Early adults face numerous emerging physical changes that may affect their developmental outcomes. Some of the changes include the use of alcohol and the increased potential of contracting sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Many young people have engaged themselves in harmful underage drinking, which has become a significant public health problem. Moreover, research has proved that sexually transmitted infections and diseases such as chlamydia and syphilis are on the rise because many young adults have multiple sexual partners and fail to use protection during sexual activities (Quigley et al., 2019). The challenges of alcohol and sexually transmitted infections and diseases are detrimental as they hinder normal physical development and, therefore, must be addressed.
Alcohol has long-term effects on young people’s development since their bodies are still growing. It may interfere with the normal development of vital body organs such as the liver, bones, and brain. Alcohol can increase blood pressure to higher levels, resulting in a stroke or heart attack. Additionally, heart muscles may be weakened, thus straining the liver and lungs, among other body systems leading to more health problems such as gastritis, liver cancer, infertility, and kidney diseases. Apart from the physical developmental problems, alcohol is associated with major mental health problems. These include personality disorders, risky behaviors, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and attempts. Furthermore, damage to the brain may result in problems with verbal skills, the inability to learn, and memory problems. Drinking too much affects an individual’s behavior and the potential to form lasting relationships and friendships since it limits their presence and commitment.
The main factors contributing to drinking among early adults include inconsistencies in law enforcement against underage drinking and the widespread availability of alcohol. Urgent measures are required to address this prevalent and costly problem to save more lives. Awareness education programs, among other interventions, can target individual students at a higher risk of engaging in alcohol consumption (Quigley et al., 2019). Efforts by the government, parents, and community members would significantly assist in addressing the issue. Counseling services can be provided for young people, and stronger policies to guide the consumption of alcohol can be developed.
The issue of sexually transmitted diseases and infections has become a major health and economic burden today. These infections and diseases are mostly undiagnosed and result in costly and irreversible medical conditions. Young women are more prone to getting infected and may be required to take extra precautionary measures (Sieving et al., 2019). Long-term untreated infections can cause pelvic inflammations, vaginitis, pregnancy complications, infertility, and different types of cancer. Extreme cases may affect a person’s behaviors and association with other people due to the feeling of inadequacy. It is important to seek information and treatment of various infections and diseases early for these reasons.
Sexually transmitted diseases and infections are largely preventable, especially due to the presence of vaccines. However, many individuals fail to seek treatment due to fear of stigma due to the conservative culture centered on sexual-related issues (Sieving et al., 2019). Sex is a part of many young adults’ lives, and the only way forward is to develop high-quality sex education for them to make informed and responsible decisions. In addition, there is a need to increase access to medical care and safeguard confidential information about various patients. Continuous testing and treatment should be encouraged among young people to help manage the issue. Conclusively, both individual and external efforts are vital in attempting to provide solutions to the problems of alcohol abuse and sexually transmitted diseases.
References
Quigley, J., Ryan, S., Deepa, C., Patrick, S., Plumb, J., & Harding, L. (2019). Alcohol Use by Youth.Pediatrics. 144(1), 3-16.
Sieving, R., O’Brien, J., Saftner, M., & Argo, T. (2019). Sexually transmitted diseases among US adolescents and young adults: Patterns, clinical considerations and prevention. Nursing Clinics. 54(2), 6-22.