Teens Who Abuse Alcohol and/or Drugs
Parental and peer substance use are considered two of the more common factors contributing to youthful decisions regarding substance use. Alcohol use among adolescents has increased during the last 10 years. Some adolescents are more at risk of developing substance-related disorders. This includes adolescents with one or more of the following conditions present - children of substance abusers; adolescents who are victims of physical, sexual, or psychological abuse; adolescents with mental health problems, especially depressed and suicidal teens; and physically disabled adolescents. Adolescent substance abuse is believed by some to be the most commonly missed pediatric diagnosis. Adolescents who use drugs are most likely to visit a physician's office with no obvious physical findings. Substance abuse problems are more likely to be discovered by physicians when adolescents are injured in accidents occurring while under the influence, or when they are brought for medical services because of intentional efforts to hurt themselves. Substance Abuse / Chemical DependencyWhat is substance abuse/chemical dependence?There are three different terms used to define substance-related disorders, including the following:
What substances are most often abused?Substances frequently abused include, but are not limited to, the following:
What causes substance abuse/chemical dependence?Cultural and societal norms influence acceptable standards of substance use. Public laws determine the legal use of substances. The question of whether there is a normative pattern of substance use remains controversial. Substance-related disorders are caused by multiple factors including genetic vulnerability, environmental stressors, social pressures, individual personality characteristics, and psychiatric problems. However, determining which of these factors are primary and which are secondary has not been determined, in all cases. What are the symptoms of substance abuse/chemical dependence?Substance Abuse Prevention Programs for Teens
There are approaches frequently used to prevent adolescent substance use and abuse, including school-based prevention programs usually provide drug and alcohol education and interpersonal and behavior skills training. Community-based prevention programs usually involve the media and are aimed for parents and community groups; and rograms such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) are the most well known community-based programs. Family-focused prevention programs involve parent training, family skills training, children's social skills training, and family self-help groups. Research literature available suggests that components of family-focused prevention programs have decreased the use of alcohol and drugs in older children and improved effectiveness of parenting skills that favorably affected their children's risk factors. The following are the most common behaviors that indicate an individual is having a problem with substance abuse. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
The symptoms of substance abuse may resemble other medical problems or psychiatric conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis. How is substance abuse/chemical dependence diagnosed?A psychiatrist or qualified mental health professional usually diagnoses substance abuse. Clinical findings often depend on the substance abused, the frequency of use, and the length of time since last used, and may include the following:
Treatment for substance abuse/chemical dependence:Specific treatment for substance abuse/chemical dependence will be determined by your physician based on:
A variety of treatment programs for substance abuse are available on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Programs considered are usually based on the type of substance abused. Detoxification (if needed, based on the substance abused) and long-term follow-up management are important features of successful treatment. Long-term follow-up management usually includes formalized group meetings and developmentally age-appropriate psychosocial support systems, as well as continued medical supervision. Individual and family psychotherapy are often recommended to address the developmental, psychosocial, and family issues that may have contributed to and resulted from the development of a substance abuse disorder. To learn more about Addiction Medicine at Talbot Hall or to make an appointment or referral, please call (614) 257-3760. |
© The Ohio State University Medical Center.
410 W. 10th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
1-800-293-5123
The content of this Web site is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice of a physician. All material is the property of Ohio State University Medical Center. All rights reserved. Please see our disclaimer for more detail.