DRUG TREATMENT FOR ADOLESCENTS 2 ABSTRACT Youths in the United States are using drugs more than ever and even at a younger age than the past. Reaching out to these younger addicts can be complicated. There are several ways to approach substance abuse treatment for youths. School counselors and parents are the first step to detecting the addiction. Then there is finding the right treatment for the youth. Assessment and continued treatment could include outpatient or in patient therapy. Depending on the addiction and the family support, treatment …show more content…
When discussing drug treatment for our youths in the United States, it would seem fitting to look at the history of drug treatment and the rising problem of drug addiction in our youths today. These topics can tell a story of how far treatment has come when dealing with drug abuse in youths. It can also show the different and delicate approaches that are so different than drug abuse treatment in adults. So as we begin our journey into treatment of youths and review the different treatment approaches, it will be clear the importance of drug treatment in their lives and futures. History Drug abuse in children and adolescents has been a problem since the past when drugs were used for aliments and now because of the ever present drug problem in our country. There is no community or family that is not affected by the use of drugs in their children. Drug abuse in children and teenagers may pose a greater problem for our country since they have not completely developed their brains to an adult level, with this in thought it seems clear why adolescents can become addicted drugs. (medilineplus, 2014). We know that alcohol and some drugs have been around for quite some time and were not even considered a problem. Actually drugs like cocaine and
You might find it difficult to read the data related to teenage drug abuse and addiction. Based on recent stats, the picture is not pretty and the information indicates that Americans are not doing enough to combat the problem of teenage drug
The existence of a myriad of social problems among teenagers that both parents and states have to deal with is a factor whose weight ought not to be treated lightly. The increasing level of drug use among the adolescents constitutes one of the ever increasing situations in the society and may, as a matter of fact, be a representation other underlying issues. The level of the situation in the contemporary world, though not discussed as much as it ought to be, has reached alarming levels. There seems to be an increasing predisposition among the use to take the drugs as it's reflected in the escalating trends of drug abuse among this generation of individuals (spooner, 1999). The ever deteriorating levels of this situation coupled with the widespread permissiveness in the society and the absence of attention from appropriate caregivers at different institutions only means that the need to address the problem is paramount. Different avenues of solutions can be applied in reducing the level of the problem and averting the massive negative consequences that come with the phenomena. Dealing with this issue is not a matter of instance as the different parameters of the problems, its causes and possible workable solutions have to be discovered. As such, research on these dynamics is a mandatory undertaking.
Adolescent substance abuse is a phenomenon in our country that has been steadily inclining ever since the 2000’s. The effects of this incline are very straight forward and call for action. The facts are that alcohol and drugs are the leading causes of crime among youth and that alcohol and drugs are the leading factors in teenage suicide. (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., 2014) Because adolescence is such a crucial developmental age the effects of alcohol and drug use are catastrophic. To fully understand this phenomenon we must firs operationalize all of the factors we are trying to study. The DSM V classifies substance abuse as,
Substance abuse is one of the major issues affecting the community since many young people are either involved in the use of illicit drugs or the illicit use of legitimate drugs. As a result of this pressing issue, it's important for various stakeholders to be actively involved in helping young people involved in substance abuse. The involvement of community members and leaders in fighting substance abuse is also fueled by the fact that drug abuse is a problem that can be dealt with effectively at the community level. The involvement of these stakeholders is through developing and implementing substance abuse programs that are relevant.
“Since 1992, the high rate of illicit drug use among youth has been steadily increasing” (Juvenile Justice, 1997). This has become a trend that needs to be put to a stop. There are too many youth that are involved in criminal activity and that are labeled actual juvenile delinquents in the criminal justice system. Researchers can’t help to believe that alcohol and substance abuse has something to do with the emerging problem. “Drug and alcohol use also increases the likelihood that a youthful offender will have prolonged interaction with the juvenile justice system” (Reclaiming Futures, 2012); this is a fact. Many juveniles who participate in substance abuse usually affect their loved ones and friends.
Substance abuse has become a notable public health threat to today’s adolescents. Substance abuse is associated with an array of behavioral and psychological consequences that can jeopardize the future of the young people. Lifelong dependence is another possible consequence of drug abuse among adolescents. Ultimately, counselors are supposed to come up with effective programs to address addiction issues among the adolescents to prevent them from relying on drugs in future. Counselors rely on direct counselling, group counselling, community collaborations and parent participation to make a difference in the lives of adolescents abusing drugs. Nonetheless, counseling adolescents with substance abuse is challenging and in order to make a difference, counselors must be prepared to handle those challenges.
