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Essay prevention of drug abuse among adolescents
Adolescent substance abuse as a public health issue
Adolescent substance abuse as a public health issue
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Recommended: Essay prevention of drug abuse among adolescents
Argumentative
Drug abuse within teens is an increasing problem within the community of Hazleton. Many great attempts have been made to stop this problem before it’s an epidemic, but they have either succeeded for a short time or failed. Through extensive research on the subject two solutions have been devised that have not been tried yet. These solutions have been made to succeed where the others have failed and are simple enough to take immediate action.
By breaking down and seeing the faults the other attempts have had. These methods are going to surpass them because they incorporate the best aspects of the previous trials. Money will be needed, but in the long run these means will be justified by the end. It’s only a matter of fundraising for the good of the future of the community and of course for the teens that are at risk or are currently from addiction to a drug.
A recreational center is extremely important to be made in the fight against teen drug abuse. Yet, this one is going to be very different than others that currently exist. Entrance to the facility would be free and all of the utilities would be paid for by the community. This center would have multiple indoor activities for its attendees. For better assurance a survey could be distributed in the school to get teen input on what indoor activities they would participate in at the center. It would contain a large swimming pool where lessons could be taught to teens that have not had the chance to learn earlier in their lives. Basketball courts are a must have when it comes to activities for teens, here teams could play and it would also be open for all other kids. A game room with up to date games should be included in the building. This center will not only b...
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....d. Web. 10 May 2014. .
"Drug Abuse Prevention Starts with Parents." HealthyChildren.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 May 2014. .
"DrugFacts: High School and Youth Trends." National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2014. .
"Overview." NCADD. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 May 2014. .
"Teen Prescription Drug Abuse Addiction and The Solution." Teen Prescription Drug Abuse Addiction and The Solution. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014. .
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About one out of five 10th graders and about 1 out of four high school seniors used marijuana in the past month (Facts for Teens, 1). It is the second most popular drug among teens in the US (Encarta, 1). Teens, ages 12-17, that use marijuana weekly are nine times more likely than non-users to experience with illegal drugs and alcohol (Fed. Study, 1). More 13 & 14 year olds are using drugs, fifteen pe...
Drug abuse in teens has risen tremendously in America. Although, there are many causes and effects of using drugs, there are many ways to prevent teens from doing them. Even though some teens become addicted to recreational drugs, there are many ways to treat addiction and ultimately live a healthy and stable life.
Clearly, his study shows that prescription drug abuse among teens has risen a lot, and is becoming a bigger problem than it once was. In fact, each day, over 1,000 teenagers start abusing prescription medication (3). Although personally I have not met anyone who has ever abused prescription drugs, the problem is prevalent and should not be ignored.
There are many contributing factors and political issues that address substance abuse. Throughout the years, many researchers have designed many interventions and social policies designed to treat people who have used, abused, and became addicted to substances. Today, there are many new studies that address substance abuse at the individual, group, family, and community or policy levels. Today, there are many services that are effective for decreasing recidivism in youth who have completed a substance abuse program. A substance abuse treatment program or center is the best way to treat individuals who have abused substances.
Another growing fad in the United States is the abuse of prescription drugs. The abuse is being done by not only adults but by teens. The most current trend today is the misuse of cough syrups and prescription medications to produce a “high.” Other medications abused today are stimulants (Ritalin), and benzodiazepines (Xanax). Health Watch (2004) state girls tend to lean towards the medi...
Years ago, the common image of an adolescent drug abuser was a teen trying to escape from reality on illegal substances like cocaine, heroin, or marijuana. Today, there is a great discrepancy between that perception and the reality of who is likely to abuse drugs. A teenage drug abuser might not have to look any further than his or her parent’s medicine chest to ‘score.’ Prescription drug abuse by teens is on the rise. Also, teens are looking to prescription drugs to fulfill different needs other than to feel good or escape the pressures of adulthood. Teens may be just as likely to resort to drugs with ‘speedy’ side effects, like Ritalin to help them study longer, as they are to use prescription painkillers to check out of reality. Pressures on teens are growing, to succeed in sports or to get high grades to get into a good college (Pressures on today’s teens, 2008, theantidrug). Furthermore, because prescriptions drugs are prescribed by doctors they are less likely to be seen as deleterious to teens’ health. A lack of awareness of the problem on the part of teens, parents and society in general, the over-medication of America, and the greater stresses and pressures put upon teens in the modern world have all conspired to create the growing problem of prescription drug abuse by teens.
