 pressures, individual personality characteristics, and psychiatric problems. However, determining which of these factors are most to blame in adolescent populations has not been determined.
Parental and peer substance use are two of the more common factors contributing to youthful decisions regarding substance use.
Some adolescents are more at risk of developing substance-related disorders, including adolescents with one or more of the following conditions present:
- Children of substance abusers
- Adolescents who are victims of physical, sexual, or psychological abuse
- Adolescents with mental health problems, especially depressed and suicidal teens
- Physically disabled adolescents
The following behaviors may indicate an adolescent is having a problem with substance abuse. However, each adolescent may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- Getting high on drugs or getting intoxicated (drunk) on a regular basis
- Lying, especially about if and how much they are using or drinking
- Avoiding friends and family members
- Giving up activities they used to enjoy such as sports or spending time with non-using friends
- Talking a lot about using drugs or alcohol
- Believing they need to use or drink in order to have fun
- Pressuring others to use or drink
- Getting in trouble at school or with the law
- Taking risks, such as sexual risks or driving under the influence of a substance
- Suspension from school for a substance-related incident
- Missing school due to substance use and/or declining grades
- Depressed, hopeless, or suicidal feelings
The symptoms of substance abuse may resemble other medical problems or psychiatric conditions. Always consult your adolescent's doctor for a diagnosis.
A pediatrician, family physician, psychiatrist, or qualified mental health professional usually diagnoses substance abuse in adolescents. However, adolescent substance abuse is believed by some to be the most commonly missed pediatric diagnosis. Adolescents who use drugs are most likely to visit a physician's office with no obvious physical findings. Substance abuse problems are more likely to be discovered by physicians when adolescents are injured in accidents occurring while under the influence, or when they are brought for medical services because of intentional efforts to hurt themselves. Clinical findings often depend on the substance abused, the frequency of use, and the length of time since last used, and may include the following:
- Weight loss
- Constant fatigue
- Red eyes
- Little concern for hygiene
Specific treatment for substance abuse/chemical dependence will be determined by your adolescent's doctor based on:
- Your adolescent's age, overall health, and medical history
- Extent of your adolescent's symptoms
- Extent of your adolescent's dependence
- The substance abused
- Your adolescent's tolerance for specific medications or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the condition
- Your opinion or preference
A variety of treatment programs for substance abuse are available on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Programs considered are usually based on the type of substance abused. Medical detoxification (if needed, based on the substance abused) and long-term follow-up management are important features of successful treatment. Long-term follow-up management usually includes formalized group meetings and age-appropriate psychosocial support systems, as well as continued medical supervision. Individual and family psychotherapy are often recommended to address the developmental, psychosocial, and family issues that may have contributed to and resulted from the development of a substance abuse disorder.
There are three major approaches used to prevent adolescent substance use and abuse, including the following:
- School-based prevention programs. School-based prevention programs usually provide drug and alcohol education and interpersonal and behavior skills training.
- Community-based prevention programs. Community-based prevention programs usually involve the media and are aimed for parents and community 