenges of everyday life. However, according to a new study, teens who engage in regular, vigorous physical activity are prone to developing substance abuse problems.
Members of the Royal Australian and New Zealand School of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) surveyed nearly 3,500 adolescents and concluded that those who exercised for more than four days a week were susceptible to developing a substance abuse problem. The researchers looked at the physical activity of 14-year-old adolescents and then assessed their mental health outcomes at age 21.
Lead author Dr. Shuichi Suetani said that teens who did high-intensity workouts were susceptible to drinking alcohol as young adults. This was found to be especially true for girls.
Different opinions
Dr. Matthew Dunn, Senior Lecturer in Public Health at Deakin University, and Dr. Mark Hutchinson, Professor at the University of Adelaide School of Medicine, found that exposure to alcohol and drugs is also due to pressures. environmental and social.
Dr. Dunn said there is nothing new when it comes to sports and the consequent exposure to harmful substances. He said that multiple sociocultural factors could lead an adolescent to drug or alcohol abuse. According to him, if a teenager is part of a club or team that is sponsored by an alcoholic beverage company, there is an underestimated pressure to drink.
According to him, when an individual is surrounded by athletes and peers who abuse alcohol and other substances, he is inevitably drawn to trying these addictive substances. However, when children are under supervision, they are less likely to get lost.
Dr. Hutchinson said exclusive sports clubs and competitive settings could be the gateway to substance abuse. He believes that teens who follow the group mentality by imitating other people’s unhealthy behavior could be damaging their future.
Children are impressionable and do not know how to say no to such advances or how to make sensible decisions. In addition, their brains are still in a developmental stage, so they can suffer the consequences in a more serious way than adults. Affected teens may ultimately require affordable drug and alcohol treatment in good addiction facilities.
The RANZCP research also established that the release of serotonin during intense training could be responsible for pushing teens toward alcohol and other substances, but the finding was refuted by Dr. Hutchinson due to the paucity of data to support the opinion. .
Talking to teens about substance abuse
Adolescence is a vulnerable time when many children are still unable to make informed decisions and are likely to feel disoriented later on. Parents can play a critical role in guiding their children about the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse. It is important to speak up and keep communication channels open.
Some ways that parents can address this problem are:
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Get involved in the child’s life without being intrusive. Set rules for the party, homecoming, friend time, playtime, and other activities. When children know they are being closely monitored, they are less likely to indulge in substance abuse.
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Parents should remind teens of the harmful effects of alcohol and substances on physical health, academic and athletic performance, social interactions, and family and romantic relationships.
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Parents should encourage their teens and show appreciation even when the achievement is small. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in keeping them away from negative influences.
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Children should be encouraged to pursue a hobby, try a new activity, and volunteer. Their screen time should be kept to a minimum and parents should know all the friends and acquaintances their child interacts with.
The road to recovery
The consumption of alcohol and other substances can be detrimental to the functional and structural capacities of the brain, especially during adolescence. It is a phase full of emotional disorders and physical transformations that increase the probability of falling into wrong habits. Substance abuse can lead to legal problems, financial problems, low grades, unsafe sexual practices, and much more. Therefore, it is wise to stay away from substances and seek immediate help when necessary.