22 Drug Abuse

Introduction

Drug abuse refers to any extreme misuse of narcotics or illegal substances to the point where an addiction develops (John Hopkins Medicine, n.d.). Substance abuse is a national issue that negatively impacts both parents and children. More than eight million children grew up in a household with at least one substance-addicted caretaker between 2002 and 2007 (Smith et al., 2016). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC (2020), also finds that half of all high school-aged children report ever smoking marijuana, while two-fifths of high schoolers report past use of cigarettes. Physical effects of extended drug abuse include heart diseases, increased blood pressure, disordered sleeping, and many others. Drug abuse is a major disorder, as it is linked to risky behaviors among teenagers. This could include having unprotected sex and reckless driving.  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).

Causes and Risk Factors

Biological Risk Factors

Genetic, environmental, and social factors drive children and teenagers to use drugs. Author and addiction educator Jessica Lahey states that genetics make up around fifty to sixty percent of the risk of developing a substance abuse disorder (Anderson, 2021). Yale University School of Medicine found that children who have immediate relatives with histories of alcoholism are eight times more likely to develop alcoholism than those who do not (Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 2019).

The human brain is not fully matured until the age of twenty-five, which contributes to this increased likelihood of drug misuse in children (Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 2019). Typically, an individual is more likely to develop an addiction if they first try a substance at an early age, as the wiring in the brain is not fully developed (Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 2019). This higher sensitivity and the subsequent tolerance may lead the addicted person to consume larger amounts of the drug to feel the high (Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 2019).

Social and Societal Risk Factors

Social and societal factors also contribute to the rate of drug misuse. The American Addiction Centers (2022) note that in current society, the use of drugs is viewed both as a personal failure and a passage into adolescence. This occurs when caretakers brush off periodic drinking or drug use as a form of stress relief. An environment where family members and peers frequently partake in drug use not only normalizes the practice for a child, but it makes it easier for them to access narcotics (American Addiction Centers, 2022). Another environmental factor influencing drug use is adverse childhood experiences within the family, given that parental drug use or interpersonal violence is associated with an increased chance of a child developing a drug problem (Choi et al., 2016).

Peer pressure also plays a large role in the development of addictions. Teens will change their behaviors because they wish to feel accepted by their potential friends. In addition, film and TV might influence children to take up drugs by portraying substance abuse as a cool adult activity while ignoring the severe social consequences of that drug use (Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 2019). Essentially, childhood and adolescence are critical periods when an individual begins to decide what will benefit or harm their health. Any combination of the factors mentioned could lead to a lifetime of substance abuse (American Addiction Centers, 2022).

Signs and Symptoms

Social and Physical Symptoms

When attempting to identify whether a person is struggling with drug addiction, look for physical and behavioral warning signs. Social indicators include loss of interest in hobbies, decreased academic or work performance, and becoming more isolated from friends and family (Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 2019). Physical signs include bloodshot eyes, headaches, drastic loss or gain of weight, increased skittishness or irritability, and mood swings (Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 2019).

Drug Addiction and Mental Illness

The American Addiction Centers (2022) report that drug abuse frequently appears with mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. In fact, the diagnosis of both substance abuse disorders and mental disorders has become so ordinary to the point where it is now classified as dual diagnosis. This means that a mental illness and a drug addiction occur together in a person at the same time (American Addiction Centers, 2022). This strengthens the argument that substance abuse does not imply a failure of individual will, but it marks the presence of an observable disease that can be treated through counseling and medication. However, just because a person has a mental illness does not always mean they have or will develop a drug addiction. For more information on mental illness, see the chapter on Anxiety and Depression.

Prevention and Intervention

When a Child Has a Drug Addiction

After identifying the drug addiction signs and symptoms, therapists, parents, and healthcare providers should work alongside a child to provide help as soon as possible. According to the American Addiction Centers (2022), the most successful discussions about addiction include understanding and nonjudgmental speech instead of scolding and criticism. Initially, parents will undoubtedly feel frustrated and angry about their child’s addiction. However, it is important to maintain a positive tone while speaking to a child about drugs so that the family maintains a healthy connection and emphasizes the negative consequences of drugs (American Addiction Centers, 2022).

