Drug Abuse in Teenagers - Research Paper Example

? Drug Abuse in Teenagers July 25, Drug Abuse in Teenagers Introduction Drug abuse has become a steadily growing problem among teenagers in the United States. An activity that was once sought for leisure or occasional recreation by few has become a lifestyle among many of America’s younger generations. Not only are teenagers abusing illegal drugs, but they are also misusing prescription drugs that have been given to them or to friends or family members by a medical professional. Studies show that one out of every nine teenagers abuses prescription medications (Brisher, 2012) while a staggering 25% have used illicit drugs in the past year (Brisher). While this number has decreased from 30% in the early 1990s, the numbers are still alarming. Causes Since most teenagers are not keen on owning up to abusing drugs, whether illicit or prescription, it becomes difficult to determine what the causes of drug abuse among teenagers are. However, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America foundation conducted a study that allowed for anonymous feedback from teenagers who engage in drug-related activity. Of the teenagers that partook in the study, 73% claimed to have started taking drugs due to stress, making stress the primary reason for teenagers to turn to drugs (Watkins, 2011). 65% claimed to use drugs to help them feel better about themselves; 65% used drugs to appear cool to their peers; 55% turned to drugs to help deal with problems at home; and 54% resorted to steroids to illegally improve their athletic performance (Watkins). Peer pressure was surprisingly not a common factor for drug use. While many teenagers used drugs to look cool among their friends, very few admitted to taking drugs because it was expected of them by their friends. This is a characteristic of teenage drug use that has all but disappeared over the past few decades. Furthermore, of the teenagers questioned in the above survey, only 26% admitted to using drugs because they thought that drugs were fun (Barnett, 2011). Again, “this reflects a major shift from a decade ago when the PATS survey found that ‘fun’ was the primary reason given for using drugs (Barnett).” Though the number of teenagers using drugs is still fairly high, the greatest change seen over the years is that teenagers now have what they deem to be legitimate reasons to use drugs as opposed to ‘just because.’ Another survey, this one conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, concluded that teenagers between the ages of twelve and seventeen who were depressed were “twice as likely as those who did not have depression to try drugs for the first time (Monti, 2010).” It has been considered that depressed teenagers prefer to self-medicate themselves to ease their depression and any accompanying symptoms instead of seeking professional help. Unfortunately, while properly prescribed medications used for depression help individuals to rid of their depression, the drugs that teenagers use only mask their symptoms, make their condition worse, and only offer a temporary escape. Symptoms It is in the nature of teenagers to be sneaky and deceitful, hiding from their parents and other authoritative adults every possible aspect of their personal lives. As such, not all of the common symptoms of drug abuse are obvious when teenagers are concerned, primarily the physical symptoms. Between makeup, baggy clothes, eyedrops, wigs and other hair pieces, and any other appearance altering object or tool, teenagers are able to hide the more obvious characteristics that accompany drug abuse. Indeed, 42% of teenagers who have received help for drug abuse have admitted to altering their appearance so that they do not let on their problems with drugs; almost 50% of those individuals claimed to have done prior research to symptoms of drug use to get a head start on hiding their appearance (White, 2012). All the same, with drug abuse comes bloodshot eyes, rotting teeth, hair and weight loss, and either grayish or yellowing skin. Even though teenagers may hide their appearance, any sudden and bizarre changes to their looks should be viewed as a symptom. The other symptoms associated with drug use focus on personality changes, behavior, and habits related to a teenager’s performance in school. Teenagers become withdrawn from their friends, are depressed and have constant changes in their moods, and they are usually more aggressive. They also tend to change friends, yet refuse to introduce these new friends to their parents. Furthermore, there is an increase in how much money they ask to borrow from their parents. An alarming 88% of teenagers who have abused drugs admitted to borrowing or stealing from the parents for the sole purpose of supporting their drug habit (Nelson, 2011). In regard to changes in behavior, teenagers become more forgetful and less motivated. They become anxious, and their sleeping patterns change drastically. Their performance in school involve suffering grades, missing homework and assignments, and a significant lack of interest in even their favorite subjects. Also, there is a correlation between drug usage and skipped classes among teenagers. 