Introduction
Adolescence is a time of significant physical, cognitive, and emotional development and is often associated with increased risk-taking behavior and experimentation, including drug use. Drug use among teenagers is a serious and concerning issue, as it has the potential to hurt adolescent behavior, overall well-being, and long-term health outcomes. This essay will assess the implications of teenage drug use, analyze screening strategies, provide extra assessment queries, delineate ethical limits, and examine support options for youths.
Teenage Drug Use and External Stressors
Teenage drug use is a growing issue in many countries, including the United States. Statistics show that around 8% of teenagers aged 12-17 engage in illicit drug use, with marijuana, alcohol, and prescription drugs being the most commonly used substances (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2020). The most commonly used substances by young people include marijuana, alcohol, and prescription drugs (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2020). External stressors, such as complex family dynamics, peer pressure, academic pressure, and physical or emotional abuse, can be linked to teenage drug use. These external stressors can lead to a feeling of helplessness or a lack of control, and can create an environment in which drug use is seen as a way to cope with difficult emotions or situations.
Assessment Strategies
In examining teenage drug use, it is essential to consider both the physical and psychological ramifications of such use, as well as any external stressors that may be influencing the behavior. Examining signs such as physical changes, shifts in mood or behavior, changes in academic performance, or relationships can be beneficial when screening for drug use (D’Amico et al., 2019). Furthermore, assessing for external stressors can be aided by inquiring about the home and family environment, school or work environment, relationships with peers, and any other sources of stress in the adolescent’s life.
Additional Questions and Ethical Parameters
When evaluating teenage drug use, further inquiry is essential to comprehend the motivations and habits of the teen. Questions should be asked regarding drug use, attempts to quit using drugs, family history of drug use, adolescents’ coping techniques, and assistance networks to help them cope with stressors to evaluate external pressures and the influence of drugs on their lives (Turner et al., 2020). In addition, ethical considerations must be taken into account. It is essential to respect the teen’s individualism and privacy and to guarantee that any data shared is kept private, except if there is a risk to their safety or well-being. The guardian or parent’s part in the assessment should also be considered, and informed of any alterations in the adolescent’s behavior or state of being.
Support Options
Adolescents facing external stressors in teenage drug use require a variety of support options. Professional counselling should be the first line of support, as it provides a safe and confidential environment to explore the underlying issues of drug use (Turner et al., 2020). Family members, teachers, and trusted adults can provide emotional and practical support.
Alongside these traditional forms of support, several digital resources are also available. Adolescents can access online support groups, websites, and apps offering education, advice, and moral support. Additionally, a range of apps help track well-being and offer personalised tips for reducing stress. For those in need of more immediate help, crisis hotlines provide a confidential and anonymous service.
Conclusion
In conclusion, teenage drug use is a significant concern for parents and society due to the associated risks and potential for altered behavior and impaired decision-making. It is important to consider external stressors when assessing for drug use, as these can be linked to teenage drug use. When assessing for drug use and external stressors, it is essential to consider the ethical parameters of the assessment and to ensure that the adolescent’s privacy and autonomy are respected. Lastly, it is essential to consider the available support options for the adolescent, such as talking therapies, support networks, and online resources.
References
D’Amico, E. J., Parast, L., Osilla, K. C., Seelam, R., Meredith, L. C., Shadel, W. G., & Stein, B. D. (2019). Understanding which teenagers benefit most from a brief primary care substance use intervention. Pediatrics, 144 (2), e20183014. Web.
Hawke, L., Mehra, K., Settipani, C., Relihan, J., Darnay, K., Chaim G., & Henderson, J. (2019). What makes mental health and substance use services youth friendly? A scoping review of literature. BMC Health Services Research, 19, 257. Web.
Turner, R., Kristian Daneback, K., & Anette Skårner. (2020). Explaining trajectories of adolescent drunkenness, drug use, and criminality: A latent transition analysis with socio-ecological covariates. Addictive Behaviors, 102, 106145. Web.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2020). Screening for unhealthy drug use: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA, 323(22), 2301–2309.