In an interview on Harvard EdCast, Jessica Lahey advises that a genetic tendency to drugs can strengthen a household’s conversation because parents understand their own struggles and ensure that emotional and health needs are met to lessen the risk of addiction (Anderson, 2021). An addiction treatment facility called Fresh Start of California emphasizes that celebrating small victories in recovery is another helpful strategy. For example, celebrating a week or a month without doing drugs helps to increase the person’s motivation to continue living a sober life (Fresh Start of California, 2021). Additionally, Avenues Recovery Community (n.d.) states that a useful tactic in maintaining a sober lifestyle is to replace narcotics with candy and chocolate in moderation. This is because foods with sugar activate the same reward centers in the brain that drugs do.

When a Parent Has a Drug Addiction

In the event that a parent’s addiction puts the child in danger, legal authorities like Child Protective Services (CPS) are contacted. If a parent is to receive treatment for addiction, there must be collaboration between CPS and the intervention staff since these treatments take time (Neger & Prinz, 2015). Also, when developing a treatment plan for a parent or caretaker, the intervention staff should take into account whether or not they have access to affordable transportation to a treatment facility, as well as how to provide food for their child during the guardian’s absence (Neger & Prinz, 2015). If one is absolutely certain that a parent or child is in immediate danger in a drug-using household, the proper authorities must be notified. Parents can find treatment centers in their area by visiting https://findtreatment.gov/ (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2022).

Resources

Preventing or recovering from substance addiction is not an easy journey, as it requires the efforts and energy of family members, loved ones, and treatment specialists to fully succeed. Pediatricians, physicians, or social workers who specialize in substance abuse are some of the most trusted resources in performing a successful intervention. Here are some resources available:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a National Helpline for those struggling with drug addiction, mental illness or both. If you or someone you know is experiencing this, dial 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to be referred to a treatment center or support group in your area.
• Partnership to End Addiction
  • The Partnership to End Addiction is an organization dedicated to promoting the treatment and prevention for drug abuse disorders. Through their helpline, an addiction specialist can be contacted based on the patient’s specific needs. To get in touch with a specialist, text CONNECT to 55753.
• The National Institute on Drug Abuse
  • The National Institute on Drug Abuse is a government organization dedicated to advancing research and promoting a better understanding of addiction from a scientific point of view. The focus of this research includes how addiction relates to genetics, sociology, psychology, medicine, and more. These findings are then used to promote new innovations in treatment and prevention strategies.
• If there is an absolute certainty that someone is in immediate danger, dial 911.

References

American Addiction Centers Editorial Staff. (2022, January 18). Guide for parents of addicted children and teens. American Addiction Centers. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/guide-for-parents-i.

Anderson, J. (2021, April 15). Harvard EdCast: Raising addiction-free kids. Harvard Graduate School of Education. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/21/04/harvard-edcast-raising-addiction-free-kids.

Avenues: A Recovery Community. (n.d.). Candy: A sweet tool for sober living. https://www.newenglandraw.com/candy-sweet-tool-sober-living/.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, February 10). Teen substance use & risks. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/features/teen-substance-use.html.

Child Welfare. (2016). Adverse childhood experiences (aces). Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – Child Welfare Information Gateway. https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/overview/framework/aces/

Choi, N.G., DiNitto, D.M., Marti, C.N., & Choi, B.Y. (2016, October 26). Association of adverse childhood experiences with lifetime mental and substance use disorders among men and women aged 50+ years. International Psychogeriatrics, 29(3), 359-372. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610216001800.

Fresh Start of California. (2021, January 30). The importance of celebrating small victories in sobriety. https://fsocadetox.com/success-stories/the-importance-of-celebrating-small-victories-in-sobriety/.

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. (2019, November 11). Early warning signs of teen substance use. https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/warning-signs-teen-substance-use.

John Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Substance abuse/chemical dependency. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/substance-abuse-chemical-dependency.

Neger, E.N. & Prinz, R.J. (2015). Interventions to address parenting and parental substance abuse: conceptual and methodological considerations. Clinical Psychological Review, 39, 71-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2015.04.004.

Smith, V.C., Wilson, C.R., Ryan, S.A., Gonzalez, P.K., Patrick, S.W., Quigley, J., Siqueria, L. & Walker, L.R. (2016). Families affected by parental substance use. Pediatrics, 138(2). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-1575.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2022, February 23). Find treatment. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment.