Teenage Drug Addiction - Research Paper Example

September 9, Teenage Drug Addiction Introduction One of the most prevalent and continuing problems that afflict teenagers in contemporary times is drug addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides an accurate definition and description of drug addiction as follows: “a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain; they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long lasting and can lead to many harmful, often self-destructive, behaviors” (National Institute on Drug Abuse 1). The very nature of adolescents facing developmental changes in this precarious stage of growth make them more susceptible to initially trying, exploring and experimenting on new things, endeavors, and even risky activities which include smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs. Common knowledge have actually warned members of society of the devastating impact of drugs that are inflicted on the users, to their families, and to the society. In this regard, the current discourse aims to present crucial information pertaining to teenage drug addiction to include information such as current statistics; identified causes or factors that contribute to their preponderance; impact and consequences; as well as recommended strategies for its prevention and treatment. Current Statistics The curious nature of adolescents, especially when in the company of equally explorative peers, have led them to try experimenting on drug use. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “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)” (1). Current statistics revealed from information gathered by the National Institute of Drug Use has disclosed that marijuana remains the top drug used by teenagers at 36.4%, specifically 12th graders; as shown in Figure 1, below: Figure 1: Use of Illicit Drugs and Parmaceuticals Source: National Institute on Drug Use Aside from synthetic marijuana, which was second in line as the most abused drug by 12th graders, Adderall, a pharmaceutical drug, was noted to be a “a central nervous system stimulant made up of two different chemicals called amphetamine and extroamphetamine…(where) people who take Adderall without a prescription or who do not take Adderall as prescribed have a relatively high potential to abuse and/or become addicted to the medicine” (Weber 1). Thus, from the figure, it could be deduced that there were seven pharmaceutical drugs that teenagers are able to use and abuse; in contrast to seven illicit drugs. Also, in the official site of the National Institute on Drug Use, it was revealed that 12th graders have actually exhibited increased use of marijuana, in contrast to cigarettes for the past year, 2012, as shown in Figure 2, below: Figure 2: Comparative Cigarette and Marijuana Use, 1975 to 2012 Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse The figure has confirmed that marijuana use, which had historically been lesser than cigarette use, have started to exhibit an increased trend in 2009 and have already surpassed the use of cigarettes for 12th graders until 2012. Thus, it could be deduced that factors including easy of purchase (availability and cost) should be reviewed to prevent this trend from continuing in future years. Identified Causes There have been some factors which were identified to have increased the tendencies of teenagers to try, use, and eventually be addicted to drugs. The risk factors allegedly included teenagers who manifest the following traits or characteristics: “(1) with a family history of substance use disorders; (2) who are depressed; (3) who have low self-esteem; and (4) who feel like they dont fit in or are out of the mainstream” (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1). In the paper written by Whitesell, et al., the risk factors were reportely classified into three broad categories: familial, social, and individual factors. Accordingly, “familial include childhood maltreatment (abuse and neglect), familial substance abuse, and parent-child relationships. Social risk factors include association with deviant peers, popularity, bullying, and gang affiliation. Individual risk factors include ADHD and depression” (Whitesell, et al. 1). Thus, depending on these factors, teen-agers have exhibited tendencies to delve into initially trying drugs, maybe for fun or due to curiosity. The difficult part is trying to wean from the habit once addiction sets in. Impact or Consequences The devastating impacts or consequences of drug addiction to teenagers could never be overemphasized. Aside from compromising the mental health condition of drug users, the negative effects include increased tendencies to develop or elevate addiction to more seriously dangerous drugs in the future; impairment of mental faculties that could lead to inability to make effective or poor judgments; low academic performance; and increased preponderance for exposing themselves to “accidents, violence, unplanned and unsafe sex, and suicide” (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1). In a book published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the impact of substance abuse on families were expounded. The effect, accordingly, depends on the structure of the family; and was noted to extend beyond the nuclear family, and even on neighbors, friends, support systems, and coworkers (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). The effects include siblings of users to apparently develop elaborate denial systems as a means of protection from drug users; seeking of legal protection; “feelings of abandonment, anxiety, fear, anger, concern, embarrassment, or guilt; they may wish to ignore or cut ties with the person abusing substances” (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Introduction par. 2). Likewise, for the teenaged drug user, the effects could range from exhibiting violent behavior, manifesting delinquency, exemplifying psychiatric disorder, engaging in irresponsible and risky sexual behavior, impulsiveness, neurological impairment, developmental impairment, and tendencies for increased susceptibility to injuries, accidents, suicide, and death (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Strategies for Prevention and Treatment Although it could be initially perceived that drug addiction is difficult or challenging to treat, the National Institute of Drug Abuse has explicitly stated and affirmed that it could be successfully treated. As emphasized, “research shows that combining behavioral therapy with medications, where available, is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment approaches must be tailored to address each patients drug abuse patterns and drug-related medical, psychiatric, and social problems” (National Institute on Drug Abuse 1). Part of the treatment process for teenagers with substance abuse problems in through peer support through groups such as “Alateen, along with Alcoholics Anonymous, (which) can be a part of adolescents’ continuing care, and participating in a recovery support group at school (through student assistance) also will help to reinforce recovery” (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 1). Thus, depending on the level and intensive nature of the addiction, to be determined through professional consultation and advice, the manner of treatment and intervention could be an application of medications, counselling, and peer group therapies. Likewise, it is also pertinent to accurately identify the risk factors which initially led the teenager into the habit and eventual addiction. Any of the risk factors mentioned above should first be appropriately addressed, prior to suggesting any course of action which is deemed appropriate for the teenager. The important thing to consider is that there is a dominant figure, embodied through parental or familial support, who would genuinely attend and address the need to undergo treatment as directly as possible. Conclusion The current research has successfully achieved its aim of presenting crucial information regarding teenage drug addiction. Through the current statistics, it was revealed that this problem continues to exist in contemporary times, despite frequent warning and reminders from government and state health institutions and agencies on the damaging effects of drugs. Likewise, by identifying the drugs which were predominantly used and abused, parents, school administrators, and even these teen-agers should be made aware that necessary precautions must be instituted to avoid experimenting on these substances or illegal drugs. The challenges come in terms of veering away from the habit and implementing a collaboration of proposed interplay of medications, counselling, and peer (or group) support, as interventions that would eventually treat and rehabilitate the teenage drug user effectively and successfully. Works Cited American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. "Teens: Alcohol and Other Drugs." July 2013. aacap.org. http://www.aacap.org/App_Themes/AACAP/docs/facts_for_families/03_teens_alcohol_and_other_drugs.pdf. 18 October 2013. National Institute on Drug Abuse. "The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction." December 2012. drugabuse.gov. http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/science-drug-abuse-addiction. 19 October 2013. National Institute on Drug Use. "DrugFacts: High School and Youth Trends." December 2012. drugabuse.gov. http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/high-school-youth-trends. 18 October 2013. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Therapy: Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US, 2004. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64258/. Weber, Lee. "What is Adderall used for?" 18 October 2010. addictionblog.org. http://addictionblog.org/the-news/what-is-adderall-used-for/. 18 October 2013. Whitesell, Mackenzie, et al. "Familial, Social, and Individual Factors Contributing to Risk for Adolescent Substance Use." Journal of Addiction (2013): 1-9. http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jad/2013/579310/. Read More