Why is adolescence a vulnerable period for drug and alcohol abuse? Describe the harmful effects and suggest ways to prevent it.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Define adolescence and drug abuse. Adolescence (about 12 to 18 years) is a period and process of becoming mature; drug abuse is non-medical use that impairs body or mind.
2 · Reasons.
Curiosity, adventure, experimentation.
Stress and exam pressure; 'cool' image from media.
Peer pressure; unsupportive family.
3 · Addiction and dependence. Rising tolerance leads to higher doses; stopping causes withdrawal (anxiety, shakiness, nausea, sweating).
4 · Harmful effects. Reckless behaviour, violence; overdose can cause coma and death; AIDS and hepatitis B from shared needles; liver cirrhosis, nerve damage; harm to the foetus.
5 · Prevention. Avoid peer pressure, education and counselling, seek help from parents and peers, watch for danger signs, professional help and de-addiction programmes.
6 · Close in one line. So awareness and support in adolescence prevent a lifetime of harm.
Scoring tip: Use the words tolerance, withdrawal and peer pressure. Write prevention points as a clear list; each one is usually worth half a mark.
