Substance Abuse
What You Need to Know about Drug Abuse?
A drug is any chemical that produces a definite effect in the body, whether therapeutic or not. Chemicals, on the other hand, are a broad class of substances -- including drugs -- that may or may not produce noticeable effects in the body. Most foods are not drugs. Alcohol is a drug -- not a food, in spite of the calories it provides. Nicotine is a chemical that is also a drug. The group usually referred to as 'illegal' drugs includes dangerous chemicals that have only toxic effects (e.g., inhalants).
Teenagers and Drugs
Teenagers may be involved with legal or illegal drugs in many different ways, with varying degrees of risk. Experimentation with drugs during adolescence is common. Unfortunately, teenagers often do not pay much attention to the link between their current actions and the future consequences. They have a tendency to feel indestructible and immune to serious problems.
Using alcohol and tobacco at a young age increases the risk of other drug use later. It is true that some teens will experiment and stop, or continue to use occasionally, without significant problems. Others will develop dependency, moving on to more dangerous drugs and causing significant harm to themselves and others.
Adolescence is a time for trying new things. Teens use drugs for many reasons, including curiosity, because it feels good, to reduce stress, to feel grown up, or to fit in. It is difficult to predict which teens will experiment and stop and which will develop serious problems.
Who is At Risk?
Teenagers at risk for developing serious alcohol and drug problems include those who appear well adjusted, with normal, supportive family situations. Without becoming overbearing, parents need to stay alert to signs of drug or alcohol misuse. Teens at increased risk are those:
Alcohol:
Problem drinking among young people is increasing and young alcoholics are often much more emotionally disturbed than adult alcoholics.
Tobacco:
Teens who smoke are three times more likely than non-smokers to use alcohol, eight times more likely to use marijuana, and 22 times more likely to use cocaine. Smoking is associated with a host of other risky behaviors, such as fighting and engaging in unprotected sex.
Marijuana:
About one half of all adults have used marijuana, many are currently using it and some will require treatment for marijuana abuse and dependence.
Heroin:
Several sources indicate an increase in new, young users across the country who are being lured by inexpensive, high-purity heroin that can be sniffed or smoked instead of injected. Heroin has also been appearing in more affluent communities.
Steroids:
Medications (Prescribed, Diet, and Over the Counter):
Anabolic steroids are a group of powerful compounds closely related to the male sex hormone testosterone. From 1998 to 1999 there was a significant increase in anabolic steroid abuse among middle-schoolers.
Taking large amounts of Coricidin D cold medicine to get high or drinking bottles of Robotussin DM cough syrup - mixing with marijuana and butane can cause paralysis and death.
Stimulants:
The possible long-term effects include tolerance, dependence, violence, aggression and malnutrition due to suppression of appetite. Crack, a powerfully addictive stimulant, is the term used for a smokeable form of cocaine.
Depressants:
These are drugs used medicinally to relieve anxiety, irritability, tension. There is a high potential for abuse and, when combined with alcohol, effects are heightened and risks are multiplied.
Club drugs:
This term refers to drugs being used by teens and young adults at all-night dance parties such as "raves" or "trances," dance clubs, and bars. MDMA (Ecstasy), GHB, Rohypnol (Rophies), ketamine, methamphetamine, and LSD are some of the club or party drugs gaining popularity. Because some club drugs are colourless, tasteless, and odourless, they can be added unobtrusively to beverages by individuals who want to intoxicate or sedate others. In recent years, there has been an increase in reports of club drugs used to commit sexual assaults.
Inhalants:
Known by such street names as huffing, sniffing and wanging, the dangerous habit of getting high by inhaling the fumes of common household products is estimated to claim the lives of more than a thousand children each year. Many other young people, including some first-time users, are left with serious respiratory problems and permanent brain damage.
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.
Drug use is associated with a variety of negative consequences, including increased risk of serious drug use later in life, school failure and poor judgment which may put teens at risk for accidents, violence, unplanned and unsafe sex, and suicide.
Warning Signs of Teen Substance Abuse
Physical: Fatigue, repeated health complaints, red and glazed eyes, and a lasting cough.
Emotional: Personality change, sudden mood changes, irritability, irresponsible behaviour, low self-esteem, poor judgment, depression, and a general lack of motivation.
Family: Starting arguments, breaking rules, or withdrawing from the family.
School: Decreased interest, negative attitude, drop in grades, many absences, truancy, and discipline problems.
Social problems: New friends who are less interested in standard home and school activities, problems with the law, and changes to less conventional styles in dress and music.
Some of the warning signs listed above can also be signs of other problems. Parents may recognize signs of trouble but cannot be expected to make the diagnosis. Consulting a physician (to rule out physical problems) is a good first step. This can be followed by evaluation by a psychiatrist or mental health professional if necessary.
