Identification, Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse In Teens

Identifying Teen Drug Abuse

Parental and peer drug abuse are regarded as as among the more common variables influencing a teen's decision concerning substance use. The age at which teenagers start to consume alcohol is lowering, with 25% of adolescents beginning to drink prior to 13 years of age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Some teens are more susceptible to acquiring drug-related disorders. This involves youths with one or more of the following situations existent: kids of drug abusers; teens who suffer physical, sexual, or psychological abuse; teens with mental health issues, particularly depressed and suicidal teenagers; and physically disabled youths.

Teen drug abuse is thought by some to be one of the most frequently overlooked conditions overlooked by doctors. Teenagers who misuse drugs are most probable to go to a doctor's office with no apparent physical signs.

Drug abuse complications are more likely to be uncovered by healthcare professionals when teens are injured in accidents taking place while under the influence, or when they are treated medically due to deliberate attempts to hurt themselves.

Drug Abuse Prevention Programs for Teens

There are various methods often used to protect against juvenile drug misuse and abuse, including educational prevention programs that typically offer drug and alcohol education and social and behavior skills courses.

Family-targeted prevention plans include parent education, family skills coaching, young people's community skills training, and family self-help programs. Research studies proposes that elements of family-targeted prevention programs have lowered the abuse of alcohol and other drugs in older teenagers and increased the success of parenting competencies.

How is drug abuse or chemical addiction identified?

A family doctor, psychiatrist, or certified mental health specialist typically detects drug abuse. Clinical findings are often based on the drug abused, the regularity of consumption, and the span of time since last used, and may involve the following:

- Sudden weight loss
- Consistent fatigue
- Reddish eyes
- Limited worry for hygiene

Treatment for substance abuse or chemical addiction

Targeted rehabilitation for drug abuse/chemical dependence will be established by your healthcare professional according to:

- Your age, general well being, and health history
- Degree of the symptoms
- Degree of the dependence
- Variety of drug abused
- Your sensitivity to certain medications, treatments, or therapies
- Expectations for the scope of the condition
- Your opinion or choice

A range of rehabilitation treatments for drug abuse are offered on a Non 12-Step inpatient or 12-Step outpatient basis. Rehabilitation programs taken into account are generally dependent upon the kind of drug abused. Detoxification (if required, based upon the drug abused) and long-term follow-up oversight are necessary attributes of effective treatment. Long-term follow-up care typically includes formal group sessions and developmentally suitable psychosocial assistance programs, in addition to ongoing medical guidance. Personal and family mental health therapy are commonly advised to attend to the developmental, psychosocial, and household matters that may have added to and originated from the progression of a drug abuse disorder.