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
- 70% of adolescents consume alcohol before graduation (Levy, 2020)
- 55% are likely to have consumed alcohol within the past month (Levy, 2020)
- Tobacco use fell dramatically between 1990s and 2000s (Levy, 2020)
- 5.7% of 12 graders are likely to have smoked cigarette in the past month (Levy, 2020)
- Vaping has increased from 4.5% to 45% between 2013 and 2019 (Levy, 2020).
- Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States
- About 22.3% of students used marijuana in 2019 (Levy, 2020)
- THC vaping responsible for the rise in marijuana use.
- Vaping perceptions:
- Less smell
- Less smoke
- Affordability
- Consistent doses
The Role of Health Practitioner
Diagnosis
- Determine extent of substance abuse
- Assess the effects of substance abuse
- Diagnosis done on large- or small-scale
Prevention
- Prevention interventions
- Awareness
- Therapy
Treatment
- Therapy sessions
- Rehabilitation
- Prescriptions
Policy development
- Critical inputs into the policy development process
- 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
- Early and continuous conversation: Developing and delivering drug-related presentations to teenagers
- Engaging in family time: Designing and implementing activities at home aimed at keeping teenagers at home.
- 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.