Drugs are types of pills that cause your body to be unhealthy or healthy. In general, no one is suppose to do drugs that may harm or kill you when taken. In some cases, drugs are also types of medicines that cure diseases. This argumentative essay explains children attending juvenile justice because of their addiction to bad drugs, which is a crime. Juvenile crime that is related to drug use has a chronic effect on violent crimes, poor family relationships, illness, cognitive problems and poor attainment in education.
Studies have shown the drug prevention program, DARE, is very ineffective and many schools have stopped using DARE. Instead educators are now using other means to prevent substance abuse in children, but these programs are costly. There are very helpful programs and rehab facilities used by children and young adults who have abused drugs or are addicted. These programs can be paid for by insurance companies and the government and is a step forward in the right direction for adolescent drug users. Ideally, in the future, drug prevention programs will become more effective and the government will spend more money on prevention programs to stop youths from using drugs as opposed to rehab programs after youths have become addicted to
Drug use among our nation’s youth is a major public health concern. The reason for this is substance use which can increase the likelihood of injury, violence, and contraction of diseases such as HIV. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration conducts an annual survey called the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in which 67,500 persons aged 12 years old or older are interviewed. This survey is the primary source of information on the use of illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco in the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of the United States. The 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health stated that “an estimated 24.6 million Americans aged 12
For the purposes of explaining harm reduction, youth are thought of as being approximately 10 to 25 years of age. “Strategies associated with the harm reduction approach are based on the assumption that habits humans engage in fall along a continuum of detrimental consequences” (Karoll, 2010, p.6). The overriding objective of harm reduction is to help clients move along this continuum from the more serious end of hurtful results to the lesser end. In this way, professionals are requested that help clients help themselves participate in more positive practices to lessen possibly hurtful results of their behavioral decisions (Karoll, 2010). What distinguishes harm reduction as applied to youth are three issues related to implementation (Poulin, 2006). “These issues are the fledgling autonomy and ability of youth to make wise decisions concerning substance use, the specific risks and harms associated with youth substance use, and the unique opportunities for drug policies and programs targeting youth” (Poulin,
To have known so many people that have struggled with drug addiction in their teenage years it has become very apparent what a vital time in one’s life it is to know the dangers of abusing drugs as a teenager. Even though not all teens abuse drugs, it is an epidemic in the United States because more teens are turning to drugs to escape or use out of boredom. Take my younger brother for instance; he has struggled with drug addiction from the time he was a teenager into his early twenties. My brother Matthew started off smoking pot and drinking socially out of boredom. Then he found the
Prescription drug abuse among teenagers is a serious and alarming trend that may be seen in today’s society. Prescription drug abuse is the usage of prescription medication not prescribed by a doctor. Many teens believe the drugs to be safe due to a doctor prescribing them, although every medication carries the risk of serious side effects. A substantial amount of teenagers experiencing depression, anxiety, or the need to be popular has been encouraged or introduced to abuse various drugs. Furthermore, results of prescription drug abuse on teens are displayed in a change in behavior and the need for rehab in some cases. The desire to become intoxicated or relieve physical or emotional pain by abusing drugs is the main cause
Drugs and alcohol have been used for medical and recreational purposes throughout history. With advancement of technology it has become easier and easier to access these substances. It is not only illegal drugs but prescription drugs that are being misused and wreaking havoc across the world. Even with billions of dollars being paid out to stop the war on drugs, the problem persists. People from all walks of life have been affected by drugs or are becoming drug addicts themselves. One particular group afflicted by the misuse of these substances is the children of drug addicted parents. According to Cattapan and Grimwade, “Drug use seen in one generation affects the lives of the next”. Children with one or both parents on drugs face huge
Ralph (2009) found that the most systematic way of evaluating and treating adolescent with a specific type of substance abuse. A lot of importance was given to the assessment procedure and it was clubbed with the intervention techniques depending upon the result of assessment. The problems of the young adults were carefully monitored and treatment plan was made accordingly.
Substance abuse has long been a problem across the United States. Adults over drink every day and smoke many packs of cigarettes in only few days. However substance abuse it not only a problem among adults any more, adolescent teenagers are now also among those who are over using substance in a critical manner. Substance abuse is a growing problem for developing adolescence all across the United States and a good way to help battle this is needed.