...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...
Words: 1655 - Pages: 7
...Addiction in Adolescence When it comes to abuse and addiction in adolescents the relationship between the two goes hand in hand. “Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences” (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2014, p.1). Addiction can be several things, two well-known addictions are drinking and doing drug. When addiction starts to change the brain it leads to long terms affects which is usually abuse. Adolescents can and will go a little further with abuse by adding things like pill popping and smoking. “Many adolescents who abuse drugs have a history of physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse or other trauma” (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2014, p.2). Abuse begins when adolescents start to do things like steal and lie to friends and family members to get what it is they want. How does abuse or addiction affect the developing brain of an adolescent? Drug abuse can cause serious progressive problems within the adolescent brain.”Memory loss, ability to concentrate, motor skills and coping skills are all affected by drug and alcohol abuse. Adolescents tend to make decisions that are irrational when under influence of drugs and alcohol, they may think they are making the right decisions but they are actually they are doing more harm to themselves then they realized. For adolescents, this can be even more significant as the brain is still developing and changing and...
Words: 934 - Pages: 4
...Alcohol and Drug Abuse among Adolescent Nyria Madison Liberty University Coun 620 Abstract Around the world we are finding that most adolescent are experiencing drugs and alcohol. Adolescent who are experiencing the use of drugs has been a factor for decades. This has become a major trend in this world as of today. This paper will discuss the standpoint of adolescent alcohol and drugs. This paper will also identify and inform you on the common predictors of adolescent substance abuse. In addition, this paper will review ways on how substance abuse can lead to become a negative behavior from the adolescent micro, mezzo, and macro system. This paper will focus on how peer, family characteristic, and individual and factors connection with substance abuse in adolescents. It also will demonstrate a relationship that links to factors in at risk youth. However, researchers has shown that most adolescent and at risk teens are influence by drugs and alcohol because of their peers, family and individual characteristic. Introduction Society today has a huge trend on Alcohol and drugs among adolescent. This has become a huge impact on at risk teens. However, adolescent may reflect on drugs because of plethora circumstances. Adolescent may believe that alcohol and drugs may help them to cope better with their problems. According to McWhirter, Alcohol and other drug involvement and use among adolescents have been a society and public problem for decades (McWhirter...
Words: 1196 - Pages: 5
...The argument for smoking prevention among adolescents is based on the observation that, if smoking does not start during adolescence, it is unlikely ever to occur and on data indicating that the probability of cessation among adults is inversely related to age at initiation. Even infrequent experimental smoking in adolescence significantly increases the risk of adult smoking. Once smoking has begun, cessation is difficult and smoking is likely to be a long-term addiction. For example, it has been estimated that the median cessation age, for those born from 1975 through 1979 who begin smoking in adolescence, is 33 years for men and 37 years for women. Based on a median initiation age of 16 to 17 years, the predicted duration of smoking is 16 and 20 years for 50% of the males and females respectively. Prevention of the onset of adolescent smoking is thus an essential component of efforts to reduce the overall prevalence of smoking and its attendant morbidity and mortality. Although there are educational programmes available with demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the prevalence of adolescent smoking over the short term, the longer term evaluations are not as encouraging. The differences in smoking levels between treated and control groups appear to dissipate over time, and disappear completely after six years. Further evaluations of these educational efforts are warranted, with consideration given to methodological problems inherent in such studies (such as potential bias resulting...
Words: 4464 - Pages: 18
...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. (Wikipedia, 2008) Adolescents are more...
Words: 2244 - Pages: 9
...Psychosis in Adolescents Over the past several decades, the U.S. population has grown significantly and continues to do so at a rapid pace. The most recent U.S. Census Bureau figures estimate that the population in the United States is currently nearing 304,800,000. Of this tremendous number, approximately one quarter are children under that age of eighteen years and over 40 million are adolescents (U.S. Census Bureau, 2001a). For the purpose of this examination, we will define adolescents as individuals between the ages of ten and eighteen years, although it is important to keep in mind that there are many different definitions and understandings of adolescents, most of which are not as directly related to chronological age (Santrock, 2001). Adolescents are a very special population because these are often the years in which childhood and adulthood become blurred, roles, expectations and needs change, as well as significant physical and psychological growth. As we also know, experimentation is often characteristic of adolescence and this experimentation can be physical, sexual or philosophical; all of which may possibly lead to drug use. This paper seeks to examine the question of whether or not drug abuse is related to psychosis in adolescents. Literature Review Adolescent Drug Use According to a national study in 2006, over 60 percent of reported that drugs were used, kept and sold on their school campuses on a regular basis. These drugs included popular...
