The definition of substance abuse can be defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood-altering purposes.
Although there are several areas of substance use within the different generations, we will focus primarily on adolescent age.
Alcohol is one of the easiest and most popular substances for adolescent youth to obtain
The history of alcohol use starting with the Greeks and Egyptians and early European Settlers. The temperance movement was an effort to reduce the consumption of alcohol. People believed alcohol abuse was a source of social problems that included violence, crime and poverty.
Alcohol is the most widely used drug and many different ages use starting with the adolescense.
Examples of alcohol
The effects of alcohol can be displayed in many ways with adolescents and on into adulthood. Irritability, Depression and unsteady gait may be the effects to look at with Adolescents.
Physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and psychological effects from prolonged use include (Refer to the slide).
Additional symptoms of alcohol withdrawl
The dangers of alcohol abuse with adolescents over an extended period of time. (refer to the slide). Effects on the fetus include fetal alcohol syndrome, which then appears on a child in the form of facial deformities, slow and retarded development, brain and neurological problems.
The earlier an adolescent begins to drink alcohol the more likely problems with dependency occur in the future. Here are some interesting facts about age of use and age of dependency.
Adolescents increase risky behaviors with continue alcohol abuse. These are some effects that are often found with teenage substance use. Easy to obtain. Most are binge drinkers.( Refer to slide for the rest of the information. )
The consequence of allowing a child alcohol is defined by(slide statement).
Marijuana has some slang names that are often used to cover up the real name of the substance.
Here are some facts about marijuana use with adolescents. Refer to the slide.
This is a detection guideline for adolescents who are causal to chronic, heavy users.(Refer to the slide for time duration of each category.)
Here a list of immediate responses to smoking marijuana. Refer to slide
More short term effects with marijuana use. Refer to the slide.
Physical health concerns for marijuana use that may occur if a teenager continues use into adulthood.
Three areas of prolonged marijuana use in adolescents that can be affected. Refer to the slide.
The symptoms occur within 2-3 weeks of last smoking incident. Refer to slide
Marijuana abuse has social effects on adolescents. Refer to the slide.
In some people marijuana use can affect family by causing contention within the family dynamic when the use is discovered. Others are also affected in school and peer interactions as well as time missed at work due to focus on use. Recreational activities can also be affected because of slow motor skills and decreased reaction time that would impair participation.
Another reason for not using marijuana is (Refer to the slide)
Here are other substances that are used by adolescents by not as common due to cost or availability. There are side effects and health concerns but our today is on the two most common substances with adolescents which are alcohol and marijuana.
Social skills training to replace some old negative peer interactions can be helpful with adolescents in our treatment homes or group homes. Continue to treat the individual with dignity as they are starting the road to recovery and a lapse may be just a bump in that road.
Explore ways to reduce access to drugs through teaching strategies to resistance to peer pressure, high risk situations and consulting with the adolescents therapist. Positive reinforcement helps a teen experience the good feelings in a more appropriate way. The can be a continued pattern when reinforced this way. Be redundant means to continue to teach and support the teen with behaviors that will lead them away from substance use.
Read the statement on the slide. Anytime an alternate solution is attempted to be reached can help assist the youth to create change in their thinking and lifestyle.
Here are some of the resources used for the presentation today
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