...discuss Chemical Dependency or Substance Dependency and Substance Abuse in Adolescents; specifically the development, progression and biopsychosocial of dependency and abuse in the adolescent population. The definition of epidemiology and diagnosis will be addressed. Lastly three treatment options including the range of severity will be provided. There is difference between substance abuse and substance dependence. The distinction between the two is characterized by the role they play in a person’s life. Substance dependence is defined in terms of physiological and behavioral symptoms of substance abuse, and substance abuse in terms of social interaction and consequences. (Wikipedia, 2008) Substance abuse refers to the repeated and excessive use of drugs that are illegal or harmful to the individual and causes significant adverse consequences. Symptoms in adolescents who are abusing and using substances include: “failure to meet family or school obligations, interpersonal conflicts, legal problems. Other adverse consequences include accidents or injuries, blackouts and risky sexual behavior.” (Wikipedia, 2008) Substance dependence is when the frequent and repetitive use of drugs becomes habitual and a physical dependence occurs. Substance dependence in adolescents is identifiable by negative physical symptoms, which usually includes tolerance of the drug (requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect) and withdrawal, symptoms experienced when use of the drug is abruptly discontinued...
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...Running Head: DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ABUSE Drugs and Alcohol Substance Abuse What is substance abuse and addiction? Substance abuse is a pattern of use of drugs and/or alcohol for non-medical purposes for altering the mood, mind, and behavior. This is a serious problem and people that abuse drugs and/or alcohol can get sick, destroy their lives and the lives of family and friends. Death has resulted from substance abuse. Commonly abused is alcohol, prescription or over the counter drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, depressants, inhalants, marijuana, narcotics, and even tobacco. Substance abuse can occur in all ages, social statuses and races. Addiction is dependence and a compulsive need to use the substance no matter what the outcome may be. Addiction is the compulsion to use the substance to feel satisfied and a person that is addicted to drugs or alcohol will have withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the substance. With addiction there is a psychological and physical aspect in that the person is unable to control the addiction without help. Addiction is not a habit. A habit can be controlled and a person can choose to stop a habit without issues. Addiction puts a person out of control of choices and not in control of their life. The drugs or alcohol are controlling the person. The cause of addiction can be a combination of physical, emotional, mental and a change of circumstances in a person’s life. According to Hammer (2012), addiction has been understood...
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...psychological, economic, legal, and social consequences. Until recently substance abuse among women was hidden therefore women got less attention by the researchers and treatment providers and general public. However, it does not mean that women are not using or abusing substances or substance abuse among women were not exist in older days. Addiction cannot stay hidden because women are also equally vulnerable for substance addiction. This was evident when the national survey of the United States evidenced that drug use among women was increasing at a rate higher than for men, though men were still more likely to become addicted to drugs and alcohol than women (Westermeyer, & Boedicker, 2000; & Stein and Cyr, 1997). Recent literatures proved that though both men and women are equally vulnerable for substance addiction there is a clear difference among men and women substance users. A large number of researches suggest that women differ from men in a number of areas relating to alcohol and drug use the gender differences are reflected not only biologically but also in psychosocial dimensions too. The gender difference manifest from etiology of substance abuse to biopsychosocial consequences of substance abuse and also the treatment of substance abuse. Epidemiological...
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... | |Substance Abuse | |Final Research Paper Substance abuse is characterized as a social problem in numerous parts of America. Substance abuse is defined as a pattern of harmful use of substances for mood-altering purposes (“Drug Abuse”). Drug abuse is the use of illicit drugs or abuse of prescription or over the counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are indicated or in a manner or in qualities other than directed (“Drug Abuse”). Many people believe that substance abusers, drugs abusers, and addicts should be able to stop taking these substances and drugs if they are willing to change their behavior. What many people do not understand is that substance and drug abuse is a problem that needs to be addressed. It is not as easy as some people think to stop using these substances and drugs. There are several causes for substance abuse. Substance abuse ranges in many different ages from teenagers to elderly. This social problem can affect families and many different individuals. 50% of Americans have a beloved one who is suffering from a substance or drug abuse problem at any given time...
