Prepared by: Administrative Officer Kawthar Aqeel<br />University: Al-Mustaqbal University<br />Department: Department of Archaeology<br />College: College of Arts and Humanities<br /><br />Introduction<br />Youth constitute the most dynamic segment of society and serve as the primary drivers of development and innovation. Nevertheless, many young people face a serious challenge in the widespread availability and rising use of drugs, which threaten their academic, professional, and psychological futures.<br /><br />1. Definition of Drugs and Their Prevalence Among Youth<br />Drugs are chemical substances that affect the central nervous system, leading to alterations in consciousness and behavior. A 2024 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime indicates that a significant proportion of new drug users are aged 15–24, with a notable increase in the use of synthetic substances such as amphetamines and sedatives. Both local and international studies highlight psychological stress, peer influence, and ease of access as primary factors driving youth toward drug use, especially in the absence of effective prevention programs.<br /><br />2. Psychological and Neurological Impacts<br />Drug consumption during adolescence—when the brain is still maturing—causes serious changes. Scientific evidence shows that substance use at this critical developmental stage negatively affects regions of the brain responsible for decision-making, memory, and behavioral control, thereby impairing learning capacity and increasing the risk of mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Neuroscientific research further links early drug use to functional underdevelopment of the prefrontal cortex, contributing to impulsivity and diminished self-control, which in turn perpetuates the cycle of addiction.<br /><br />3. Academic and Professional Consequences<br />Drug use is strongly correlated with decreased academic performance, increased absenteeism, and lower examination scores, often leading to school or university dropout. Multiple studies show that students who use drugs are twice as likely to fail academically compared to their non-using peers. These academic setbacks translate into professional difficulties, as addicted individuals frequently encounter challenges in securing and retaining employment due to reduced productivity, tardiness, and sometimes aggressive or undisciplined behavior.<br /><br />4. Social and Economic Effects<br />The repercussions of drug addiction extend beyond the individual, impacting society at large. Addiction contributes to family breakdown, higher crime rates, and substantial economic burdens on the state for treatment, rehabilitation, and management of drug-related offenses. This social phenomenon also hinders economic growth in developing nations, as it siphons off productive youth into cycles of addiction, unemployment, and dependency.<br /><br />5. Prevention and Intervention Strategies<br />Early prevention is recognized as the most effective approach to curb youth drug use. Key measures include:<br /><br />School and university awareness programs employing scientific, interactive methods.<br /><br />Family engagement to provide psychological support and monitoring.<br /><br />Youth participation in sports and cultural activities as healthy alternatives.<br /><br />Enhancement of mental health services within educational institutions.<br /><br />Adoption of rehabilitative rather than punitive policies focusing on treatment over punishment.<br /><br />Conclusion<br />Youth drug use represents not merely a health crisis but a direct threat to individual and societal futures. Addressing this issue demands a concerted effort from governments, educational institutions, families, and civil society to implement preventive measures, tackle root causes, and offer robust support for recovery. Investing in the awareness and well-being of today’s youth is a direct investment in the future prosperity of our nations.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University – The Premier University in Iraq<br/><br/><a href=https://uomus.edu.iq/En/Default.aspx target=_blank>The Official Website of Al‑Mustaqbal University</a>