Combating Substance Abuse in Teenagers

Combating Substance Abuse in Teenagers Scan me Option BC 2021.jpg

Substance abuse is the repeated harmful use of any substance, including drugs and alcohol. The substances may be legal, prescription drugs or banned substances as well some that aren’t even classified as drugs. Abuse can occur when you aren’t using the substance the way it was recommended or because you are taking more than the prescribed dosage.

Warning signs that may indicate that a teenager is impacted by opioids, alcohol and other substance use, include:

  • Mood and personality changes

  • Depression

  • Hyperactivity

  • Health and hygiene issues

  • Changes in relationships with friends and family

  • Problems with police

  • Unhealthy peer / dating relationships

  • Disengagement from school work / interests

  • Poor attendance or dropping out

 

Strategies to support teenagers who may be impacted by opioids, alcohol and other substance use, include:

  • Find out what kinds of resources are available in your area, so you know where to turn to get help

  • Talk with counsellors, nurses and administrators to find out how best to support such teenagers

  • Learn to recognize the signs of opioid, alcohol and substance abuse so you can refer appropriately

Integrate basic alcohol and drug prevention skill-building into everyday teaching/parenting so that they can learn to:

  • Make good decisions

  • Solve problems

  • Become more assertive and practice learning refusal skills

  • Be more self-aware

  • Build positive relationships

Help teenagers to learn coping and stress management skills such as:

  • Self-control

  • Standing up to peer pressure

  • Time management

  • Dealing with difficult situations like conflict or loss

  • Setting goals

 

Talk to them about opioid, alcohol and substance abuse

Health Consequences of Drug Misuse

Mental Health Effects

Chronic use of some drugs can lead to both short- and long-term changes in the brain, which can lead to mental health issues including paranoia, depression, anxiety, aggression, hallucinations, and other problems.  

Drugs that can cause mental health problems:

  • Cocaine

  • Inhalants

  • Ketamine

  • Kratom

  • LSD

  • Marijuana

  • MDMA

  • Methamphetamine

  • PCP

  • Prescription Drugs

  • Steroids (appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs)

 

What are the effects of drug abuse?

Short-term effects

Drugs are chemical compounds that affect the mind and body. The exact effects vary among individuals and also depend on the drug, dosage, and delivery method.

Using any drug, even in moderation or according to a medical prescription, can have short-term effects.

For instance, consuming one or two servings of alcohol can lead to mild intoxication. A person may feel relaxed, uninhibited, or sleepy.

Nicotine from cigarettes and other tobacco products raises blood pressure and increases alertness.

Using a prescription opioid as a doctor has instructed helps relieve moderate-to-severe pain, but opioids can also cause drowsiness, shallow breathing, and constipation.

Abusing a drug, or misusing a prescription medication, can produce other short-term effects, such as:

  • changes in appetite

  • sleeplessness or insomnia

  • increased heart rate

  • slurred speech

  • changes in cognitive ability

  • a temporary sense of euphoria

  • loss of co-ordination

Drug abuse can affect aspects of a person’s life beyond their physical health. People with substance use disorder, for example, may experience:

  • an inability to cease using a drug

  • relationship problems

  • poor work or academic performance

  • difficulty maintaining personal hygiene

  • noticeable changes in appearance, such as extreme weight loss

  • increased impulsivity and risk-taking behaviours

  • loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities

Long-term effects

Drug abuse, especially over an extended period, can have numerous long-term health effects.

Chronic drug use can alter a person’s brain structure and function, resulting in long-term psychological effects, such as:

  • depression

  • anxiety

  • panic disorders

  • increased aggression

  • paranoia

  • hallucinations

Long-term drug use can also affect a person’s memory, learning, and concentration. The long-term physical effects of drug use vary depending on the type of drug and the duration of use.

 

Overdose

Taking too much of a drug or taking multiple drugs together can result in an overdose / death.

Finding the right treatment programme can be a daunting task. Here are a few things to think about when seeking treatment for drug abuse, misuse, or addiction:

  • consider whether in-patient (staying in a rehabilitation centre during treatment) or out-patient (attending a treatment programme while working/staying at home) would be the best fit

  • look for professional programmes that use evidence-based treatment strategies

 

Treatment

Anyone providing drug addiction treatment should tailor it to suit a person’s individual needs to ensure that it is effective.

Treatment may involve some of the following components:

  • Behavioural therapy, which helps people build positive coping strategies and develop problem-solving skills.

  • Group therapy, which gives people the chance to acknowledge, share, and work through the psychological aspects of recovery with a group of peers under professional guidance.

  • Medications to help minimize withdrawal symptoms.

  • Additional medical care, which may include vocational training and other resources that address problems associated with chronic drug abuse, such as mental health conditions, unemployment, and medical conditions.

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