Drugs cause an overall disturbance in a subjects’ physiological, psychological and emotional health. “At the individual level, drug abuse creates health hazards for the user, affecting the educational and general development of youths in particular” (“Fresh Challenge”). In youth specifically, drug abuse can be triggered by factors such as: a parent’s abusive behavior, poor social skills, family history of alcoholism or substance abuse, the divorce of parents or guardians, poverty, the death of a loved one, or even because they are being bullied at school (“Drugs, brains, and behavior”) .
The drug control policy of the United States has always been a subject of debate. From Prohibition in the early 1930’s to the current debate over the legalization of marijuana, drugs have always been near the top of the government’s agenda. Drug use affects every part of our society. It strains our economy, our healthcare, our criminal justice systems, and it endangers the futures of young people. In order to support a public health approach to drug control, the Obama administration has committed over $10 billion to drug education programs and support for expanding access to drug treatment for addicts (Office). The United States should commit more government resources to protect against illegal use of drugs by youths and provide help for recovering addicts.
Drug and alcohol abuse has become a worldwide epidemic within today’s society. The battle against drugs and alcohol is not going to diminish. Therefore, we as a society need to work together to address these problems while incorporating successful treatment plans and services for these individuals. The addiction to these substances does not only effect oneself, but can also have profound consequences for the children and families.
Masci, David. “Preventing Teen Drug Use.” CQ Researcher, 15 March, 2002, Volume 12, No. 10. Accessed October 1, 2003,
There are many types of drug prevention programs across the United States and many of them focus on school-aged children. The basis of this focus is the belief that this is the portion of society that can be influenced the most in education and prevention of drug use. Many school- aged children view drugs as a big problem in the United States, according to surveys that have been conducted. The majority of parents however are unaware of the current drug trends and many do not discuss drugs with their children. In this report I will be discussing some of the drug prevention programs that are currently in effect and look at one of the past drug prevention programs that was a success.
...ssures to be the best they can be academically. With all these pressures of adolescence on the rise, more and more teens are falling prey to the alluring “high” that allows a temporary leave from their problems and stress. Because teens lack the maturity and knowledge to understand long term consequences, they tend not to think about the down falls that they will face as a result of the drug use. This is especially true when it come to marijuana, as it is seen by so many as the harmless drug. With the increased use of marijuana by youth over the last three decades, it is imperative that better preventative measures, and firmer penalties, be put in place to educate and raise awareness concerning the risks and dangerous side effects that marijuana use can have. Only once society has put these preventative measures in to action, will there be an effective change seen.
After interviewing my teenage cousin whom has been in several altercations at home and school, enlightened me on the ways that teenagers in her age group gets involved in drug use. Kids start as young as ten years of age using, selling, and experimenting with drugs. My teenage cousin was expelled from public schools when she started experimenting with drugs. She was surrounded by many challenges when she enrolled in the alternative behavioral school. Many students, whom attend the alternative behavioral school use drugs, sell drugs, are on probation, have been arrested, engage in sexual activity and drink alcohol.
Few people deny the dangers of drug use, while many teens are curious about drugs. They should stay away from drugs because drugs affect our health, lead to academic failure, and jeopardizes safety. Drugs are used from a long period of time in many countries. The concentration of drugs has increased from late 1960’s and 1970’s. Drugs can quickly takeover our lives. Friends and acquaintance have the greatest influence of using drugs during adolescence.
National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA). (2001, February). National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse VI: Teens. Retrieved from CASA Ending Addiction Changes Everything: http://www.casacolumbia.org/addiction-research/reports/national-survey-american-attitudes-substance-abuse-teens-2001