Running Head: SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG TEENAGERS

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Substance Abuse among Teenagers

Adolescent drug use is known as one of the most detrimental risk behaviors threatening the

current and future well-being of youths. According to Salas, 2017, alcohol and drug use is one of

the leading causes of mortality and the key contributors of suicide, poisoning, homicide and the

spread of infectious disease among youths around the world. During teen years, young people go

through a lot of psychological, physical, cognitive, and social growth. The urge to experiment

alcohol and other drugs is high is during this stage. Substance abuse can greatly affect healthy

growth and increase the risk of developing substance abuse disorder. According to Salas, 2017,

alcohol and drug use is one of the leading causes of mortality and the key contributors of suicide,

poisoning, homicide and the spread of infectious disease among youths around the world.

Evidently, when alcohol and/or drugs are used at an early age, the risk of developing an

addiction is higher.

There are several external stressors which contribute to substance abuse among teenagers.

According to national institute on drug abuse, the desire to fit into certain social groups can lead

to pressure use drugs. The fear of not being accepted in a social circle of drug-using peers.

Pressure to perform academically and athletically forces some adolescents to turn to drugs which

they think will boost or improve their performance. Study shows teenagers can be genetically

predisposed to experiment with alcohol and other drugs due to family history of drug addiction

and alcoholism. Almost invariably, children brought up by alcoholic parents are more likely to

engage in drugs. Additionally, alcoholism leads to violence and,/or aggressive behavior which

may lead to drug use due to stress. Teenage girls struggling with eating disorders such as may
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turn to drugs such cocaine as for an easy and quick way to lose weight and attract popular boys

at school.

Nurses interact directly with patients with of substance abuse.. they accurately assess their

patients in order to identify and report any sign of addiction. Sudden changes in personality,

behavior, poor performance at school, social isolation and rapid weight loss are the most

common symptoms of substance abuse among teenagers. Therefore, it is imperative for

nurses to anticipate addiction and be familiar with the risk factors associated with substance

abuse. They should be aware of the common substances that are likely to be abused such as

Alcohol, Cannabis, Inhalants, Nicotine, Cocaine, ecstasy, Hallucinogens, Sedatives, and

Caffeine. Additionally, they should be aware of the appropriate laboratory tests when

assessing patients with substance abuse such as blood alcohol level. To improve substance

abuse assessment results, nurses should use a specific and valid screening tools such as the

CAGE Questionnaire for screening of Alcoholism and other drugs. It’s imperative for nurses

to examine their feeling and avoid stigmatizing the patients during assessment process.

Denial, embarrassment, lack of knowledge and support are some of the factors which may

discourage teenagers from seeking help.

Assessments questions that give on the teenagers knowledge about illegal drugs, the complications

associated with drug abuse and accessibility of the drugs should be asked. For example, “which drugs do

you use?”. “Do you know that these drugs negatively affect your body?”. “Who gives you the drugs?”
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Additionally, the nurse should ask questions which can help to determine which drugs patient uses uses

and why. Questions about the size, shape and color of drugs and what drives the teen to use the drugs.

The age of drug abuse onset and duration of they have been using the drugs are also imperative in

determining the severity of the addiction. states have differents laws that restrict the amount of

information about a teenagers health that can be shared or kept from parents. Most young

people are sexually active and uncomfortable informing their parents. Therefore, if the teen

engages in sexual activities with their partners while high, the nurse should not disclose this

information to the parent/guardian

 Sexual activity: Many teens are sexually active but may not feel comfortable
letting their parents know this fact. Teens that are engaging in sexual activity may
be at risk for sexually transmitted diseases or other health risks. When teens can
speak honestly with their doctors about this subject, they can receive STD testing
and medical advice and can discuss birth control options. Remember, doctors
are not in a position to pass moral judgment; they are merely there to ensure that
your child has the best preventive care possible. The pediatrician is likely to
council your child to have a frank conversation with you about sexual matters, but
cannot require it.