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...Substance Abuse Treatment Substance abuse is considered a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested in a twelve month period by at least one of four criteria: (1) recurrent substance use resulting in failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school or home (e.g., poor performance at school or work, neglect of children or younger siblings); (2) recurrent substance use in hazardous situations (e.g., driving while intoxicated); (3) recurrent substance-related legal problems (e.g., DUIs); and (4) continued substance use despite having recurrent interpersonal problems related to substance abuse (e.g., arguments with family members about consequences of intoxication) (Sussman, Skara, Ames, 2008). The most commonly abused substances include alcohol, tobacco, and illegal and prescription drugs. Often times, a user will develop an addiction to one of these substances. When an individual abuses a substance or develops an addiction, and require the use of a rehabilitation service, he or she may either be voluntarily or involuntarily admitted, such as through the Department of Corrections or drug courts. Substance abuse treatment has proven to be a successful rehabilitation tool. Empirical evidence has shown that substance abuse treatment is a cost effective method for addressing substance abuse and that treatment is effective in limiting substance abuse, criminal activity, and improving quality of life outcomes...
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...Causes and treatment of addiction Addiction Overview The current model to explain addiction suggests that addiction begins with the basic pleasure and reward circuits in the brain, which involve the chemical dopamine. These reward centers are designed to activate during pleasurable acts such as eating. Whenever ingesting a substance causes these reward circuits to activate, addiction and dependence is possible. However, addictive behaviors that are considered damaging or destructive have characteristics that distinguish them from normal behavior (see common characteristics of destructive addictions. Examples of common destructive addictions are alcohol intoxication, alcoholism, cocaine abuse, drug dependence and abuse, methamphetamine abuse, narcotic abuse, and substance abuse. People with addictions often cannot quit on their own. Addiction is an illness that requires treatment. Treatment may include counseling, behavioral therapies, self-help groups or medical treatment. People often assume that those with addictions should be able to quit by simply making up their minds to do so. Addiction is thought to be possible for a wide range of chemical substances. Dependence, most often related to physical symptoms, can occur for a subset of the chemicals that cause addiction. For instance, rarely an individual is prescribed a medication by a doctor for a legitimate reason (such as pain after an injury) and this can lead to physical withdrawal symptoms if this medication is stopped...
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...Substance abuse is considered a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested in a twelve month period by at least one of four criteria: (1) recurrent substance use resulting in failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school or home (e.g., poor performance at school or work, neglect of children or younger siblings); (2) recurrent substance use in hazardous situations (e.g., driving while intoxicated); (3) recurrent substance-related legal problems (e.g., DUIs); and (4) continued substance use despite having recurrent interpersonal problems related to substance abuse (e.g., arguments with family members about consequences of intoxication) (Sussman, Skara, Ames, 2008). The most commonly abused substances include alcohol, tobacco, and illegal and prescription drugs. Often times, a user will develop an addiction to one of these substances. When an individual abuses a substance or develops an addiction, and require the use of a rehabilitation service, he or she may either be voluntarily or involuntarily admitted, such as through the Department of Corrections or drug courts. Substance abuse treatment has proven to be a successful rehabilitation tool. Empirical evidence has shown that substance abuse treatment is a cost effective method for addressing substance abuse and that treatment is effective in limiting substance abuse, criminal activity, and improving quality of life outcomes for as many as five years...
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...Psychology and health issues with Substance Abuse Sherry Ramos Resurreccion HCA/250 03/02/2014 Tiffany Hanshaw Psychology and health issues with Substance Abuse A psychological education program that we have here in our community is a program at our local Hospital. Our local hospital Sutter Delta Hospital has a Substance Abuse program. They provide information about substance abuse and they work with the largest treatment center in Northern California called the Impulse Treatment Center. The Impulse Treatment Center provides resources such as where they can go for group therapy, extended care, long treatment care, and intensive out patient care. This program is not a free program however your insurance company may cover it. When deciding to use this program we should learn more about being a healthy and learning the signs of someone who is unhealthy and need treatment. When you are healthy, you are free from any sickness/illness, you feel good about yourself, and your body is physically fit. When you are healthy it also means that you feel positive mentally and physically. The relationship between health and Psychology go hand in hand because in order to have a healthy life you should be physically healthy but you should also feel mentally stable. If you are not mentally stable it will make an impact on your over all health. Some people who are psychologically not stable will become ill because they may decide that they do not want to eat, they seclude themselves from...
