RUNNING HEAD: Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse as a Major Issue for Adolescence

Kayla Young

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Substance Abuse

Abstract

Substance abuse is one of the main issues in the world today. Most people are not aware of the

effects substance abuse has, as well as not knowing it is mainly abused by teens. In order to

maintain the increase of underage drinking, there was a policy that came about known as the

STOP (sober truth on preventing) underage drinking act. The STOP Act was in place to prevent

or reduce the use of alcohol on individuals between the ages of 12-20. It came about in favor of

providing funding to reduce underage drinking in communities. The main underlying value of

this policy is to prevent underage kids from drinking, as well as abusing any substance. It is a

funded program/ policy to reduce the percentage of adolescents who are participating in

underage drinking. With this act being in place since 2006, there has been little to no change of

the amount of underage drinking that is currently going on. This continues to be a big issue, and

an issue that will always be ignored by society. This policy should be continued but implemented

for those in rural areas. Rural areas should be considered for more resources.

Keywords: underage drinking, substance abuse, drug use, adolescence, STOP Underage Drinking

Act, rural areas

Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse as a Major Issue for Adolescence

Substance abuse is one of the main issues in the world today. Most people are not aware

of the effects substance abuse has, as well as not knowing it is mainly abused by teens. The

popularity of substance abuse by adolescence has increased dramatically, resulting in an act

known as “Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) Underage Drinking Act.” The main component of

the act I chose was to prevent or reduce the use of alcohol on individuals between the ages of 12-

20. The social problem addressed in the policy of my choice is underage drinking. The concern

of underaged drinking is increasing and becoming something very popular.

Historical Analysis of Policy and Social Problems

Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act came about in 2006. It came about in

favor of providing funding to reduce underage drinking in communities. This act was initiated by

Lucille Roybal- Allard, where she introduced it in 2005. People who supported this policy are

congressmen, substance abuse and mental health services administration and many communities.

After doing research on the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act, it was brought to

my attention that no one really opposed this act. The social problem that was attempted to be

solved during initiation was to prevent underage drinking. It was also funded programs

associated with this act to help prevent underage drinking as well. This social problem was

known worldwide to be an issue amongst teens. This social problem affected individuals from

the age range of 12 to 20. At this stage of life, many adolescences are peer pressured to turn to

drugs to fix their “problems.” The issue of underage drinking was always looked down upon

before this policy. It’s always been something that the world, including many adults wanted to

fix. It’s always been a problem that was considered dangerous and needed to be controlled. This

social issue was also talked about a lot but didn’t really have any actions put forth to help it. The
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act goes about reducing underage drinking by spreading awareness of the dangers associated

with underage drinking. The more awareness spread of the negativity associated with underage

drinking, the more helpful it is for teenagers to understand.

Theoretical Basis for the Policy

The main underlying value of this policy is to prevent underage kids from drinking, as

well as abusing any substance. It is a funded program/ policy to reduce the percentage of

adolescents who are participating in underage drinking. With adolescents being at the stage in

life where they are stressed and fall easily to peer pressure, I believe the main goal is also to find

adults who are trustworthy enough for teens to be able to open up to and turn to instead of going

to drugs and alcohol. A theory that is correlated well with this policy is “Theories of Learning”

and “Social Role.” Theories of Learning theory is also known as the “Monkey See Monkey Do”

theory. “At this stage of development, teenagers are more likely to mimic what they see, as far as

their peers or family/ environment” (Newman, 2015). Peer pressure, as mentioned before is

easily given into at this stage which is why a lot of the times teenagers hang around the certain

groups they do, and all do and participate in the same activities. Most of the time, children

around the age of 17-20 are more involved with underaged drinking because of their peers,

especially college students. The monkey see monkey do phase, is something that is very effective

and popular, which is something teenagers take part in on the daily basis. As far as the “Social

Role” theory, it refers to the expectations of a specific group. The “norm” expectations of an

adolescent are to go to school and make friends, not considering the downfall of meeting friends

who are not positive role models for them. The social role of a college kid, ranging from ages 17-

20 is typically to go to school to further their education, while there are many students who go to

school to party and fall under the pressure of their peers to drink and abuse many substances to
Substance Abuse

have fun. With this act being in place since 2006, there has been little to no change of the amount

of underage drinking that is currently going on. This continues to be a big issue, and an issue that

will always be ignored by society. I believe the strengths perspective is a theory that is in strong

contrast to the policy I chose. As the strengths perspective looks at only the good in situations

and try to build from the positive, when looking at underage drinking and the effects it has there

wouldn’t be many positives to pull from that situation. The strengths perspective is put into place

so as a social worker you are not focusing on so much as the problem but pulling out the

positives and talents of the situation. It is important not to focus on what may be causing the

issue, but what could possibly help the issue.

