Challenges of medical and pharmaceutical aspects: developments, interdisciplinary approach, research and clinical applications

Abstract

The relevance of this study stems from the rising prevalence of substance use disorders among adolescents and their complex, multidimensional nature, which involves neurobiological, psychological, and social mechanisms underlying the development of addictive behavior. The issue takes on particular significance in the context of contemporary social challenges, particularly the stress of war in Ukraine, which heightens the risks of early onset of psychoactive substance use and accelerates the development of addiction. At the same time, adolescence is a critical period of development when the interaction of individual and environmental factors significantly determines vulnerability to risky behavior. This necessitates the application of a bioecological approach for a comprehensive analysis of the causes, mechanisms, and prevention of addictive behavior. The aim of the study is to provide a theoretical foundation and analysis of chemical dependencies in adolescence from the perspective of a bioecological approach, which involves studying the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors in the formation of addictive behavior, as well as identifying key risk and protective factors in contemporary conditions, particularly in the context of the impact of wartime stress in Ukraine. The study’s findings indicate that chemical dependencies in adolescence develop as a result of the complex interaction of neurobiological, psychological, and social factors, confirming the validity of using a bioecological approach for their comprehensive analysis. It has been established that adolescence is characterized by increased vulnerability to risky behavior due to the immaturity of the self-control system and the dominance of reward-seeking mechanisms. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that under conditions of wartime stress in Ukraine, the role of psycho-emotional stress as a trigger for substance use increases, accelerating the development of addictive behavior and exacerbating its severity. The findings underscore the need for early intervention and the development of interdisciplinary programs to prevent addictive behavior among adolescents.