HomeHealthcare ResearchSubstance Use and Abuse: Opioid Use and Misuse among Teenagers

Substance Use and Abuse: Opioid Use and Misuse among Teenagers

Topic: Healthcare Research
Words: 345 Pages: 3
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Table of Contents
  1. Introduction. An Overview of Substance Use and Abuse
  2. Contributing Factors
  3. Substance Abuse Prevalence
  4. Roles of a Healthcare Practitioner
  5. Identifying and Addressing the Issue
  6. Recommended Activities and Available Help and Resources
  7. References

Introduction. An Overview of Substance Use and Abuse

  • A growing health concern in the U.S.
  • Teenagers represent eight percent of all cases
  • Substance use in adolescence is highly addictive
  • 10% of affected teenagers are in therapy (Hudgins et al., 2019)
  • Drug addiction and dependence maintain high rates
  • Several issues contribute to teenage drug abuse
  • Drug education and social support are crucial

Contributing Factors

  • Peer influences and bullying incidences among teenagers
  • Child neglect cases, abuse, and familial influences (Neupane & Uprety, 2021)
  • Lack of parental guidance or social support
  • Affiliation with gangs and influence from celebrities
  • Depression, mental disorders, or post-traumatic stress
  • Family disagreements and rejection of sexual orientation
  • Inadequate education and substance use counseling programs

Substance Abuse Prevalence

  • The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS)
  • 31.9 million Americans are illegal drug users (NCDAS, 2022)
  • 12% of teenagers abused drugs last month
  • 0.42% of teenagers used cocaine last year
  • Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug
  • Opioid abuse increased by 30% from 2021
  • 50% of U.S. teenagers have abused drugs

Roles of a Healthcare Practitioner

  • Healthcare practitioners include primary physicians and specialists
  • The knowledge of substance abuse is essential
  • Primary physicians provide the first-line care (Kulak & Griswold, 2019)
  • Diagnosing the substance abuse challenge in patients
  • Providing immediate counseling and recommending treatment options
  • Referring patients to specialists for further assistance
  • Close monitoring to prevent relapse among patients

Identifying and Addressing the Issue

  • Go for routine medical and drug checkups
  • Talk about drug abuse with responsible persons
  • Be active in Family and society-based activities
  • Carefully avoid peer pressure at all costs
  • Follow the prescribed medication to prevent relapse (Kulak & Griswold, 2019).
  • Report any threats issued on substance use
  • Stay updated on drug abuse and interventions
  • Adopt open communication between caregivers and teenagers
  • Scouting is a great activity for teenagers
  • Scouting enables wide learning and survival skills
  • Engage in goal setting and team building (Neupane & Uprety, 2021)
  • Participate in school guidance and counseling programs
  • The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
  • Availability of low-cost facilities offering rehabilitation programs

References

NCDAS: Substance Abuse and Addiction Statistics [2022]. Web.

Hudgins, J. D., Porter, J. J., Monuteaux, M. C., & Bourgeois, F. T. (2019). Prescription opioid use and misuse among teenagers and young adults in the United States: a national survey study. PLoS Medicine, 16(11), e1002922. Web.

Kulak, J. A., & Griswold, K. S. (2019). Adolescent substance use and misuse: Recognition and management. American Family Physician, 99(11), 689-696. Web.

Neupane, J., & Uprety, P. (2021). Impact of Family Functioning, Family Violence and Other Factors on Juvenile Delinquency. Nepalese Journal of Statistics, 79-94. Web.