Intense physical activity predisposes adolescents to substance use disorders

Regular physical activity is important for everyone, as it boosts self-esteem, keeps you active and energetic, and reduces your susceptibility to serious illness. For teenagers, who go through many hormonal changes and therefore problems related to mood and emotions, regular exercise helps them deal with the physical and emotional challenges of everyday life. However, according to a new study, teens who engage in regular, vigorous physical activity are more likely to develop substance abuse problems.

Members of the Royal Australian and New Zealand School of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) conducted a survey of nearly 3,500 adolescents and concluded that those who exercised more than four days a week were at risk of developing a substance abuse problem. The researchers looked at the physical activity of 14-year-old adolescents and then assessed their mental health outcomes at age 21.

Lead author Dr. Shuichi Suetani said that adolescents who engaged in high-intensity exercise were susceptible to drinking alcohol as young adults. This was found to be true especially for girls.

different opinions

Dr Matthew Dunn, Senior Lecturer in Public Health at Deakin University, and Dr Mark Hutchinson, Lecturer at the University of Adelaide Medical School, found that alcohol and drug exposure is also due to environmental and social pressures.

Dr. Dunn said there is nothing new when it comes to sports and the resulting exposure to harmful substances. He said multiple sociocultural things could lead a teen to abuse drugs or alcohol. According to him, if a teenager is part of a club or team that is sponsored by an alcoholic beverage company, there is a slight pressure to drink.

According to him, when a person is surrounded by athletes and fellow abusers of alcohol and other substances, one is inevitably drawn to trying these addictive substances. However, when children are under supervision, they are less likely to go astray.

Dr. Hutchinson said that exclusive sports clubs and competitive settings could be the gateway to substance abuse. He is of the opinion that teens who follow the group mindset by imitating other people’s unhealthy behavior could be damaging their futures.

Children are impressionable and do not know how to say no to such advances or make sensible decisions. Also, their brains are still in a development stage, so they can suffer the consequences more severely than adults. Ultimately, affected adolescents may require affordable drug and alcohol treatment at good addiction centers.

The RANZCP research also established that the release of serotonin during intense training could be responsible for pushing adolescents towards alcohol and other substances, but Dr. Hutchinson refuted the finding due to the paucity of data to support the view.

Talking to teens about substance abuse

Adolescence is a vulnerable time when many children are not yet capable of making informed decisions and are likely to feel disoriented later on. Parents can play a critical role in educating their children about the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse. It is important to speak up and keep the channels of communication open.

Some ways that parents can address this issue are:

• Get involved in the child’s life without meddling. Set rules for parties, coming home, friend time, playtime, and other activities. When children know they are being closely monitored, they are less likely to indulge in substance abuse.

• Parents should remind teens of the harmful effects of alcohol and substances on physical health, academic and athletic performance, social interactions, and family and romantic relationships.

• Parents should encourage their teens and show appreciation even when the achievement is small. Positive reinforcements can go a long way in keeping them away from negative influences.

• Children should be encouraged to find a hobby, try a new activity, and volunteer. Their screen time should be kept to a minimum and parents should be aware of all the friends and acquaintances their child hangs out with.

The road to recovery

The consumption of alcohol and other substances can be detrimental to the functional and structural capacities of the brain, especially during adolescence. It is a phase full of emotional upheavals and physical transformations that increase the probability of falling into bad habits. Substance abuse can lead to legal problems, financial problems, low grades, unsafe sexual practices, and much more. Therefore, it is prudent to stay away from the substances and seek immediate help when necessary.