Words: 2009 - Pages: 9
...females produce a hormone called estrogen. During adolescence the brain also develops considerably, especially in an area called the prefrontal cortex; this is the part of the brain that allows people to think, evaluate, and make complex judgments in a uniquely human way (Feldman, 2010). During these years as adolescents seek to identify themselves as independent individuals but are highly influenced by their peers. Sometimes the influence of peer pressure will steer adolescents into experimenting with drugs and alcohol. These experiences could lead to addiction which may affect brain development and develop an unhealthy pattern of behavior; because during adolescence the prefrontal cortex is biologically immature, their ability to inhibit impulses is not fully developed (Feldman 2010). Drugs and alcohol both are severe threats to adolescence health and must be addressed in preventable approaches both in home and at school. Most recent surveys have shown nearly 50,000 U.S. students show that almost 50% of high school seniors and almost 20% of eighth graders report having used marijuana within the past year. Adolescents using drugs can be very dangerous with some drugs on the streets are combined with lethal substances...
Words: 827 - Pages: 4
...Informational Seminar Ludaisha Washington SHB 5109 Scope of Addictive Behaviors and Eating Disturbances Table of Content Page 3--------- Audience selection Page 4 -------- Drug Classification Page 5 -------- Terms Page 6 -------- Cont. terms Page 7 -------- Signs and Symptoms Page 8 -------- Ethnic and Cultural Page 9 -------- Cont. Ethnic and Cultural Page 10 ------ Cont. Ethnic and Cultural Page 11 ------ Societal Attitudes and Stigma Page 12 ------ Cont. Societal Attitude and Stigma Page 13 ------ References Audience Teenagers abuse a variety of drugs, both legal and illegal. Legally available drugs include alcohol, prescribed medications, inhalants (fumes from glues, aerosols, and solvents) and over-the-counter cough, cold, sleep, and diet medications. The most commonly used illegal drugs are marijuana (pot), stimulants (cocaine, crack, and speed), LSD, PCP, opiates, heroin, and designer drugs (Ecstasy). The use of illegal drugs is increasing, especially among young teens. The average age of first marijuana use is 14, and alcohol use can start before age 12. The use of marijuana and alcohol in high school has become common. The audience for this informational seminar would be aimed to Middle school teachers and administrators prior towards the students entering high school. These are people who educate students, most...
Words: 2769 - Pages: 12
...Addiction in Adolescence "Adolescents have a variety of reasons for using drugs. Some use them for the pleasurable experience they supposedly provide. Others use them to try to escape from the pressures of everyday life, however temporarily. Some adolescents try drugs simply for the thrill of doing something illegal" (Feldman, 2014). Other reasons linked to adolescent drug use is peer pressure and to enhance academic performance. Drugs can cause not only biological addiction but physiological addiction as well. Any form of drug use can be "dangerous because even casual users of less hazardous drugs can escalate to more dangerous forms of substance abuse (Feldman, 2014). Adolescents also use alcohol in the same ways as drugs. "Adolescents start to drink for many reasons... as a way of proving they can drink as much as anybody. It releases inhibitions and tension, and it reduces stress" (Feldman, 2014). "Illicit drug use among teenagers remains high, largely due to increasing popularity of marijuana. Marijuana use by adolescents declined from the late 1990s until the mid-to-late 2000s, but has been on the increase since then" (DrugFacts: High School and Youth Trends, 2014). In 2013, the Monitoring the Future survey revealed that "7.0 percent of 8th graders, 18.0 percent of 10th graders, and 22.7 percent of 12th graders used marijuana in the past month, up from 5.8 percent, 13.8 percent, and 19.4 percent in 2008" (DrugFacts: High School and Youth Trends, 2014). The survey also...
Words: 964 - Pages: 4
...Drug and alcohol rehab programs for adolescents are acuity aware of the needs of their clients. These specialized programs effectively adapt their treatment methods to ensure that each program participant’s recovery needs are met. Statistics show that 57% of the first time illegal drug users in 2010 were less than eighteen years of age. The need for early treatment is imperative during the adolescent’s younger years because rates of substance use nearly doubles in young adults between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five. Recovery from teen drug addiction is best handled by alcohol and drug rehab programs specializing in adolescents. These programs use expert medical and mental health professionals to assist in the rehabilitation process...
Words: 426 - Pages: 2
...Effects on newborn babies that have been exposed to drug and or alcohol during pregnancy Com/172 February 1, 2012 RHEA RIEGEL Using street drugs and alcohol, and also smoking during a pregnancy can cause developmental problems for a newborn baby such as Fetal alcohol syndrome “Exposure to alcohol in utero is considered to be a leading cause of developmental disabilities of known causation. The most severe consequence of such exposure, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), is characterized by a distinct constellation of facial anomalies, growth retardation, and central nervous system dysfunction.”(Paley & Connor, 2011, p.64-75)Three of the major effects on newborn babies that have been exposed to drug and or alcohol during pregnancy in the developmental areas of Cognitive, Psychological and the long term effect on school aged and adolescents. Although drugs and alcohol are often used in combination, cocaine is the drug of choice among the young, especially the poor and women of color. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated that 4.5 million women of childbearing age used illicit drugs in 1991. Of all infants born, the percentage born to substance-abusing mothers is widely reported to be 11% nationwide [Chasnoff et al. 1990; CWLA 1992; Weston et al. 1989]. In some inner-city neighborhoods, it is estimated to be as high as 25% [Fink 1989]. All of these will effect and change the baby’s life from the moment they enter the world. There are many Cognitive...
