How to Support Adolescents with Substance Use Disorders
what are substance use disorders in adolescents?
Substance use disorders are marked by a dysfunctional pattern of behavior in which individuals continue to use a substance despite encountering significant negative consequences related to its use.
The use and cessation of substances can lead to psychological, behavioral, and physiological changes, such as intoxication and withdrawal. Additionally, substance misuse may contribute to psychiatric disorders, including depression, psychosis, anxiety, and neurocognitive issues. Adolescents are especially susceptible to neurocognitive impairments from substance use, which can adversely affect their memory, attention, and learning abilities, posing additional risks during this critical period of brain development.
background
Substance use among adolescents ranges from experimentation to severe substance use disorders. All substance use, even experimental use, puts adolescents at risk of short-term problems, such as accidents, fights, unwanted sexual activity, and overdose.
Adolescents commonly use substances such as tobacco, with cigarette smoking influenced by social norms and peer pressure. Alcohol consumption, while less accepted, is experimented with in private settings, and cannabis use is reported among certain groups. Additionally, concerns exist regarding stimulant use, like amphetamines, and the misuse of prescription medications such as painkillers. Anabolic steroid use is prevalent among both athletes and non-athletes, but it carries several side effects. In adolescents, a notable risk is the premature closure of growth plates in bones, which can lead to permanent short stature.
Overall, the most common reasons adolescents reported for using substances were to feel mellow, calm, or relaxed, to have fun or experiment, to sleep better or fall asleep, to stop worrying about a problem or to forget bad memories, to make something less boring, and to help with depression or anxiety.
how to support?
Noticing signs and symptoms
Signs of substance abuse in an adolescent can include declining school performance, excessive absences, and noticeable physical changes like fatigue and weight fluctuations. They may exhibit mood swings, become secretive, and lie about their activities, often reacting with irritability or anger when confronted. Additionally, financial issues may arise, such as borrowing money without explanation or stealing to fund their drug use.
Having a conversation about their substance abuse
When talking to an adolescent about their substance abuse, choose a calm and safe setting, avoiding discussions when they're under the influence. Approach the conversation with empathy and express your concerns without judgment, focusing on how their behavior affects what they care about most, like school and relationships. Be prepared for a range of reactions and listen actively to show you understand their feelings. Encourage them to seek professional help, and communicate any necessary boundaries to protect your own well-being. Finally, keep the lines of communication open, letting them know you're there to support them whenever they’re ready to talk again.
Support their recovery
Adjust your expectations for recovery, as it looks different for everyone; some might quit completely, while others may just cut back. Encourage your loved one to seek support, and offer to help them find the right resources. It’s important to address any underlying issues, like mental health challenges, to help them recover in the long run. While helping them deal with cravings and triggers, remind them that their sobriety is ultimately their responsibility. Encourage them to try new activities to avoid falling back into old habits. Finally, understand that setbacks can happen. If they do, be there to support them in getting back on track, using each challenge as a chance to learn and grow.
Therapies
A general therapeutic approach for substance use disorders includes several effective techniques. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and change problematic behaviors by recognizing cravings and triggers, teaching coping strategies to prevent relapse. Contingency Management (CM) reinforces sobriety through tangible rewards for positive behaviors, motivating individuals to remain committed to their recovery and reducing the risk of dropout or relapse. Additionally, Family Therapies involve family members in the counseling process to educate them about the causes of substance use, ways to prevent relapse, and how to support their loved ones in recovery. Together, these approaches provide comprehensive support for individuals facing substance use challenges.
Mentoring, Tutoring and Work-Study strategies
Mentors and mentoring programs are crucial for supporting young people struggling with drug abuse by providing motivation, hope, and guidance from those who have faced similar challenges. Mentors can assist with recovery-related issues and daily struggles beyond substance use, connecting individuals to treatment services and collaborating with professionals for social and emotional support. Additionally, tutoring offers personalized assistance with academic tasks, helping individuals stay engaged and reducing the likelihood of drug use. Having a mentor to talk to can help navigate difficult times and potentially prevent substance use or relapse
Recreational, Community Service and Leisure Activities
Recreational and leisure activities include treatment services and alternative activities intended to provide fun and constructive alternatives to substance use. Recreation centers, animals, dances, sports, games, yoga classes, community service activities, music, after-school programs and other events are part of these programs.
references
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition
Helping Someone with a Drug Addiction – HelpGuide.org. (2021, April 7). HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/addiction/helping-someone-with-drug-addiction
Helping a Friend with an Addiction – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). http://Www.urmc.rochester.edu. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=2255
Warren, D. (2020, March 16). Best Practices to Support Adolescents with Substance Use Disorders. NextStep Solutions. https://www.nssbehavioralhealth.com/nss-blog-best-practices-to-support-adolescents-with-substance-use-disorders/
Jacobson, R. (2022, July 28). How to Talk to Your Teen About Substance Use. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/talk-teenager-substance-use-abuse/