This paper addresses adolescentsubstanceabuse from a scientific standpoint, delving into different theories of addiction, as well as some sociology of adolescence, in order to present the two different factors present in the formation of substanceabuse
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 9 sources, 2002, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper addresses adolescentsubstanceabuse from a scientific standpoint, delving into different theories of addiction, as well as some sociology of adolescence, in order to present the two different factors present in the formation of substanceabuse habits in adolescence. These factors are embodied by the disease theory and the psychosocial theory of addiction, which are both explained in the essay.
Abstract This paper provides a general overview of adolescentsubstanceabuse, including a discussion of some of the more salient societal implications involved. A description of the statistics concerning adolescentsubstanceabuse and its incidence among various groups is followed by a discussion of social identity theory, group affiliation and their respective influence on adolescentsubstanceabuse patterns. An analysis of some of the more common types of substances typically abused by American adolescents today is also followed by a discussion of the various factors that have been shown to contribute to adolescentsubstanceabuse behaviors and place these young people at higher risk of becoming substancesabusers, as well as some behaviors that have been shown to mediate such risk.
Outline:
Introduction
General Overview
Societal Implications
Statistics/Incidence of AdolescentSubstanceAbuse Social Identity Theory, Group Affiliation and Their Influence on AdolescentSubstanceAbuse Types of Substances Typically Abused by Adolescents Factors Contributing to AdolescentSubstanceAbuse Behaviors
Summary
From the Paper "Calculating the precise incidence of substance abuse among adolescence has been complicated by the fact that some minority groups appear to be specifically targeted for such testing when they present for emergency treatment at many American hospitals today. For example, the results of an analysis of data collected on adolescents (aged 12 through 17 years) from the National Trauma Data Bank to identify the incidence of alcohol and drug testing in adolescents admitted for traumatic injury by Marcin and his colleagues (2003) found significant differences in the likelihood of alcohol and drug testing being ordered by the treating clinicians for different racial, ethnic, and gender groups which demonstrated an increased likelihood of Hispanic males and African American females to receive alcohol testing, but did not identify any systematic attempt at racial bias; this study, though, did determine that females of all races were less likely than males to test positive for alcohol and drugs (Marcin et al., 2003). "
Abstract In this research, the writer provides a general overview of adolescentsubstanceabuse, followed by a discussion of some of the more salient societal implications involved. A description of the statistics concerning adolescentsubstanceabuse and its incidence among various groups is followed by a discussion of social identity theory, group affiliation and their respective influence on adolescentsubstanceabuse patterns. An analysis of some of the more common types of substances currently abused by American adolescents is then followed by a discussion of the various factors that have been shown to contribute to adolescentsubstanceabuse behaviors as well as some behaviors that have been shown to mediate such risk.
Outline:
Introduction
General Overview
Types of Substances Typically Abused by Adolescents Marijuana Use among Adolescents Statistics/Incidence of AdolescentSubstanceAbuse Societal Implications
Treatment Programs for AdolescentSubstanceAbuse, Including Effectiveness or Lack Thereof
Introduction
Family-Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
12-Step Programs
Motivational Interviewing
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations
From the Paper "Parents and other adult caregivers therefore stand out as the primary factors that can either contribute to the incidence of adolescent substance abuse or help encourage young people to avoid such behaviors. Parents can also influence adolescent substance abuse indirectly through their impact on peer group selection. Therefore, the relational patterns that exist within the family and peer group systems appear to represent an important consideration in the development of efficacious treatment protocols for adolescent substance abuse.
"Unfortunately, many young people come from homes where adult substance abuse is a matter of course, and it would appear reasonable to assert that such adults have little incentive or the resources they need to provide their children with the guidance they need during this formative period in their lives. Moreover, there was a distinct downward spiral quality to these behaviors that make early interventions absolutely critical because the more young people engage in such behaviors, the harder it is to effect change, not to mention the increased risk these young people run of becoming yet another grim statistic related to adolescent substance abuse in the United States today."
Abstract This paper provides a general overview of adolescentsubstanceabuse, including the types of substances typically abused by adolescents. These substances include tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and inhalants. A description of the statistics and incidence concerning adolescentsubstanceabuse among various groups is presented, followed by a discussion of some of the more salient societal implications involved.
