Underage drinking is one of the primary health problems in the United States. The behavior has affected many youths and individuals close to them. Statistically, it has been discovered that approximately 33% of young individuals have taken one drink at least by the age of 15. Also, about 60% of teenagers have taken one bottle at least before they reach the age of eighteen years (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2017). Arguably, the percentage is relatively high, hence resulting in negative impacts of underage drinking. Injuries caused by accidents, problems with the law, and brain development interferences are some of the challenges faced as a result. Additionally, impaired judgment is the main problem associated with underage drinking. Consequently, young drunkards end up making poor decisions that lead to risky behaviors such as unprotected sex. Also, possibility for sexual and physical assault is increased thus leading to unwanted pregnancies.
Research has indicated that there is a relationship between risky sex practices and substance use. Comparatively, drug abuse leads to risky behaviors more on adolescents than on adults. However, this is because the brain part responsible for emotion, novelty, pleasure, and reward experience matures faster than that responsible for higher-order processing and behavior regulation (Ritchwood, Ford, DeCoster, Sutton & Lochman, 2015). Therefore, the urge for emotional and pleasure satisfaction among the underage individuals in higher than their ability to make the right decisions. Due to this reason, adolescents end up making emotionally influenced decisions instead of those that are well-reasoned. Sex, being one of the primary sources of pleasure and emotional satisfaction among adolescents, is dangerously engaged in while under the influence of drug abuse. Such risky behaviors are highly capable of leading to unwanted pregnancies.
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Part Two
Teenage parenthood comes with a lot of challenges. Post-partum and post-natal depression, pre-term birth, and relatively harsh parenting styles are some of the difficulties associated with underage parenting. In result, such parents’ daily activities get disrupted hence losing focus. For instance, their studies might be interrupted, and they start posting weak results in school. Such happens as a result of stress, depression, and added responsibilities. Similarly, others might start engaging in criminal activities due to increased expenditure. A child comes with different needs thus extra spending. Some teenager parent may not be in a position to cater to such demands, hence engage in criminal activity to gain more cash. Besides, adolescent parents are likely to have higher substance abuse levels due to depression and stress. As a way of avoiding these challenges, a measure should be put in place to minimize or prevent unwanted pregnancies as a result of underage drug abuse.
Alcohol abuse among other drugs by underage persons should be avoided to control unwanted pregnancies. Programs such as school-based alcohol prevention are essential in equipping adolescents with skills and knowledge on risks involved in early substance use. Subsequently, alcohol use among young individuals is delayed or prevented hence avoiding risks involved. Emphasis on normative education and cultural sensitivity programs can also contribute in reducing the rate of underage drinking. Additionally, excellent communication skills between children and parents should be enhanced to ensure the development of problem solving techniques. Besides, children’s activities should be monitored at the adolescent stage and control taken. A strong family bonding is essential in ensuring that both children and their parents are involved in a child’s life. Consistent discipline and rulemaking are vital in shaping an individual’s behavior ( Komro & Toomey, 2002). Such measures can be used in ensuring that underage children are not involved in substance use which can lead to unwanted pregnancies. Therefore, both the parents and the learning institutions should work together in informing the young generation about the risks associated with underage drug abuse. Besides, their behaviors should also be monitored and controlled.
References
Komro A. K. & Toomey L. T. (2002). Strategies to Prevent Underage Drinking. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11228084_Strategies_to_Prevent_Underage_Drinking
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, (2017). Underage drinking. Retrieved from https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/UnderageDrinking/UnderageFact.htm
Ritchwood D. T., Ford H., DeCoster J., Sutton M., & Lochman E. J. (2015). Risky Sexual Behavior and Substance Use among Adolescents: A Meta-analysis. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4375751/
