Substance Abuse Among Adolescents Substance

Substance Abuse Among Adolescents

Substance abuse in the adolescent population represents a significant problem for adolescent health, family stability, and community structure. The article presented by Steve Sussman, Ph.D. states by the 12th grade, 71% of all youth in the U.S. have tried alcohol, 54% reported drinking to the point of drunkenness, 43% have tried marijuana, and 25% have used an illicit drug other than marijuana (2011). Sussman's report advocates for the use of youth substance abuse prevention programs, and the implementation of treatment programs to provide support to youth already suffering from drug and alcohol misuse (2011). Adolescent substance abuse affects the lives of youth, their families, the integrity of the community, and community healthcare resources. Substance abuse is among the most common causes of adolescent morbidity and mortality in the U.S., and it is imperative to focus on prevention and treatment programs to effectively lower substance misuse in the youth population.

Approximately 5-8% of adolescents in the U.S. qualify for a diagnosis of substance abuse disorder, which speaks to the prevalence and magnitude of substance abuse within the youth population (Sussman, 2011). Adolescent substance abuse and misuse-related disorders are associated with a host of performance problems and safety concerns that compromise youth health, family stability, and affect the community. Teen substance abuse affects the health and lives of adolescents as abuse is linked to poor academic performance, job instability, the acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases, and accidents related to driving while under the influence (Sussman, 2011). Family structure is affected by substance abuse as it influences the risk of teen pregnancy, as well as incidence of violence which can create a hostile environment for the family. Adolescent substance abusers affect the community as substance use-related disorders are also associated with crimes, such as stealing, vandalism, and violence (Sussman, 2011). Poor academic performance and job instability also influences the economical contributions made these individuals to the community. Teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and health problems associated with substance abuse also impact the community health resources. The repercussions of adolescent substance abuse are experienced by the abusers, their families, and the community; this intensifies the need for community spending, and school and family support to address prevention and treatment methods.

Sussman distinguishes between prevention and treatment efforts, and defines the central focus of treatment is to stop a current behavior (in this case, substance abuse) to experience recovery; the central focus of prevention methods is to avert future substance use and prevent its negative consequences from surfacing (2011). Treatment is also viewed as a tool to address an adolescent's use of one substance, whereas prevention programs address the risks of multiple substances (Sussman, 2011). Prevention programs that have provided some evidence of effectiveness include school-based educational programs and family-based programs (Sussman, 2011). Educational programs typically focus on social influences that lead to substance abuse, and work to build personal and social skills to help avoid abuse in social situations (Sussman, 2011). Family involvement in prevention is also effective within compliant families and can complement educational efforts. Programs providing motivation, skills, and enhancing decision making ability show the greatest potential to alter attitudes that influence behavior change, and prevent the use of drugs and alcohol (Sussman, 2011).

There are an estimated 1.4 millions teens with an alcohol or drug problem and only 10% are receiving treatment, compared to 20% of adults (Sussman, 2011). There is a general lack of adolescent treatment research, which hinders the identification of one treatment method to address abuse for all adolescent patients. The four primary treatment methods for adolescents are: the 12 step program of Alcoholics Anonymous; the therapeutic community approach; family therapy; and cognitive behavioral therapy (Sussman, 2011). Sussman advises randomized trials have failed to identify the relative superiority of any one type of treatment for adolescents (2011). Look towards the future, Sussman suggests prevention programs to be introduced to children at a younger age to encourage social and emotional learning while the brain is rapidly developing (2011). Treatment methodologies should be tailored for more specific interventions, and address adolescents with co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders (Sussman, 2011).