Ethical- Value Analysis

The ethics and values involved with this policy is service, dignity and worth of a person,

importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. “Service is understanding that the

primary goal of a social worker is the need of help” (NASW, 2008), meaning knowing your

positions as a social worker and being able to provide help for those in need. “Dignity and worth

of a person is understanding and respecting an individual no matter what their situation is”

(NASW, 2008). “Importance of human relationships, is understanding that friendship is

important and being able to vent to someone is important as well” (NASW, 2008). “Integrity is

referring to the trustworthy relationship between a social worker and client” (NASW, 2008).

“Competence is being understanding of the different types of people” (NASW, 208). Being able

to be understanding. Service is an ethical value I chose because as a social worker you must

understand why a teenager may be going through what they are, as well as understanding their

feelings. As a social worker it is effective to understand why the teenager is coming to see you,

and always keep in mind the goal of the teen. Dignity and worth of a person is something I chose
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as well because, it is very important not to judge your clients and show them that you care about

them. Importance of human relationships are important as well, due to the strength of a client. A

client has to be able to know they can open up to their peers. These policies are in compliance

with the Code of Ethics, due to the fact that there are many values in relation to this policy. This

policy does not necessarily promote social or economic justice. This policy is simply to promote

the prevention of underage drinking.

Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act is an act that focuses on a reduction of

the use of substances for people who range from ages 12-20. This age range is very acceptable to

substance abuse due to the high rate of depression and anxiety. Often, the teenager is not aware

that they are abusing substances which makes it difficult for statistics to keep up. Teenagers are

not known to get help for this issue, instead they typically tend to continue. Adolescence, as

many are not aware is a very vulnerable population.

Target Population for STOP Act

The target population for this act are adolescents. The eligibility criteria for this act is

current or former drug free community recipients (McCance, 2017). Based on research done for

the STOP Act, I was educated on the many scholarships and grants that are associated with it. As

with any other act, there are always benefits and non-beneficial relations. The benefits of the

STOP act are the grants and scholarships offered. The STOP Act awards almost $50,000 a year

for the grants offered. The program may not be beneficial to their population because not

everyone would be awarded the grants and scholarships available. The policy currently awards

up to 80 participants. There are a few stereotypes promoted against adolescence substance

abusers. Many adults look down on teenagers who abuse substances, rather than trying to

provide help for them, which is why it is encouraged to help them get help.
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Implementation

The STOP Act, as when it first came about is still implemented as it was initially

planned. Its initial purpose was to reduce the use of substances for underaged people. Its purpose

today is still being fulfilled. The only barriers in relation to the act is the denial of adolescents to

this social problem. Most teenagers do not typically realize and categorize their use of substances

as abuse, they define it more as “fun.” Due to the STOP Act, there has been positive changes.

There has been a decrease in the use of substances for underage drinkers, as well as the decrease

in parental disapproval for their adolescent (McCance, 2017). Although the act has been seen and

reported to make changes as growth, there has not been any proposed changes for the act.

The abuse of substances is starting to increase dramatically, especially among the

adolescence life stage. This life stage ranges from 12-18, but the act focuses on ages 12-20.

Policy Strengths

Some of the strengths of the STOP Act are bringing communities and parents together

who need getting help for their teenage child together, it builds character for those who are in the

programs offered, the act also promotes and spreads awareness on the issue of substance abuse.

Along with the act, there are campaigns funded by the STOP Act grant. This policy has brought

a lot of attention needed to this social issue. The STOP Act helps the targeted population by

bringing the awareness needed to youth. It brings attention to the targeted population and allows

survivors to speak out about the dangers that are associated with underage drinking, as far as the

fatal crashes that involve intoxicated youth. Prevention skills are also taught for parents to help

reach out to kids as well. The policy has many positives aspects related to it, which brings a lot

of attention to the act. This policy is empowering because it encourages teenagers to get help, as
Substance Abuse

well as stopping underage drinking. As a response to the social issue of underage drinking, and

the abuse of substances the STOP Act has been effective. This ACT has been effective because

some teenagers stir away from underage drinking due to the horror stories addressed with it.

Although, it may not seem like it has had a big effect on the decision teens make, several

teenagers have actually decided not to drink underage and participate in the illegal activities that

comes with it. Although there are still issues dealing with underage drinking, being that there has

been more campaigns and awareness of the negative effects it has on adolescents it has decreased

a bit. The benefits to the general public would be the awareness that is spread throughout their

community, the general public does not have any benefits as far as monetary. The act is in place

to make communities better and safer.

