Student: Jessica Watson
Course: PHI105
Date: 11/13/2013
Professor: Shelley Evans
Final copy: Drug abuse

Teen drug and substance abuse is a way to get away and forget about their life problems. It is common among teenagers to use and abuse over the counter and illegal substances. In 2002 a national survey was done and it showed “That 54% of high school students indicated using an illicit drug before graduating from high school.” Crouch, B. Caravati, E., & Booth, J. (2004) pg1252. One need to raise awareness among teenagers regarding the abuse of drugs and substances. By seeking therapy, consulting parents and close friends, or speaking with a drug counselor will help teenagers manage drug abuse.

Seeking therapy and joining a support groups is a good way to help teenagers get motivated, stay positive, and quit the use of drugs. Therapy is a great way to set goals with your counselor to stay motivated and moving forward with a positive attitude. “Addiction counselors can easily incorporate a positive psychology approach in their work.” Miller, G. A. (2005) Pg205. The support, encouragement, and understanding from a counselor builds trust with their client. Counselors need to be able to gain a trusting relationship with their client in order to help them develop a positive attitude. A client without a positive attitude could struggle through treatment. It is crucial for the counselor to gain trust from their client. Miller, G. A. (2005) Pg206

Within the leading factors to drug abuse the following are peer pressure, family problems, and depression. Seeking parental guidance and help when you have a drug abuse problem is one of the best ways since family plays an important role by giving support and encouragement. Parents who are aware of their teenager’s drug abuse problem can help by seeking treatment if it is needed, in the event treatment is needed