Substance Use and Abuse Among Adolescents

Introduction. Background

• Illicit substance consumption is a national problem
• Substance abuse causes violence
• Substance abuse is a burdens on families
• Some scholars call for evidence-based practice in prevention and intervention (Hulak & Griswolg, 2019)

Risk Factors

• Substance use among family members
• Lack of parental involvement
• Prescription
• Living in abusive homes
• Maltreatments
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Deviant peer relations

Prevalence

1. 70% of adolescents consume alcohol before graduation (Levy, 2020)
2. 55% are likely to have consumed alcohol within the past month (Levy, 2020)
3. Tobacco use fell dramatically between 1990s and 2000s (Levy, 2020)
4. 5.7% of 12 graders are likely to have smoked cigarette in the past month (Levy, 2020)
5. Vaping has increased from 4.5% to 45% between 2013 and 2019 (Levy, 2020).
6. Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States
7. About 22.3% of students used marijuana in 2019 (Levy, 2020)
8. THC vaping responsible for the rise in marijuana use.
9. Vaping perceptions:
   • Less smell
   • Less smoke
   • Affordability
   • Consistent doses

The Role of Health Practitioner

Diagnosis

1. Determine extent of substance abuse
2. Assess the effects of substance abuse
3. Diagnosis done on large- or small-scale

Prevention

1. Prevention interventions
2. Awareness
3. Therapy

Treatment

1. Therapy sessions
2. Rehabilitation
3. Prescriptions

Policy development

1. Critical inputs into the policy development process
2. Identifying the Problem

Monitoring physical symptoms

• Monitoring behavioral symptoms (Sclar & Thomas, 2021)
• Diagnosis
• Medical records
• Surveys/research

Addressing the Issue

• Screening and diagnosis (Hulak & Griswolg, 2019)
• Prevention practices
• School-based interventions
• Family-based interventions
• Community-based interventions
• Rehabilitation

Activity/Project to Engage Audience

1. Early and continuous conversation: Developing and delivering drug-related presentations to teenagers
2. Engaging in family time: Designing and implementing activities at home aimed at keeping teenagers at home.
3. Social support programs:
   • Support groups
   • Community therapy
   • Family therapy

Help and Support Resources

• Family support
• Therapy sessions
• Treatment drugs
• Rehabilitation facilities

References

Cheryl, K. (2020). Risk factors that contribute sunstance abuse and addiction. Corner Canyon Health Centers. Web.

Hulak, J., & Griswolg, K. (2019). Adolescent substance use and misuse: Recognition and management. American Family Physician, 99(11), 689-696.

Levy, S. (2020). Substance use and abuse in adolescents.MSD Manuals. Web.

American Addiction Centers Editorial Staff (2021). Symptoms and signs of substance abuse. American Addiction Centers. Web.