As much as parents would like to protect their children from all forms of harm, there is no foolproof way to make sure that children don't find their way in to trouble. Trouble can come in many forms, including being irresponsible with possessions or using illegal substances to gain a high. Juvenile drug abuse is something that parents must address with their children to end the cycle of abuse and addiction.
Definition
A juvenile is a young person who has not fully developed. In terms of applying it as an adjective, the word means a lack of maturity or a characteristic appropriate for children or young people. The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines drug abuse as "the use of illegal drugs or the inappropriate use of legal drugs, the repeated use of drugs to produce pleasure, to alleviate stress, or to alter or avoid reality, or all three." Taking those two definitions together, juvenile drug abuse is when children use drugs, legal or illegal, repeatedly to the point that it causes problems with the performance of daily duties.
Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control, CDC, the most commonly abused drug in the juvenile population is marijuana. In 2009, it was estimated that 21 percent of juveniles had used marijuana. Cocaine was used by three percent of the population, lifetime ecstasy use in high school students was at seven percent, methamphetamine use was at four percent and heroin use was at two percent. Illegal drugs are not the only drugs that are abused; prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse is on the rise with children. Pain relievers, tranquilizers, and depressants are the most abused prescription medications, and 20 percent of high school students admitted to having used a prescription drug without a prescription.
Signs
The signs of juvenile drug abuse mirror the signs for adult drug abuse. Sudden, hostile outbursts or a loss of motivation and interest in usual activities are signs of drug abuse. Mood changes like crying outbursts, deep depression or increased anxiety can be signs that a child is abusing drugs. Parents should be aware of sudden drops or slips in grades and the dropping out of normal activities like sports, plays or music. A change in the group of friends a child is spending time with and a change in the child's physical appearance and hygiene can also alert parents to drug abuse.
Effects
Juvenile drug use has consequences that affect the current state and quality of life of the user, and can cause long-term effects. The Office of National Drug Control Policy states that drug abuse affects the health of juveniles, including mental health and interpersonal relationships, and can potentially lead to interactions with law enforcement and the judicial system. Mental health issues with drug abuse include depression, poor mental development, suicidal thoughts and personality disorders. Motor skills, short-term memory and learning are negatively affected by drug abuse. Using illegal drugs or legal drugs without a legitimate prescription is a crime and results in the involvement of the juvenile justice system and courts.
Treatment
Treatment for juvenile drug abuse depends on the type of drug that is being abused; however, there are some common treatments that can work across a broad spectrum of drugs. Treatment typically starts with the counseling of the juvenile and can include family therapy as well. Some drug abuse, like heroin, requires the use of another medication to help the body adjust to withdrawal symptoms. Treatment can be done in an outpatient setting where the juvenile lives at home and receives treatment at a facility, or in an inpatient setting where the juvenile lives and receives treatment at a facility outside of the home.
