Teen Drug Use Linked to Lack of Compassion

July 6, 2016

Developmental psychologist Dr. Maria Pagano and researchers from Case Western University in Cleveland found a connection between teenage drug use and a lack of consideration for others. The study was the first to explore a dose-response correlation between higher substance use and low altruism. Three behaviors determined the level of altruism: driving under the influence, unprotected sex and low volunteerism.

Youths have greater access to alcohol and drugs as a result of the increased legalization of marijuana and the overabundance of illegal drugs. The study sample pointed out that 100 percent of the addicted users consumed alcohol and marijuana on a regular basis while 49 percent took nonprescribed medications.

Excessive alcohol and drug consumption curbs brain development and affects academic performance, causing a ripple effect on the life of the adolescent. These young people tend to drop out of school and yield to criminal activities. They indulge in unprotected sex, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

The addict is like a tornado running through the lives of others.

Changes in the economy, health care policies and general trends stipulate that adolescence extends to age 27. This results in deferred responsibility, late independence and a delayed maturation.

Alcohol and Drug Consumption Drive Selfishness

Out of the cohort of 585 teenagers from Cuyahoga County in Ohio, 26 percent reported having received a DUI, and 55 percent reported that they had unprotected sexual intercourse. DUI occurrence was higher among the regular substance using teens.

Moreover, adolescents who had sexually transmitted diseases and did not use protection during their last sexual intercourse were more inclined to being addicted users. The degree of low-awareness of others is directly proportional to the severity of alcohol and drug consumption.

Low volunteerism is in line with the self-centered mentality of teenagers, with 77 percent of the sample admitting to volunteering less than five hours in a month. Juveniles who are regular users have been linked to a lack of empathy and tend to donate less to charities.

The research observed that volunteerism was lower among boys than girls. Although they noted that it required more research, the researchers attributed the result to social norms: girls are encouraged to be generous and helpful while boys are more geared toward opposition in their friendships.

Pagano believes that the results of the study are associated with poor social skills as a side effect of addiction. She likens the lack of understanding of behavioral impact to the characteristics of autism.

An Illness That Can be Helped

“The addict is like a tornado running through the lives of others,” said Pagano in a news release from Case Western Reserve University. She highlights that the addicts have no idea of the damage they are causing to themselves and to those around them. She added, “This is part of the illness.”

Pagano, who has carried out previous research about how service helped against relapse and the risk of arrest, claims that the continued bullying and cheating issues are proof that adolescents do not relate to others. Prior to the study, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) highlighted that selfishness was a causational factor of addiction that could be cured by helping others.

Fewer youngsters volunteer in community activities, attributed to a consumer-driven society where teenagers are focused on money and fame, caring less about helping others. Technological advances are responsible for the lack of listening skills, the decrease in group cooperation and the lack of sensitivity to others.

Pagano argues that it is important to push for more social interaction. AA promotes group skills, a sense of community, leadership opportunities, identity development and sober recreation. By putting service at the center of their 12-step program, AA believes it is encouraging altruism through community exposure.

“People must understand that the illness has a low awareness of others component that must be addressed,” said Pagano.

Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

View Sources

• Pagano M.E., Swaringen, S.E. & Frank, S.H. (2016, March 28). Low Other-Regard and Adolescent Addiction Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/297675836_Low_Other-Regard_and_Adolescent_Addiction
• Case Western Reserve University . (2016, March 31). Study finds addiction associated with poor awareness of others. Retrieved from https://casemed.case.edu/newscenter/news-release/newsrelease.cfm?news_id=297

---