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Drug Addiction in Adolescents

Outlines

I. Thesis: Drug addiction among adolescents is a major problem in the United States but

parents and teachers can play an important role to successfully combat with drug

addiction

II. Body of Essay

A. Role of Teachers

i. School-based drug identification services

ii. Guidance and Mentoring

B. Role of Parents

i. Parent’s role in prevention

ii. Parents assistance during rehabilitation

C. Conclusion: Parents and teachers can play an important role by giving them

education about consequences and their medication effects. Moreover, parental

assistance therapies can be useful to stop adolescent from substance abuse

In the United States, especially among young people, drug addiction is a major problem.

According to Statista website, in 2019, approximately 35% of students in grades 8, 10, and 12
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used illegal drugs at some point in their lives in the United States (Elflein). In 2015, the federal

government invested more than $3.3 billion annually in drug-related incarceration (Pearl).

However, drug addiction causes personal medical and psychological consequences, but parents

and teachers can play an important role in solving this issue. This article explores some possible

solutions to overcome adolescent drug addiction.

Schools can make a significant contribution to prevention, because teachers and

administrators are usually the first to notice warning signs of potential drug problems, such as

low attendance and poor academic performance (Jiloha 111). School-based drug identification

services need to be implemented to educate children about drug addiction and its consequences.

Studies have shown that these elements of substance prevention strategies are largely affected by

adolescents’ attitudes towards alcohol and drug use, social conditions, biological and emotional

needs, peers and imaginary peers, and external tensions (Jiloha 115). Teachers need to pay

attention to how they implement drug education programs. The instructor must be young,

attentive, and skillful.

Guidance and mentoring are an increasingly common form of prevention/intervention

that can help young people cope with the risks they face every day. Informal guidance naturally

occurs among children who are positively influenced by adults, but many young people lack

positive adult role models. Formal mentoring services support these children by establishing one-

on-one relationships with caring adults (Das et al. 566). This helps reduce risk factors for drug

abuse, such as social exclusion and improper regulation. In addition, teachers can provide new

experiences for teenagers living in environments full of drug abuse and crime. Targeted

prevention programs can successfully help individuals at high risk of developing material

problems who may resist large-scale prevention campaigns in schools and other communities.
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These programs include activities such as door-to-door visits, treatment, and teacher guidance,

can help children increase their adaptability and use their strengths (Griffin and Botvin 2).

According to (Erdem and Kaufman), parents have a great influence on children's lives.

Through their words and deeds, they provide important advice on the use of tobacco, alcohol,

and other substances. Parents play an important role in prevention not only within the family but

also in cooperation with schools and community groups (Griffin and Botvin 5). Study has shown

that the more likely parents and children are to discuss the risks of drinking and other substances,

the less likely they are to try drinking (Murphey et al.). Parental criticism of crime and drug

abuse helps young people resist the social pressure to participate in these activities.

If a teenager needs drug abuse treatment, follow-up care and rehabilitation assistance

through parents may be important to help the teenager avoid drug abuse and improve the quality

of life. When drug abuse disorders are diagnosed and treated during adolescence, they usually

resolve without further complications with an active communication with parents (Lo et al. 2).

Rehabilitation support services are part of maintaining a healthy, productive, drug-free lifestyle

that can help young people by establishing meaningful and beneficial relationships and

connections with families, peers, and communities during and after treatment.

In conclusion, drug action is a growing problem in the US, but teacher and parents can

play an active role in its solution. Based on the discussion above to reduce drug abuse among

young people, it is recommended that all parents and teachers discuss the reality and

consequences of drug use with young people. In addition, additional services need to be provided

to patients in rehabilitation facilities, and more strategies need to be developed to address the

problem of adolescent opioid abuse.

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Works Cited

Das, Jai K., et al. “Interventions for Adolescent Substance Abuse: An Overview of Systematic

Reviews.” Journal of Adolescent Health, vol. 59, no. 2, 2016, pp. S61–75,

doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.06.021.

Elflein, John. “Topic: Adolescent Drug Use in the U.S.” Statista, 28 Apr. 2020,

www.statista.com/topics/3907/adolescent-drug-use-in-the-us/.

Erdem, Gizem, and Michelle R. Kaufman. “Mentoring for Preventing and Reducing Substance

Use and Associated Risks Among Youth.” National Mentoring Resource Center Outcome

Review, 2020, pp. 1–35, www.nationalmentoringresourcecenter.org.

Griffin, Kenneth W., and Gilbert J. Botvin. “Evidence-Based Interventions for Preventing

Substance Use Disorders in Adolescents.” Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of

North America, vol. 19, no. 3, July 2010, pp. 1–20, doi:10.1016/j.chc.2010.03.005.

Jiloha, RC. “Prevention, Early Intervention, and Harm Reduction of Substance Use in

Adolescents.” Indian Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 59, no. 1, 2017, p. 111, doi:10.4103/0019-

5545.204444.

Lo, T. Wing, et al. “Substance Abuse and Public Health: A Multilevel Perspective and Multiple

Responses.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17,

no. 7, 2020, pp. 1–7, doi:10.3390/ijerph17072610.

Murphey, David, et al. “Adolescent Health Highlight: Use of Illicit Drugs.” Child Trends, no.

September, 2013, pp. 1–8.

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Pearl, Betsy. “Ending the War on Drugs: By the Numbers.” Center for American Progress, 27

June 2018,

www.americanprogress.org/issues/criminal-justice/reports/2018/06/27/452819/ending-war-

drugs-numbers/#:~:text=Economic%20impact,more%20than%20%243.3%20billion

%20annually.