Outline:
Introduction
General Overview
Types of Substances Typically Abused by Adolescents Marijuana Use Among Adolescents Statistics/Incidence of AdolescentSubstanceAbuse Societal Implications
From the Paper "While many of the studies to date have focused on age of onset, heavy episodic consumption and trend over time, there remains a paucity of research concerning specific variables that can predict why some adolescents progress from light experimentation (drinking outside the home on several occasions, but always fewer than five drinks per occasion) to heavier episodic-type drinking (five or more drinks per occasion) (Gonzalez et al., 2004). To this end, these authors used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), which they describe as "a large, national, longitudinal survey of approximately 18,000 adolescents in Grade 7 through 12--we identified a population of adolescent who, as reported at a baseline assessment, had drunk alcohol outside their homes but had not engaged in heavy episodic drinking" (Gonzalez et al., 2004, p. 494). These same adolescents were reinterviewed a year later and data from these interviews were then used as a basis for identifying specific variables that can be reasonably associated with the transition to heavy episodic drinking (Gonzalez et al., 2004). "
Abstract This paper is made up of two chapters that provide a general overview of adolescentsubstanceabuse, followed by a discussion of some of the more salient societal implications involved. An analysis of some of the more common types of substances currently abused by American adolescents is followed by a discussion of the various factors that have been shown to contribute to adolescentsubstanceabuse behaviors as well as some behaviors that have been shown to mediate such risk. The second chapter provides a description and overview of what steps clinicians should follow in formulating treatment plans for adolescentsubstanceabusers and the four primary types of interventions used in the treatment of adolescentsubstanceabuse in use in the United States today. The paper also includes tables and diagrams for reference.
Outline:
Introduction
General Overview
Types of Substances Typically Abused by Adolescents Tobacco Abuse by Adolescents Alcohol Abuse by Adolescents Inhalants as AbusedSubstances Marijuana Use among Adolescents Statistics/Incidence of AdolescentSubstanceAbuse Societal Implications
Treatment Programs for AdolescentSubstanceAbuse, Including Effectiveness or Lack Thereof
Introduction
Family-Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
12-Step Programs
Motivational Interviewing
Chapter Summary
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations
From the Paper "The breadth of the problem under consideration is vast and its economic consequences enormous because substance abuse describes the destructive or harmful use of alcohol and other drugs in any situation. Therefore, substance abuse includes not only drinking or drug use by individuals who, because of their social, emotional, or genetic heritage, use alcohol and other drugs compulsively or without control, but also any drinking or drug use that potentially endangers the drinker or others (Ammerman, Ott & Tarter, 1999). These facets will be described in greater detail in the section on "Societal Implications," following the section entitled, Types of Substances Typically Abused by Adolescents, and the section entitled Statistics/Incidence of Adolescent Substance Abuse."
Abstract This paper presents a definition of drug and school substanceabuse and explains that it is the nation's number one health problem. The paper discusses adolescentsubstanceabuse, including its incidence and treatment measures as well as risk factors involved.
Abstract This paper discusses the implications of nurses who abuse drugs and alcohol, especially while on duty. First, the paper takes a historic look at this issue, citing past literature on this subject. Next, the causes of substanceabuse among nurses is considered. Implications of substanceabuse are explored, such as low-performance, financial risks and ethical, legal and security issues. The paper concludes with recommendations for modes of prevention, intervention and rehabilitation.
Outline:
Introduction: the Problem
Causative Factors
Relevance and Implications
Discussion
Recommendations and Conclusion
From the Paper "The importance and the seriousness of the issue of nurses and substance abuse were underlined by Sharon Rossi, a speaker at the American Association of Critical-Care convention in Orlando in 2004. Her subject was "Chemically Impaired Nurses" and she emphasized that various incidents relating to nurses and substance abuse made it "...imperative that administrators, managers and fellow nurses increase their knowledge about the problems that substance abuse in health care can cause and how to identify common signs seen in nurses who abuse drugs and/or alcohol." (AACN: Substance Abuse Among Nurses--It's Everybody's Problem) She referred in particular to an incident where a nurse had been found dead on duty due to a drug overdose. "
Abstract This paper explains that nurses facing substanceabuse are impaired to the extent that they should be prohibited from further practice and contact with patients until they have sought treatment for their problem. The author points out that his policy ensures that patients are placed in the best possible situation for their own well-being. The paper relates that, although substanceabuse is strongly prohibited amongst practicing nurses, it is an inevitable consequence of the stress that many professionals must endure.
From the Paper "In today's healthcare practices, there are tremendous pressures from a variety of sources that facilitate stress and anxiety amongst practicing nurses. This stress and anxiety from the work environment, coupled with potential problems in the home, may cause nurses to depend upon alternative means of coping with these stressors, including substance abuse. Although substance abuse is strongly prohibited amongst practicing nurses, it is an inevitable consequence of the stress that many professionals must endure. When substance abuse is suspected or identified, it is only appropriate to prohibit these individuals from continuing their practice because it will greatly impair their judgment any may cause detrimental problems for patient health and treatment. The following discussion will identify the primary reasons that support this argument, thereby discontinuing the practice of nurses that are impaired by substance abuse, regardless of the extent of their condition."
Abstract The paper evaluates a research article that was developed to understand the role of external intervention in the substanceabuse of physicians in different specialties. The paper explains that for many physicians, job stress becomes too great to bear and therefore there is a greater likelihood of substanceabuse, requiring support and intervention from external sources.
