Introduction
Addictions among children are becoming increasingly common in modern society. According to a report by Lipari and Van Horn (2017), one in eight children is suffering from some kind of substance abuse. The main addictions include tobacco, alcohol, and an assortment of drugs ranging from lighter drugs like marijuana to harder drugs like heroin and crystal meth. Some of these children are affected by addictions from an early age. Government action towards child addictions in the US is sporadic at best, offering incremental results. The purpose of this presentation is to provide an analysis of the situation utilizing the Environmental/Social learning analysis.
Environmental/Social Learning Theory
The environmental/social learning theory of addiction postulates that there are four factors affecting an addicted individual. These include emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental factors (Krohn et al., 2019). Depending on the person, some of these factors may be more prevalent than others. In general, addiction is associated with stress and the inability to cope without substances. Some particular types, such as tobacco and alcohol, may be introduced to a person by their peers. The lack of a fulfilling spiritual life may encourage some to find meaning at the bottom of the bottle (Krohn et al., 2019). Finally, the environment may facilitate certain addictions by either advertising them or making them incredibly easy to obtain.
Alcohol Addiction in Children
Alcohol addiction in children is a prominent and dangerous occurrence. Nevertheless, it happens less often than tobacco addiction, due to the higher difficulties with acquiring the substance. In the US, most states do not sell alcohol to individuals who are below 21 years of age (Krohn et al., 2019). Children consuming alcohol from a young age are likely to suffer from developmental and mental issues. These included difficulty in socialization, reduced learning capability, and ease of falling for other addictions, among others. Some of the most difficult alcoholics to treat typically start at a young age. The average age at which children try alcohol in the US is around 14, though not every case results in addiction (Krohn et al., 2019).
Tobacco Addiction in Children
Tobacco addiction is one of the most common in children. This comes from the fact that cigarettes are notably cheaper, are much easier to obtain (compared to drugs and alcohol), and do not have the same long-term effects as the former, often being seen as a ‘safer option’ (Krohn et al., 2019). In many households, there is at least one smoking adult providing a role model for the child. In schools and other peer groups, smoking usually starts as a social activity, in order to blend in, before the addiction settles in on a biological level. Although efforts have been made to reduce environmental factors leading to smoking, the practice is now a cultural phenomenon that does not require overt advertising to affect children. Addiction from a young age results in lung cancer, breathing problems, and a higher likelihood of switching to heavier substances in the future (Krohn et al., 2019).
Drug Addiction in Children
Drug addiction in children is, by far, the least prevalent in the chosen population group. However, it is also the most devastating. Children who become addicted typically come from unsafe social environments, broken-up families, and poverty (Krohn et al., 2019). For them, drugs are a way to escape their reality or deal with ongoing mental issues, such as depression. In many cases, drugs are acquired legally or semi-legally, in the form of medicine. Harder drugs, such as crystal meth, are typically purchased illegally (Krohn et al., 2019). This type of addiction is associated with extreme cases of abuse, child mortality, and a plethora of dangerous and antisocial behaviors. Recovery from this type of addiction is extremely hard.
Conclusion
Drug addiction in children is a dangerous development in the modern world. Children are more vulnerable to addictions, both physically, and mentally. The primary addictions include tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, with the former two being relatively easy to acquire. The environmental/social learning theory identifies environmental, emotional, and peer pressure factors as the most relevant when it comes to affecting the child and pushing them toward addictions. Society should come to a unified way of changing the environment and culture to make these addictions less relevant, and thus, less damaging to future generations.
References
Lipari, R. N., & Van Horn, S. L. (2017). Children living with parents who have a substance use disorder. Web.
Krohn, M. D., Hendrix, N., Hall, G. P., & Lizotte, A. J. (2019). Handbook on crime and deviance (2nd ed.). Springer.