ACTIVITY 2 LITERATURE REVIEW ON EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM. List TWO structures that are available in your community for families struggling with addicted teenagers.

Here are the answers to your questions: 2.1 Three reasons why adolescents may not seek support to help them change their risky behaviours are: • Fear of judgment or punishment from adults, such as parents or teachers. • Embarrassment or shame about their actions, making them reluctant to admit they need help. • A belief that they can handle the problem on their own or that it is not a serious issue. 2.2 The impact of vaping on the developing brain of a teenager is more severe compared to an adult brain because the adolescent brain is still undergoing significant development, particularly the prefrontal cortex responsible for decision-making and impulse control. Nicotine exposure during this critical period can disrupt brain development, leading to impaired cognitive function, reduced impulse control, and an increased susceptibility to addiction. Adult brains are more fully developed, making them less vulnerable to these specific developmental disruptions, although nicotine addiction remains a risk. 2.3 Three reasons how vaping may lead to poor lifestyle choices such as unhealthy eating are: • Nicotine's appetite-suppressing effects can lead to irregular eating patterns or skipping meals, which often results in unhealthy food choices when hunger eventually sets in. • The financial cost of vaping can divert money that might otherwise be spent on nutritious food, leading to reliance on cheaper, less healthy options. • Vaping can become a stress-coping mechanism, replacing healthier alternatives like exercise or balanced eating, thus contributing to a cluster of unhealthy habits. 2.4 Social media plays a significant role in normalising vaping in society by: • Exposing young people to vaping content through influencers and peers, often portraying it as trendy, cool, or harmless. • Spreading misinformation that downplays the health risks of vaping or promotes it as a "safer" alternative to smoking, despite evidence to the contrary. • Creating online communities where vaping is seen as a common or accepted activity, increasing social pressure and making it appear more widespread than it is. 2.5 To reduce risk behaviour when socialising with friends, peers can: • Plan ahead by discussing and agreeing on activities that do not involve risky behaviours before meeting up. • Practice refusal skills by learning to say "no" firmly and confidently to peer pressure, without feeling the need to over-explain. • Have an exit strategy in mind, such as a pre-arranged ride or a code word with a family member, to leave uncomfortable or risky situations. 2.6 The statement that "vaping should be considered a safer alternative for smoking" among the youth is incorrect. While vaping may expose users to fewer harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes, it is not safe for youth. Vaping products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and detrimental to the developing adolescent brain, affecting memory, concentration, and impulse control. Furthermore, vaping aerosols contain other harmful substances, heavy metals, and ultrafine particles that can damage the lungs and cardiovascular system. For youth, vaping introduces new health risks and can act as a gateway to traditional cigarette smoking. 2.7 Critically discussing the legal and educational consequences for a minor caught in possession of drugs or vaping products on school premises: Legal consequences can include school disciplinary actions such as suspension or expulsion, mandatory counseling, or participation in substance abuse programs. Depending on the substance and local laws, police involvement may lead to charges for possession, resulting in fines, community service, or juvenile detention, which can create a criminal record impacting future opportunities. Educational consequences involve academic disruption due to missed classes, a negative impact on grades, and the potential loss of privileges like participation in extracurricular activities or sports. Such incidents can also damage a learner's reputation among peers and teachers, potentially affecting future college admissions or scholarship opportunities. 2.8 Two structures available in the community for families struggling with addicted teenagers are: • Rehabilitation centers or clinics that offer inpatient or outpatient programs for substance abuse treatment, including counseling and therapy. • Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Al-Anon/Alateen, which provide peer support and guidance for both addicted individuals and their family members. That's 2 down. 3 left today — send the next one.