Drug Abuse in Children and Adolescents - Drug Abuse and Addiction

Drug Abuse in Children and Adolescents

Drugs have become a fact of life for some American children. Some children are more vulnerable to the temptation of using drugs than others. The most salient risk factor is a family history of alcohol or drug abuse extending even beyond the parents to grandparents, uncles and aunts. Other predictors of drug use include learning disabilities, low grades or poor school performance, aggressive or rebellious behavior, excessive peer influence, lack of parental warmth, support, or guidance, and behavior problems at an early age.

Adolescent drug use usually starts with legal substances, such as alcohol, the most abused drug. Young substance abusers, particularly during the early stages of drug experimentation, typically feel invulnerable, as if nothing could ever harm them or make them lose control. Psychoactive substances affect judgment, and can lead children to do things they otherwise wouldn't do. With chronic drug use, their schoolwork may suffer, and they may develop psychological problems which increase their risk of pregnancy, suicide, or contacting sexually transmitted diseases.

Children's use of drugs may indicate an underlying physical or emotional disorder such as depression. The earlier parents recognize a problem and seek treatment for their child, the brighter the prognosis for the child. Treatment must always be based on the particular child and his or her circumstances. In some cases, individual, group, or family therapy can be effective. In others, children or teens may have to be placed in a residential or day treatment center.