CHILD SUBSTANCE USE IN COVID-19

OVER the years, BOSASNET has seen a wide variety of clients, from young to old, with the youngest aged 8, this shows us that there is early onset of substance use among the youth of Botswana.

Early onset can be described as a (medical) condition occurring early in a person’s life, especially in relation to other people with the same or similar condition, in this case, a substance use disorder.

The substances that are most commonly used by young people are alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. Recently, more young people have started “vaping” (using an e-cigarette) tobacco and marijuana. E-cigarettes, or electronic cigarettes, are battery-operated smoking devices. They often look like cigarettes, but work differently.

Young people’s brains are growing and developing until they are well into their mid-20’s. This is especially true of the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain used to make decisions.

Taking drugs when young can interfere with developmental processes occurring in the brain. It can also affect decision-making, young people may be more likely to partake in risky behaviors. The earlier young people start using drugs, the greater their chances of continuing to use them into adulthood and become addicted. Substance use when you are young can also contribute to the development of chronic adult health problems, such as heart disease and high blood pressure, even if you stop using them.

The reason why young people start experimenting with substances differ from person to person, some of those reasons include; • Fitting in - Young people may try substances because they want to be accepted by friends or peers who are doing drugs.

• Feeling good - Certain substances pro

duce feelings of pleasure.

• Feeling better - Some young people suffer from depression, anxiety, stressrelated disorders, and physical pain. They may start using substances to try to get some relief.

• Doing better in academics or sports - Some young people may take stimulants for studying or steroids to improve their athletic performance.

• Experimenting - Young people often want to try new experiences and do, especially ones that they think are thrilling or daring.

The different factors that may raise a young person’s risk for substance use, include; • Traumatic early life experiences, such child abuse, child sexual abuse, and other forms of trauma • Genetics • Prenatal exposure to alcohol or other

drugs • Lack of parental supervision or moni

toring • Having peers and/or friends who use

drugs

Dangers of Early Onset of Substance Use

Currently, early onset of substance use among the youth is at a higher risk due to some of the measures that are being taken to better control the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Several schools have adopted having students attend classes in shifts, although this is a great initiative to combat risks of spreading the virus, it also grants students a lot of free time during the day. Unfortunately, also due to the on and off ban of alcohol and cigarettes, some Batswana have resorted to stockpiling substances. This means that young children are constantly surrounded by substances and are exposed to watching family members indulge.

Substances each affect the immune system in different ways, but most work to weaken the immune system. This puts a person with a substance use disorder at higher risk of infection, contraction of disease, and weaker organs, which means a damaged filter system to fight the effects of substances and illnesses.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs, and as we all know, smoking, of any kind, reduces lung capacity and dramatically increases the risk of many serious health problems, including respiratory problems like lung cancer. The absence of smoking helps reduce touching the mouth with the fingers and the tendency for sharing and passing around of cigarettes, blunts and lighters.

As parents, we often wonder how we can keep our children safe and teach them how to make the right decisions. Some of the ways you can help prevent your children from experimenting with substances may include; • Having good communication with your

children, covering sensitive topics. • Encouragement and affirmation, so your children can build confidence and a strong sense of self. • Teaching your children effective prob

lem-solving skills. • Setting limits, to teach your children self-control and responsibility, provide safe boundaries, and show them that you care. • Supervision, which helps parents recognise developing problems, promote safety, and stay involved. • Knowing your children’s friends.

If you think that you might have a substance abuse problem, or if you have a friend or family member who does, we encourage you to seek help. For some, it can mean the difference between life and death. You can find BOSASNET on Facebook, visit us on www.bosasnet.com, or call us on 3959119 or 72659891 for more information