Contact your local Al-anon group for support in dealing with issues related to your teen's substance abuse. It is important to know that you are not alone.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Parents can help through early education about drugs, open communication, good role modeling, and early recognition of developing problems. If there is any suspicion of a problem, parents must find the most appropriate intervention for their child. The decision to get treatment for a child or adolescent is a serious step, but early treatment is important. Parents are encouraged to seek consultation from a psychiatrist or mental health professional when making decisions about substance abuse treatment for children or adolescents. Families must be informed consumers and should be supportively involved in their child's recovery.
No single treatment is appropriate for all teens. It is important to match treatment settings, interventions, and services to each individual's particular problems and needs. This is critical to his or her ultimate success in returning to healthy functioning in the family, school, and society. Effective treatment must attend to the multiple needs of the individual -- not just the substance misuse. Any associated medical, psychological, social or cognitive problems must be addressed.
Because substance misuse and mental health disorders often occur in the same individual, the teen should be thoroughly assessed to determine treatment needs. Addicted or substance misusing individuals with coexisting mental health concerns should be involved in an integrated treatment program to address both issues.
Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical for treatment effectiveness and positive change. Each person is different and the length of time in treatment will depend on his or her problems and needs. Research shows that for most individuals, improvement begins about 3 months into treatment, and after this time, further progress can be expected.
Counseling (individual and/or group) and other behavioural therapies are critical components of effective treatment. In therapy, teens will usually be helped to look at issues of motivation, build skills to resist drug use, replace drug-using activities with constructive and rewarding behaviors, and improve problem-solving skills. Behavioural therapy also facilitates positive interpersonal relationships and improves the teen's ability to function in the home and community.
Medical detoxification is the first stage of treatment for addictions and involves safely managing the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal associated with stopping use of the addictive substance. While detoxification alone is rarely sufficient to help addicts achieve long-term abstinence, for some individuals it is a strongly indicated precursor to effective treatment.
Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective, but strong motivation can facilitate the treatment process. Sanctions or enticements in the family, school setting, or juvenile justice system can significantly increase both treatment entry and retention rates and the success of substance misuse treatment interventions.
Recovery from addiction is usually a long-term process and frequently requires multiple episodes of treatment. As with other chronic illnesses, relapses to substance misuse often occur during or after successful treatment episodes. Addicted individuals may require prolonged treatment and/or multiple episodes of treatment to achieve long-term abstinence and fully restored functioning. Participation in self-help support programs during and following treatment is proven to be helpful in maintaining abstinence. Parents should ask what aftercare treatment services are available for continuing support or future treatment.
Information adapted from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
Teenagers and Drugs
Teenagers may be involved with legal or illegal drugs in many different ways, with varying degrees of risk. Experimentation with drugs during adolescence is common. Unfortunately, teenagers often do not pay much attention to the link between their current actions and the future consequences. They have a tendency to feel indestructible and immune to serious problems.
Using alcohol and tobacco at a young age increases the risk of other drug use later. It is true that some teens will experiment and stop, or continue to use occasionally, without significant problems. Others will develop dependency, moving on to more dangerous drugs and causing significant harm to themselves and others.
Adolescence is a time for trying new things. Teens use drugs for many reasons, including curiosity, because it feels good, to reduce stress, to feel grown up, or to fit in. It is difficult to predict which teens will experiment and stop and which will develop serious problems.
Who is At Risk?
Teenagers at risk for developing serious alcohol and drug problems include those who appear well adjusted, with normal, supportive family situations. Without becoming overbearing, parents need to stay alert to signs of drug or alcohol misuse. Teens at increased risk are those:
- with a family history of substance abuse
- who are depressed
- who have low self-esteem
- who feel like they do not fit in or are left out of the mainstream
Alcohol:
Problem drinking among young people is increasing and young alcoholics are often much more emotionally disturbed than adult alcoholics.
Tobacco:
Teens who smoke are three times more likely than non-smokers to use alcohol, eight times more likely to use marijuana, and 22 times more likely to use cocaine. Smoking is associated with a host of other risky behaviors, such as fighting and engaging in unprotected sex.
Marijuana:
About one half of all adults have used marijuana, many are currently using it and some will require treatment for marijuana abuse and dependence.
Heroin:
Several sources indicate an increase in new, young users across the country who are being lured by inexpensive, high-purity heroin that can be sniffed or smoked instead of injected. Heroin has also been appearing in more affluent communities.
Steroids:
Medications (Prescribed, Diet, and Over the Counter):
Anabolic steroids are a group of powerful compounds closely related to the male sex hormone testosterone. From 1998 to 1999 there was a significant increase in anabolic steroid abuse among middle-schoolers.
Taking large amounts of Coricidin D cold medicine to get high or drinking bottles of Robotussin DM cough syrup - mixing with marijuana and butane can cause paralysis and death.