Policy Limitations

Some of the limitations of the policy are as discussed here. People are not as concerned

with the disadvantages and negative effects the use of substances can bring. The youth are not

educated on the statistics of fatal accidents due to drunk drivers, not to mention underage drunk

drivers. People are not educated on the statistics of overdoses. Teenagers are not aware of the

side effects many of the drugs they use have. Teenagers are a prideful group, who do not

willingly reach out. Limitations associated with this policy would also be people of age who are

buying drinks and other substances for youth. As with any policy there are unintended

consequences. Unintended consequences are typically situations that were not meant to be

caused by a certain subject. With the STOP Act being in place to reduce the use of substances for

underage youth, it is not intended for the increase in sexual assault, academic failure, alcohol

poisoning, overdose, hangovers and things in that nature (McCance, 2017). The STOP Act is
Substance Abuse

used as a positive gesture to help youth, as they take substances and abuse them to lead to

negative consequences such as those listed above.

Implications for Rural Communities

The implications the STOP Underage Drinking Act has on rural areas are the factors

being linked to poverty, unemployment, risky behaviors, as well as low educational

opportunities. Rural areas are often linked to the high number of underage age drinking. They are

also looked at for their high rate of drug sales, such as cocaine and marijuana. It is harder for

people in rural areas to get help because of the lack of available resources. There are not any

necessary adjustments for people who live in rural areas about the STOP Underage Drinking Act

policy.

Recommendations

I believe this policy is very useful and should be continued. This policy should be

continued but implemented for those in rural areas. Rural areas should be considered for more

resources. If rural areas are more than likely to be linked to the high rates of underage drinking

then I think there should be resources in place to encourage the prevention, treatment and

recovery process of substance abuse. I think the more resources there are available the less

problems there would be when dealing with substance abuse. The focus of the STOP Underage

Drinking Act should be high school and college students. The life stages of those in high school

and college do not really take underage drinking as serious as they should. I believe there should

be some type of program implemented for this particular group of individuals, so they can

become more serious to this social problem. Underage drinking incidents are only taken
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seriously typically to those who have personally experienced or witnessed a tragic event because

of it.

Conclusion

Many teenagers in society today, fall under the pressure of their peers and give in to

substance abuse such as underage drinking. Underage drinking is powerful, one of the most

popular social issues in the nation today which is continuing to be ignored. There are many

effects that underage drinking has on individuals. There are also many factors that play into why

an adolescent may be exposed to such behaviors. There are two well-known theories, known as

the “Theories of Leaning” and the “Social Role Theory.” These two are two of the most looked

at theories when involving this population, as far as this issue is concerned. In many studies it is

shown that teenagers are more than likely to give into peer pressure, because someone they know

is doing it or because it is considered cool. With the policy being passed and approved in 2006,

the issue would have been seen to enforce underage drinking laws. Underage drinking, still is

something that is increasing dramatically daily. It is important to educate yourself and others on

the different policies put into place to avoid any problems. With underage drinking being a huge

issue in society today, this policy should be enforced to prevent and reduce the number of

individuals who are known to participate in activities in such ways. As a social worker it is very

useful to understand and be knowledgeable and educated on many social issues of the world. The

STOP Act is in place to address the growing problem of underage drinking. Adolescents are

known to be diagnosed with many issues, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar due to acts by

their peers. The acts of their peers are a factor in the diagnosis of anxiety because things their

peers say and do around them may strike certain nerves and cause different reactions to become

present depending on the situation. At the life stage of a teenager they go through many
Substance Abuse

emotions, one which may include depression. The act of their peers may factor this diagnosis due

to the lack of wants. A teenager may feel a sense of jealousy towards their peers because they

simply can’t have what other may be able to, or they don’t accept themselves as they are.

Depression may come with them looking up to different peers. Adolescents are not developed

and mature enough to be able to handle peer pressure, which plays a big part in their abuse of

substances. The STOP Act is used to spread awareness of the dangers of substance use and

abuse. Substance abuse occurs in many more populations, other than the focus of this act, but

adolescents are seen the most dangerous when speaking on the issue of drinking. The act may

have positives and negatives related to it, such as reaching out to the community and allowing

help for those who are in need but also having to deal with the dangers and statistics of people

who are abusing substances. This policy is seen as very effective, because it has stopped and

prevented many teenagers from participating in activities involving abuse of substances, but it

has also educated a numerous amount of youth of the negative consequences as said before

(McCance, 2017).
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References

McCance, E. (2017). Substance abuse and mental health services administration. Sober Truth on

Preventing Underage Drinking Act (STOP Act) Grants. Retrieved from:

https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sp-16-007

National Association of Social Work. (2008). National Association of Social Work: Code of

Ethics.

Newman, B. M., & Newman, P.R. (2015). Development through life: A Psychosocial approach.

Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.

Rural Health Information Hub. (2002-2018). Substance Abuse in Rural Areas. Retrieved from:

https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/substance-abuse