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...Adolescent Treatment Approaches Adolescent treatment of substance abuse disorders was initially conducted through approaches used in the treatment of adults, with substance abuse disorders. It came to light in the 1980’s that the approaches used in treatment of adults, did not adequately address, pertain, or appropriately aid adolescents (Winters, Botzet, & et al, 2011). Adults and adolescents possess different manifestation elements of substance abuse, therefore through assessment, an adolescent will be referred to one of five criteria levels for suggested treatment approaches to be used. The five criteria levels for suggested treatment approaches, as well as, the approaches will be discussed and examined in the following. The five levels...
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...Teen-age substance abuse and the Barriers to Treatment Approximately 25 million at risk substance users are not receiving treatment for their addiction (Smith, 2012). A Survey conducted in 2009 by the National Household Survey team on drug use revealed that the primary reason for not receiving treatment was due to a lack of insurance coverage and the inability to pay privately (Smith, 2012). Locating a treatment center that will accept anyone under the age of 21 is nearly impossible. Addiction treatment options and insurance coverage needs to be more readily available and affordable to teens and their families, as they are at greater risk of developing health related issues, run an increased risk of participating in risky behavior, and finally, the teens, and their families, difficulty dealing with the emotional devastation drug abuse causes. The AACAP (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry) has linked numerous problems related to adolescent drug use in adulthood (Wisdom, 2011). Among these are neurological changes that take place in the Central Nervous System with prolonged drug use. The brain atrophies, grey and white matter decrease, and the metabolism of glucose decreases. (Buttner, 2011). Along with these physical changes, there is a higher probability that, as adults, the addict will suffer from depression, memory loss and a decline in their cognitive development (Buttner, 2011). Another physical complication comes with the use of the substance injection...
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...from substance abuse. For example drug and/or alcohol related crimes have been implicated in violent crimes, instances of domestic violence, child abuse and neglect cases. Therefore, drug court has come in to offer people arrested for substances abuse related crimes and opportunity to receive community-based treatment with judicial supervision to avoid potential incarceration. For this reason drug court has changed people’s lives in a variety of ways, which are often overlooked, are the positive impact on families and society. Overall, substance abuse offenders have a recurring problem for the criminal justice system as a result drug courts are an important strategy to reduce incarceration, provide drug treatment and reduce recidivism among nonviolent offenders. Another key point is research study by the National Institute of Justice in 2009 called the Multi-Site Adult Drug Court Evaluation confirmed that Drug Courts reduced crime and substance abuse, improved family relationships, and also increasing employment and school enrollment. (Marlowe, 2010) Another key point is drug courts have affected the offender’s criminal behavior and substance use with mandated drug and alcohol treatment. Henceforth drug courts has been a popular diversion program for drug offenders since it’s began in Dade County Florida in 1989. Overview Drug courts represent the criminal justice approach to ensure public safety through close supervision and delivered by community-based treatment. Under...
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...Substance Abuse Amy L. Teoli HCA/250 December 21, 2014 George Decker Substance Abuse Addiction is a complicated disease that affects the behavior and functions of the brain. It occurs when a person becomes dependent on a drug or medication. This could include legal and illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and alcohol. Substance abuse not only affects individuals, it also affects their friends, family, and other people around them. In 2012, there was an estimated 23.1 million Americans aged 12 and older who needed treatment for substance abuse (SAMHSA, 2014). Educating ourselves and others on preventing and treating substance abuse disorders is important because it can affect a person’s physical and mental health. Substance abuse can affect anyone. Some people can be functioning addicts, meaning one would never knew they had a problem. Others have trouble keeping a job, forming romantic relationships, they become needy, and withdrawal from their family and friends. Physical dependence is when the body becomes adjusted to a substance, and needs that substance to function normally. Psychological dependence is when a person uses a substance to feel the effect it produces, but their body is not dependent on it. An individual may have biological and psychological characteristics that make them vulnerable to substance abuse. Biological characteristics include genes, gender, and ethnicity. Scientists estimate that genetic factors account for about 40-60...
