SUBSTANCE USE AND ABUSE IN

ADOLESCENTS
ILLICIT DRUGS
 Inhalants  Cocaine , not crack
 Prescription drugs  Cigarettes / Nicotine
 Ritalin
 Alcohol
 Rohypnol
 Vicodin
 Heroin
 Oxycontin  Crack cocaine
 Marijuana  PCP
 MDMA (Ecstasy)  Amphetamines
 Methamphetamine  Tranquilizers
 GHB and ketamine
 LSD
 Sedatives
 Anabolic  methaqualone
 WHAT TO LOOK FOR….
•Absenteeism

•Change in behavior
•Change in academic performance

•Problems controlling mood and behavior

•Neglected physical appearance

•Weight loss

•Peer concern

•Some physical signs:

Bruises and other marks on arms or other vein-

laden areas ( neck, behind knees), bloodshot
eyes, sniffing nose, dilated pupils etc.
WHY MIGHT AN ADOLESCENT
USE OR ABUSE ILLICIT DRUGS?
 Escapism: family issues, low self-esteem,
depression or other mood disorders
 Recreation: pleasure seeking
 Peer pressure
 Addiction
 Availability
 Heredity
 Family history, environment, influence
 ….or any combination thereof
WARNING SIGNS
 Past suicide attempts or threats
 Past violent or aggressive behavior
 Mental illness or alcohol use
 Bringing weapons to school
 Recent experience of humiliation, shame loss
 Bullying as victim or perpetrator
 Victim of abuse/neglect
 Themes of depression, death
 Vandalism, cruelty to animals, setting fires
 Poor peer relationships, cults, no supervision
PROTECTIVE FACTORS
 Nurturing home with good communication
 Teacher commitment
 Positive self-esteem
 Self-control
 Assertiveness
 Social competence
 Academic achievement
 Regular church attendance
 Intelligence
 Avoiding delinquent peers
WHAT CAN YOU DO ?
MENTAL HEALTH SCHOOL COUNSELORS OR OTHER SCHOOL
THERAPISTS : PERSONNEL:
 Assess need for  Classroom guidance “dangers of substance use”
inpatient facility  Faculty presentation: “how to spot…”
 Assess necessity of  Parent workshops: “what to know” / “what to
referral to look for”
substance abuse  Individual counseling
specialist  Motivational speakers: “survivors”
 Look for “roots” of  No-tolerance, anti-drug campaign
problem:  Create anti-drug / drug education club
heredity, family
 Make sure health teachers provide lessons on the
danger of substance use and abuse
history, mood
disorder, peer
 Refer parents to alcoholics anonymous-teens
situation etc.