56% of teenage drug abusers admitted to ditching school regularly to either engage in drug-related activities or because their drug usage had made them sick (Henry, 2011). Treatment and prevention Therapy is a common treatment method for teenagers who abuse drugs. Therapy allows teenagers to comes to terms with why they are using drugs. If the reason is an emotional issue or something in relation to home or school life, then the psychologist can suggest more productive and beneficial methods to solving their problems. Family therapy is often implemented to help teenagers and their parents see eye-to-eye, especially if the reason for drug usage is due to issues in the home. Group therapy is occasionally recommended as it brings together teenagers that are facing the same difficulties; however, this form of therapy is used sparingly since it is believed that more drug connections occur instead of recoveries (Colby, 2011). There are a few medications available to teenagers who have a drug addiction, though most medications target only opiate addictions. Methadone, levo-alpha acetyl methadol, and buprenorphine hydrochloride are used to prevent withdrawal symptoms from heroine and other opiates. Naltrexone hinders the effects of most drugs, thus making the drugs useless as far as their qualities are concerned. Medications are only prescribed when teenagers are too far into their drug abuse and therapy has proven to not be enough. If a teenager is at risk for experiencing symptoms of withdrawal, medication is sought before therapy. Of course, to avoid having to treat drug abuse in teenagers, prevention methods are implemented early into the lives of preteens and teenagers. First and foremost, it is recommended that parents aim to have open relationships with their teenagers. A study that looked into the relationship of one thousand teenagers and their parents and the amount of drugs taken revealed that 76% of teenagers refrained from even trying drugs because of their relationships with their parents (Fisanick, 2012). In essence, parents are the ideal anti-drug. Programs also exist to keep teenagers from engaging in drug-related activity. Drug Abuse Resistance Education, more often known as DARE, and Above the Influence are two programs that seek to share the dangers of drugs with teenagers and give them other options of how to productively use their time. Girl Scouts, Eagle Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, and a variety of after school programs and sports teams set out to give teenagers goals and a healthy environment to let them thrive without having to depend on drugs. Conclusion Drug abuse among teenagers has become an increasingly serious issue in the United States with teenagers misusing prescription drugs and obtaining illicit drugs. Stress, depression, and issues within the home are the most common reasons for teenagers to begin using drugs. While teenagers make hiding their physical symptoms an art form, their changes in personality, behavior, and school performance are enough for parents and teachers to catch on to any drug usage. Teenage drug abuse can be treated through therapy and medications that block the effects of drugs, but it is believed that if teenagers have healthy relationships with their parents and alternative hobbies and activities to become involved in, then they can significantly decrease their chances of using drugs. References Barnett, N. (2011). PATS survey suggests stress may be number one reason adolescents use drugs. The Brown University Child and Adolescent Behavior Letter, 12(3), 4-7. Brisher, E. (2012). Rise in teen drug use highlights need for prevention funding. Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly, 42, 3-5. Colby, S. M. (2011). Adolescents, alcohol, and substance abuse. New York: Guilford Press. Fisanick, C. (2012). Addiction. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press. Henry, K. (2011). Skipping school and using drugs. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 17(5), 650-657. Monti, P. (2010). SAMHSA survey links depression and first use of drugs or alcohol. The Brown University Digest of Addiction Theory and Application, 42(3), 241-246. Nelson, D. E. (2011). Teen drug abuse. Detroit: Gale Cengage Learning. Watkins, C. (2011). Teens at risk. Detroit, MI: Greenhaven Press. White, D. (2012, May 26). Symptoms of teen substance abuse. Psych Central. Retrieved July 25, 2012, from http://psychcentral.com/lib/2012/symptoms-of-teen-substance-abuse/ Read More