Drug abuse is one of the big problems faced by the Indonesian nation. Drug abuse is especially prevalent among teenagers. Addiction, depression, overdose to death are the effects of drug abuse.

Narcotics are substances or drugs derived from plants or non-plants, both synthetic and semi-synthetic, which can cause a decrease or change in consciousness, loss of taste, reduce to eliminate pain, and can lead to dependence.

The distribution and impact of narcotics is currently very troubling, especially among teenagers. Making narcotics abuse one of the major problems faced by the Indonesian nation. Easy access to get narcotics, makes its users increase.

Reporting from Kominfo.jatimprov.go.id, in 2021, the number of attempts to use drug abuse among teenagers reach 57% of the total drug abuse. The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) stated that 82.4% of children were users, 47.1% were dealers, and 31.4% were couriers.

Many factors can feed into teen drug use and misuse. Personality, family's interactions, and teen's comfort with peers are some factors linked to teen drug use. Others common risk factors include:

1. A family history of substance abuse.
2. A mental or behavioral health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
3. Impulsive or risk-taking behavior.
4. A history of traumatic events, such as seeing or being in a car accident or experiencing abuse.
5. Low self-esteem or feelings of social rejection.
6. Teens may be more likely to try substances for the first time when hanging out in a social setting, because teens generally want to fit in with peers.
7. Promote weight loss, or help in sports competition.

Some teens may feel like nothing bad could happen to them, and may not be able to understand the consequences of their actions. Negative consequences of teen drug abuse might include:

• Drug dependence. Some teens who misuse drugs are at increased risk of drug dependence.
• Poor judgment. Teenage drug use is associated with poor judgment in social and personal interactions.
• Sexual activity. Drug use is associated with high-risk sexual activity, unsafe sex, and unplanned pregnancy.
• Mental health disorders. Drug use can complicate or increase the risk of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
• Impaired driving. Driving under the influence of any drug affects driving skills. It puts the driver, passengers, and others on the road at risk.
• Changes in school performance. Substance use can result in worse grades, attendance, or experience in school.
• The worst effects of this drug can occur if the user uses narcotics in high doses (overdose). The use of methamphetamine, opium and cocaine can cause the body to convulse and if left unchecked can cause death.

In some cases, products common in personal or community use and that have certain chemicals are inhaled for intoxication. Drug use can result in drug addiction, serious impairment, illness, and death. Health risks of commonly used drugs include the following:

• Cocaine: Risk of heart attack, stroke, and seizures.
• Ecstasy: Risk of liver failure and heart failure.
• Marijuana: Risk of impairment in memory, learning, problem-solving and concentration; risk of psychosis, such as schizophrenia, hallucination, or paranoia. For teens who use marijuana and have a psychiatric disorder, there is a risk of depression and a higher risk of suicide.
• Amphetamine and Methamphetamine: Risk of psychotic behaviors from long-term use or high doses.
• Opioids and Carisoprodol: Risk of respiratory distress or death from overdose.

Efforts to prevent drug abuse among teenagers is our shared responsibility. All parties, from parents, teachers to the community, must play an active role in alerting and preventing the threat of drugs to teenagers. Always remind teenagers to fill their free time with positive activities.

References:

1. BNN RI. (2019). Pengertian Narkoba Dan Bahaya Narkoba Bagi Kesehatan
2. BNN Sleman. (2021). Bahaya Narkoba Di Kalangan Remaja
3. BNN Sukabumi. (2022). Penyebab Penyalahgunaan Narkoba di Kalangan Remaja dan Solusinya
4. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Tween and teen health
5. Government of Indonesia. (2009). UU No. 35 tahun 2009 tentang Narkotika