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...Assessment For Professional Use Only Name of Client: Caitlyn Postma Date of Birth: 01/26/97 Race: Caucasian Gender: Female Therapist: Referral Source: Kristin Covalt- Department of Child Services Case Manager, Kristin.Covalt@dcs.IN.gov Ms. Catilyn Postma was referred to Capitol City Family and Education Services (CCFES) for a Substance Use Disorder Assessment in order to determine the level of treatment needed to address her current substance use. Ms. Postma reported a history of substance use. She reported that she became involved with DCS due to domestic violence with the father of her child. Ms. Postma reported previous involvement with DCS when she was a child. She reported that she was removed from her parents’ home due to domestic violence and abuse. Purpose for Assessment The purpose of this substance abuse assessment is to gather and analyze information regarding Ms. Postma’s level of substance issues, current and future service needs. The Indiana Department of Child Services referred Ms. Postma for a substance abuse disorder assessment as a result of Ms. Postma’s use of substances. Assessment Tools: Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory CCFES Intake Assessment Interview/Biopsychosocial Assessment: Ms. Postma is a 18-year-old Caucasian female who is currently residing at 5217 Madison Avenue in Indianapolis, IN. Ms. Postma reported previous involvement with DCS that involved domestic violence and abuse when she was a child. Ms....
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...Running Header: Substance Abuse Adolescent Substance Abuse Dana Sweitzer Liberty University Abstract Adolescent substance abuse is a major problem in society. There are many risk factors that can contribute to adolescent substance abuse. One of the main risk factors is peer pressure. When adolescents start at a young age there is an increase in health problems, addiction, and over all poor social outcomes. Parental influence has substantial effect on adolescents because the adolescent sees their parents and they learn by their example. Media plays a role in the use of drug and alcohol use among young people. Many school systems have implemented programs that teach adolescents about the problems of substance abuse that is funded by the government. The community health nurse helps provide education in the community. The cost for substance abuse can be astronomic. Emergency room visits, treatment programs and even court costs lead to billions of dollars annually. The key to prevention is education. Adolescent Substance Abuse In society today adolescent substance abuse is a growing problem. There are many risk factors that can lead to substance abuse. It is important to understand the reasons behind why the adolescent begins the experimentation of drugs and alcohol. Media plays a role in adolescent substance abuse. Many times advertisement and movies betray alcohol or drug use as fun and not addictive. Many times the people are happy and having a good time. This gives...
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...Adolescent Substance Abuse Isaiah.R 3/27/14 In society today, a common problem among teenagers is the use of drugs. Teen age years are probably the most challenging periods of life. It is a stage of finding yourself versus confusion of knowing oneself. Belonging and being accepted in a group seems to be very important, as well as being “cool”. Troubled, teens turn to things such as drugs to help Suppress or ease the emotional/mental pain of things such as the common rejection. During these years of maturing, teenagers encounter their share of positive and negative experiences. Peer pressure, curiosity, and the availability of drugs are some of the factors that youthful and vulnerable teenagers have to cope with in their young lives. One of the significant reasons for teenage drug use is peer pressure, particularly from the influences among friends, acquaintances, school, and the media. If a teenager’s main social group is using drugs, then there is a strong pressure due to the fact that drugs are present and can easily be offered. Also, the person might get convinced to think that there is nothing wrong with trying drugs because “everybody else is doing it.” In the effect that teenagers will try drugs just to fit in the social norms, they might do it to impress their buddies to be considered “cool” as part of being in the group and gain acceptance by friends. The issue of using drugs is everywhere in this country and around the world. It’s available and accessible...
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