1. Risk Taking Behavior
Drug use in adolescence continues to be a major health risk. Many individuals begin using drugs in high school, with smaller numbers of people beginning in junior high. Developmentally, adolescents are oriented toward risk taking, including substance use. This behavior increases in older adolescents over younger adolescents. Research indicates that the use of drugs in adolescents can be coupled with lower educational strides or growth, sexually transmitted disease and teen pregnancy, to name a few problems. The earlier the substance use begins, the higher the risk of developing addiction. And the younger the use begins, the greater the likelihood of arrest related incidents in adulthood.
2. Adolescent Neuro-Cognitive Development
The adolescent brain is in development. At this age, the youth is acquiring decision-making skills, impulse control, the regulation of mood and emotions and goal directed behaviors. These skills are referred to as executive function behaviors and are critical in adulthood. Intervention programs addressing substance use and education need to address the adolescent's current level of brain development and comprehension abilities while teaching skills development that address the developing executive functions.
3. Why Do Teens Abuse Drugs?
Along with peer pressure, there are a multitude of reasons explaining why teens use drugs. Some behavior is the result of teens' sense that they are invincible, a feeling that they are not vulnerable and the belief that nothing bad will happen to them. In addition, the stress of growing up in the United States is high, and the values in many circles are permissive in respect to drug experimentation. This can send a confusing message to young people. Programs aimed at "just say no" are not entirely effective because they conflict or contradict the adolescent's development that involves rebellion.
4. Intervention That Works
Programs that focus on the adolescent individually are aimed at changing attitudes, beliefs and behaviors while addressing treatment resistance. The intent is to improve social skills, self awareness and impulse control while the adolescent learns about substance use and addiction. Family-based interventions focus on improving the health of the family in respect to the adolescent's drug use. Programs that utilize a combined approach of family and adolescent-centered intervention provide a more comprehensive treatment approach while programs that address education, family issues, relapse behavior, resistance, social skills development, assertion in peer relationships, and staying in treatment provide the necessary components for recovery.
5. Prevention
Involving families in helping adolescents make better choices around drug use makes a difference. Focusing on the adolescent alone yields inconsistent results in treatment. As much as teens rebel and resist, they want to know there are limits and boundaries. Without discipline, they are prone to feel anxious and overwhelmed. The lack of limits and boundaries may cause them to engage in adult behaviors beyond their ability to cope, which may exacerbate their anxiety levels. This situation may cause them to self-medicate as a means of coping. Teens need the support of their parents, whether parents are together or not. Openly expressing love and support despite their resistance, and letting them know they are loved may help them make better choices and rise above the influence.
