Substance abuse is a diagnosable mental health disorder. When a youth has a substance abuse problem, she will continue to seek out and use the substance despite the problems it is causing in her relationships and at school. Substance abuse is slightly less severe than addiction because the youth still has some control over her substance use, but she is at increased risk for developing an addiction.
Basics
Substance abuse among youth populations in not a new occurrence, but it is a dangerous problem. A young person's likelihood of substance abuse may increase as a result of any number of risk factors including exposure to substance abuse within the family, mood disorders such as depression or anxiety, poverty, access to the substance, low self-esteem and desire to fit in, notes MayoClinic.com.
Significance
The consequences of youth substance abuse can be significant. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 50 percent of the deaths for the youth population ranging in age from 15 to 24 involve drug or alcohol abuse.
Youths may start out by only experimenting with drugs and/or alcohol and as they begin to enjoy the high or intoxication, their use may increase. Also, a youth may begin abusing riskier drugs with higher rates of addiction.
Types
Youths may abuse any variety of substances. Commonly abused substances include alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, cocaine, methamphetamine, acid, cold medications, inhalants and prescription drugs.
The varieties of substances that are abused are limitless and will depend on desire of the individual and his access to the substance. Substances may be referred to by a variety of street names that are generally unknown to adults.
Treatments
Professional treatment is effective for youth substance abuse. There are a number of treatment options that are used with youth substance abuse. The recommended treatment will depend on the situation of the youth, the type of substance being abused, the history of past treatments, the severity of abuse and the willingness of the youth to become involved with treatment. Treatment recommendations will take into consideration the presence of another mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety.
Possible treatments can include psychotherapy that takes place in an inpatient setting, psychotherapy that occurs in an outpatient setting, 12-step programs and medical interventions, notes the AACAP.
Tips
To reduce the risk of substance abuse, parents should not engage in substance abuse themselves. Parents should role model positive and productive behaviors. It is important for parents to reduce the access their youth has to drugs and alcohol, by locking up alcoholic beverages and keeping prescription drugs away from their youth.
Signs for parents to look for if they suspect their youth of substance abuse include hanging out with different friends, getting into trouble more, an increase in academic problems, engaging in secretive behaviors and physical symptoms such as red eyes, change in appetite and sleep patterns, reports the AACAP.
