Substance abuse is term used to describe the abuse of any kind of drug or substance. The Ohio University Medical Center states that these substances can be legal or illegal, but usually will lead to significant problems because of the overuse of the products. Among legal drugs, the center claims alcohol is the most often abused substance. Children can develop a substance abuse problem with many drugs, including ones found at home.
Symptoms
Symptoms of children who have developed a substance abuse problem may be difficult to establish. However, if a child routinely takes a substance or appears high or drunk, they could have a problem. Other signs include difficulties at school and drawing away from friends or family. An alarming clue is if they try to hide the amount of a substance they are using or lie about the use at all.
Diagnosing Substance Abuse
The diagnosing of a substance abuse problem may not be as simple as diagnosing a simple cold. According to the American Family Physician, a series of red flags from the patient is needed to investigate the possibility of a further problem. If suspicion is high, a doctor can draw labs or perform a urine analysis to confirm the presence of certain drugs or alcohol.
Treatment
Treatment in children can be addressed on an outpatient or inpatient setting, depending on the support of the child. The Family Guide suggests talking with the child's school, as they may have good information on particular treatment options. They also mention that the county health office or mental health facility may have beneficial information. During treatment, it is important that family and friends are supportive to assist in a positive experience for the child.
Prevention
Substance abuse prevention is not possible with every child, but the National Institute on Drug Abuse has some tips to help with the problem. It suggests that children and parents develop a strong bond with each other and become involved in each others' lives. Parents should discipline their children and communicate openly. Discussing drugs and their effects, along with classes in organizations such as DARE, can also help.
Significance
The Office of Applied Studies states that in 2006, close to 1.25 million children between the ages of 12 to 17 used cigarettes on a average day, and more than 630,000 used alcohol. These numbers do not include the other substance abuse drugs, but highlight the epidemic of substance abuse. Out of adolescents who were presented for treatment, only 17 percent were referred by themselves or other individuals. The rest were by organizations such as health facilities or the criminal justice system. This shows the dependency of drug abuse and the lack of desire to change.
References
- Family Guide: When Your Child Needs Substance Abuse Treatment
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Preventing Drug Abuse Among Children and Adolescents
- Office of Applied Studies: A Day in the Life of American Adolescents: Substance Use Facts
- The Ohio State University Medical Center: Substance Abuse/Chemical Dependency
- American Family Physician: Recognition of Alcohol and Substance Abuse