Stimulants:
The possible long-term effects include tolerance, dependence, violence, aggression and malnutrition due to suppression of appetite. Crack, a powerfully addictive stimulant, is the term used for a smokeable form of cocaine.
Depressants:
These are drugs used medicinally to relieve anxiety, irritability, tension. There is a high potential for abuse and, when combined with alcohol, effects are heightened and risks are multiplied.
Club drugs:
This term refers to drugs being used by teens and young adults at all-night dance parties such as "raves" or "trances," dance clubs, and bars. MDMA (Ecstasy), GHB, Rohypnol (Rophies), ketamine, methamphetamine, and LSD are some of the club or party drugs gaining popularity. Because some club drugs are colourless, tasteless, and odourless, they can be added unobtrusively to beverages by individuals who want to intoxicate or sedate others. In recent years, there has been an increase in reports of club drugs used to commit sexual assaults.
Inhalants:
Known by such street names as huffing, sniffing and wanging, the dangerous habit of getting high by inhaling the fumes of common household products is estimated to claim the lives of more than a thousand children each year. Many other young people, including some first-time users, are left with serious respiratory problems and permanent brain damage.
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.
Drug use is associated with a variety of negative consequences, including increased risk of serious drug use later in life, school failure and poor judgment which may put teens at risk for accidents, violence, unplanned and unsafe sex, and suicide.
Warning Signs of Teen Substance Abuse
Physical: Fatigue, repeated health complaints, red and glazed eyes, and a lasting cough.
Emotional: Personality change, sudden mood changes, irritability, irresponsible behaviour, low self-esteem, poor judgment, depression, and a general lack of motivation.
Family: Starting arguments, breaking rules, or withdrawing from the family.
School: Decreased interest, negative attitude, drop in grades, many absences, truancy, and discipline problems.
Social problems: New friends who are less interested in standard home and school activities, problems with the law, and changes to less conventional styles in dress and music.
Some of the warning signs listed above can also be signs of other problems. Parents may recognize signs of trouble but cannot be expected to make the diagnosis. Consulting a physician (to rule out physical problems) is a good first step. This can be followed by evaluation by a psychiatrist or mental health professional if necessary.
Contact your local Al-anon group for support in dealing with issues related to your teen's substance abuse. It is important to know that you are not alone.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Parents can help through early education about drugs, open communication, good role modeling, and early recognition of developing problems. If there is any suspicion of a problem, parents must find the most appropriate intervention for their child. The decision to get treatment for a child or adolescent is a serious step, but early treatment is important. Parents are encouraged to seek consultation from a psychiatrist or mental health professional when making decisions about substance abuse treatment for children or adolescents. Families must be informed consumers and should be supportively involved in their child's recovery.
No single treatment is appropriate for all teens. It is important to match treatment settings, interventions, and services to each individual's particular problems and needs. This is critical to his or her ultimate success in returning to healthy functioning in the family, school, and society. Effective treatment must attend to the multiple needs of the individual -- not just the substance misuse. Any associated medical, psychological, social or cognitive problems must be addressed.
Because substance misuse and mental health disorders often occur in the same individual, the teen should be thoroughly assessed to determine treatment needs. Addicted or substance misusing individuals with coexisting mental health concerns should be involved in an integrated treatment program to address both issues.
Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical for treatment effectiveness and positive change. Each person is different and the length of time in treatment will depend on his or her problems and needs. Research shows that for most individuals, improvement begins about 3 months into treatment, and after this time, further progress can be expected.
Counseling (individual and/or group) and other behavioural therapies are critical components of effective treatment. In therapy, teens will usually be helped to look at issues of motivation, build skills to resist drug use, replace drug-using activities with constructive and rewarding behaviors, and improve problem-solving skills. Behavioural therapy also facilitates positive interpersonal relationships and improves the teen's ability to function in the home and community.
Medical detoxification is the first stage of treatment for addictions and involves safely managing the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal associated with stopping use of the addictive substance. While detoxification alone is rarely sufficient to help addicts achieve long-term abstinence, for some individuals it is a strongly indicated precursor to effective treatment.
Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective, but strong motivation can facilitate the treatment process. Sanctions or enticements in the family, school setting, or juvenile justice system can significantly increase both treatment entry and retention rates and the success of substance misuse treatment interventions.
Recovery from addiction is usually a long-term process and frequently requires multiple episodes of treatment. As with other chronic illnesses, relapses to substance misuse often occur during or after successful treatment episodes. Addicted individuals may require prolonged treatment and/or multiple episodes of treatment to achieve long-term abstinence and fully restored functioning. Participation in self-help support programs during and following treatment is proven to be helpful in maintaining abstinence. Parents should ask what aftercare treatment services are available for continuing support or future treatment.
Information adapted from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
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