Words: 968 - Pages: 4
...Running head: Smoking in pregnancy and offspring drug use Abstract This study was examined on how being exposed to cigarette smoking while pregnant is associated to drug use in adolescents. The researchers also examine if externalizing behavior mediates this relationship, while controlling for a number of potential covariates of this mediation process. Keyword’s addiction , adolescence Running head: Smoking in pregnancy and offspring drug use Maternal cigarette smoking predicts drug use in adolescents. Prenatal exposure to maternal smoking seems to link with adolescents experimenting with drugs, both directly and indirectly due to their behavior and the amount of adolescents that were reported to be using drugs. It is a known fact that over a billion people are negatively affected by the addiction to tobacco. The effects are evident in the first hand smokers and PEMCS as supported by the studies. Does cigarette smoking during pregnancy predicts drug use in adolescents? Yes because nicotine can affect the offspring brain, research has shown that along with the modification of the infant brain due to early exposure to nicotine, that makes them susceptible to addictive behavioral patterns, they are other contributing factors that lead to drug usage, such as living in a home that were disrupted by divorce and mental illness, and those who grew up in homes where drugs and alcohol were at play they are more likely to become abusers when they grow...
Words: 534 - Pages: 3
...Drug and alcohol control Name Course Institution Tutor Date Drug and alcohol control The pure food and drug act of 1906 The pure food and drugs act of 1906 was an important piece of the progressive Era registration. This act was enacted to safeguard the public against the adulteration of food and also from the products which were identified to be healthful without the scientific support. It was applied to the goods that were shipped in the foreign commerce. The main reason was to safeguard against misbranding or adulteration. The adulteration was as a result of poisonous color or flavor in food or even various ingredients that which would be harmful to the health of humans. The provisions included development of the food and drug administration that was entrusted on with the charge of testing of all drugs and foods that was meant for human consumption (Curtis, 2013). The provisions required that there be prescriptions from the licensed physicians prior to purchasing certain drugs by the patients. There were also requirements for the label caution for drugs that are addictive. In case a distributor or a manufacturer were caught offending this enforcement they were liable for prosecution by the central government. However distributors were not entirely liable to this action if they could show a sufficient guarantee from the vendors (Curtis, 2013). The pure food and drug act also required that certain drugs inclusive of alcohol, heroin, cocaine, cannabis and morphine...
Words: 1880 - Pages: 8
...Work Together To Prevent Substance Abuse in Adolescents Adolescent years can be really hard to deal with because of the many changes a teen can go through mentally and physically. Sometimes a teen can feel that turning to drugs or alcohol is the answer, which can lead to substance abuse. Substance abuse among teens can be one of the reasons they are not doing well in school, have problems with authority figures, drive under the influence and turn to having unprotected sexual relationships, resulting in a high risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS or HIV. The United States has the highest rate of adolescent drug use among teens who are around the ages of 12-17. Among these teens there are some risk factors that go along with the substance abuse. Teens may have poor self-esteem, learning disabilities, depression and other mood disorders, distancing from peers or family, aggression and physical or sexual abuse which can have serious effects on a teen and can lead to suicide. Substance abuse in teens can also be associated with disruptive behaviors such as conduct disorders, oppositional disorders like ADD or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder known as ADHD which can carry on into adulthood. There are other risk factors that can contribute to teens turning to drugs and alcohol and why teens continue to use these substances. For instance, peer pressure can have teens...
Words: 692 - Pages: 3
...Understanding Early Drug Use and Its Benefits on Future Drug Treatments Laura-Ryan Brooks Argosy University Abstract Drug abuse is a growing problem in the world today. Past studies have been conducted in efforts to recognize similar patterns in addicts’ lives that may have contributed to their behavior. The emerging results from this research suggested that it was due to several maltreatments occurring during the addicted individual’s adolescent years that were behind their early drug use. It is during the critical years of adolescence, when the brains of young adults are still developing, that the youth of today are most susceptible to a number of issues that can lead towards drug addiction, such as problems at home, abuse, and peer-pressure. Exploring these adversities will help shed some light on why adolescents make the decision to use drugs. This paper will address what influences drug use and how this knowledge can help treat addiction. Issues surrounding why addicts began drug use and how this information could be beneficial in treating substance abuse in the future will be explored. . Understanding Early Drug Use and Its Implications on Future Drug Abuse Treatment Addiction has been defined as a “misguided attempt at self-repair” (du Plessis, 2012 para. 53). But who is in danger of becoming addicted or may be feeling the need of some “self-repairing? During a 2013 testing of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS), a tool to assess certain...
Words: 2725 - Pages: 11