From the Paper "Today's medical experts often possess many serious issues of their own doing, which may interfere with their ability to practice medicine in an acceptable manner if these issues are ignored for any length of time. For physicians, the intense pressures of this highly stressful and demanding career often affect the ability to act professionally and to share knowledge with others in the field, which may ultimately compromise their patient's care and well being. Therefore, in some cases, when a substance abuse problem is detected in a practicing physician, it is necessary for them to seek professional support in order to better manage their problems through outside intervention, as well as to limit the interaction performed with patients in the process."
Abstract This paper explains why people seek such counseling, typical problems a counselor can encounter, and the root of nearly all substanceabuse problems - the desire to escape, and what can be done to combat the patient's need to escape.
Abstract This paper addresses the sociological perspectives of the conflict theory, functionalist analysis and symbolic interactionalism with regard to substanceabuse and domestic violence. The author describes the topic as a social problem that affects the quality of life. The paper suggests possible ways to remediate the problem.
Abstract This article provides an in-depth analysis of the problem of substanceabuse amongst teenagers. In the first chapter the paper discusses the problem and steps which lead to substanceabuse and the factors involved. It also explains the reasons for the study and why it is so crucial. The second chapter reveals information from a variety of studies regarding factors influencing substanceabuse amongst adolescence such as race, ethnicity, social identity theory, social environment, etc.
Outline:
Chapter 1:
Introduction
Scope of Problem
Importance of the Study
Rationale of the Study
Overview of the Study
Chapter 2:
The Breath and Prevalence of AdolescentSubstanceAbuse
From the Paper "The gateway drug hypothesis assumes that individuals progress from a lower-stage drug to the next higher-stage drug in a sequence. According to Kandel (2002), individuals are unlikely to proceed to a drug stage without having first tried a lower-stage drug; however, most individuals are likely to stop at an early stage without progressing through the whole sequence. This author adds that, "The Gateway Hypothesis implies that the sequence of drug use onsets is universal and that the most important individual differences are differences in the end stage that is reached by different persons" (Kandel, 2002, p. 20)."
Tags: drugs, substanceabuse, teenage problems, drug abuse
Abstract This paper explains that the relationships between the teen, his family support system, and the community of peers influence each research study and must be included in every abuse prevention program. The author points out that maternal and paternal patterns of substance use and various parenting practices and abilities, such as monitoring and supervision, have been linked to the drinking behavior of boys and girls. The paper stresses that the most significant relationships between stressors, emotional disposition, and environmental factors are not those of the school environment, but of the home environment.
Table of Contents
Influences on Behaviors
Racial Issues
School Based Prevention
Interventions: What's Working
Conclusion
From the Paper "Findings from these investigations also focus attention on two longstanding problems that thwarted development of comprehensive alcohol abuse prevention programs for youth. The first problem pertains to agreed upon goals. Researchers have disputed over whether abstinence from alcohol for all teen-agers is sought, or should programs only seek to reduce high-intensity drinking and alcohol-impaired traveling? Each goal suggests different intervention strategies, and the findings of these research projects show discernable patterns to adolescent alcohol abuse and suggest that effective intervention requires specific program goals and objectives for different alcohol-related behaviors. Many prevention programs have lacked such clarity and direction because of differing paradigms regarding the positive nature of parental authority."
Abstract This paper discusses the impact that alcohol and substanceabuse has on the family of the abusers. The paper focuses particularly on the role of nurses in treating, not just the individual, but the whole family. It describes the nurse's assessment for a history of comprehensive substance use and then the possible interventions that can be implemented, such as family counseling.
From the Paper "The most pronounced need of all for the family consists of family counseling. The main reason that family counseling is so essential is once again related to both the cognitive and affective domains. Both alcohol and substance abuse will have resulted in communication breakdown within the family. What is needed for better communication between family members is support and guidance that enables the routes of communication to once again open up (Barnett, 2003). Other goals include improved decision making, enhanced coping skills, and greater problem solving skills. The approach is always based in the assessment of the family so that the interventions for any particular family are fully based in its needs and inadequacies (Nkowane & Saxena, 2004)."
Abstract This paper explains that there are several problems associated with counseling substanceabuse clients. Cognitive behavioral approach, the author relates, is an effective controlled method to decrease the sensitiveness to the environments that stimulate the use of substances and to introduce supplementary situations. The most effective method of cognitive approach, especially for teenagers, is to teach recovery techniques to the client that assist in overcoming the condition rather than finding methods to change directly the mentality of the person.
From the Paper "Substance abusers can be studied using three different types of cognitive behavioral approach. They are self-management methods, behavior adjustment therapy and cognitive behavioral therapies. Behavior adjustment includes changes in the lifestyle of a person while embracing a new way of life. This change in behavior becomes clear to all who live close to the client. Self- management of the client denotes the assistance provided to the client to recognize and change his blatant behavior."
