Substance Use Prevention Resources for Youth and College Students

RRFT incorporates components of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy [26] and multisystemic therapy [27], two existing and widely-disseminated empirically supported treatments for adolescents. In a recent randomized controlled trial, adolescents who received RRFT had reduced substance use and PTSD symptoms through 18-month follow-up compared to adolescents who received treatment as usual [28]. Future research and treatment should also account for changes in policy and state laws, specifically around the legalization of cannabis. Research suggests that the legalization of cannabis may be linked to an increase in use among adolescents as a result of increased accessibility and social acceptance [98].

Substance Abuse Amongst Adolescents: An Issue of Public Health Significance

Dr Grummitt said there are effective interventions, such as programs to support children experiencing maltreatment or parent education programs, but the most sustainable solution to prevent child maltreatment is policy-driven prevention. The study also found elimination of childhood maltreatment in Australia would, in 2023, have prevented 66,143 years of life lost (death) and 118,493 years lived with disability, totaling 184,636 years of healthy life lost through mental health conditions. When you know your teenage son or daughter’s passions, interests and habits, the early warning signs of trouble will be more apparent because you will sense when something seems off or amiss.

Recognizing the warning signs of teen drug abuse

The study also showed that these poor influences are directly related to negative parent-child relationships, in which the child seeks validation and community within their social sphere. If a teen is finding it difficult to connect with peers or make friends, they may be more likely to abuse substances. Neglect can not only strip a child of basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter, but it can also affect their brain’s development, creating lasting effects that contribute to addiction. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 12.5% of children aged 12 to 17 (three million children) lived with a parent who had a SUD. During a difficult time of transition, COVID has forced teens to learn a new way of school and communication with peers and teachers. Though there were stay-at-home orders in place, 23.6% of teens continued to use substances face-to-face.

• Detoxification is a process that involves discontinuing the use of a substance that a person has developed a dependence on.
• Treatment strategies such as exercise, yoga, and mindfulness have limited clinical burden on an adolescent, and could have benefits in a wide variety of other physical and mental health conditions and are therefore recommended despite the limited and emerging evidence presented.
• In addition to alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis, researchers looked at initiation of synthetic cannabinoids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and ketamine, among other substances.
• Kids who avoid regular substance use are more likely to succeed in school and to avoid problems with the juvenile justice system (Public policy statement on prevention, American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2023).

Inpatient or outpatient treatment

People who reported multiple symptoms consistent with severe substance use disorder at age 18 exhibited two or more of these symptoms in adulthood, according to a new analysis of a nationwide survey in the United States. These individuals were also more likely, as adults, to use and misuse prescription medications, as well as self-treat with opioids, sedatives, or tranquillizers. Published today in JAMA Network Open, the study is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health.

• High-risk drug use increases the likelihood that youth will engage in risk behaviors that can have dramatic, and lasting effects on their health and academic performance.
• Youth with substance use disorders also experience higher rates of physical and mental illnesses, diminished overall health and well-being, and potential progression to addiction.
• Marijuana is often thought of as not being “as bad” as other drugs and, in some cases, even good for you.
• These skills must be taught as a separate curriculum in every school to lower risk.

To find a treatment program, browse the top-rated addiction treatment facilities in each state by visiting our homepage, or by viewing the SAMHSA Treatment Services Locator. And researchers have found that adolescence is a crucial phase of life during which substance use behaviors are established. Many of the consequences of abusing drugs or alcohol can be seen and felt immediately in the short term after abuse. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children are ADHD, behavior problems, anxiety, and depression.

Addiction happens when cravings don’t stop, withdrawal occurs without the substance, and use continues even when there are negative consequences. Since the physical and mental urge to use is so strong, it becomes very hard to stop using a substance. Ultimately, taking a step back to keep the larger goals in focus—as well as staying dedicated to prevention and intervention approaches https://ecosoberhouse.com/ backed by science—is what will help keep young people healthy and safe, Weiner said. “Just Say No” didn’t work, but experts are employing new holistic programs to help steer kids away—or at least keep them from dying—from illicit substances. Information on the Children’s Protective Services Program, child abuse reporting procedures, and help for parents in caring for their children.

And to add to the burden of online learning, teens had nearly no outlets for hobbies and connections with peers that typically involved meeting in person. Teen substance use has been on the decline for some substances but has risen for others. It can be helpful to start by addressing how familiar medications — like cold or allergy medicine — is safe when following the correct timing and dosage directions. Then, explain how these same medications can become harmful if too much is taken or if taken incorrectly.

Other NIDA Sites

The group that initiated substance use and the group that didn’t initiate substance use were not totally balanced, and sample sizes for some religious categories were small. Another study limitation was that the analytic approach didn’t account for multilevel data within the context of site and families. The model with only self-reported data had similar substance abuse in older adults accuracy in predicting substance use initiation (area under the curve [AUC], 0.67) as models that added resource-intensive measures such as neurocognitive tests and hormones (AUC, 0.67) and neuroimaging (AUC, 0.66). The analytical approach used machine-learning algorithms to compare the ability of domains to identify the most critical risk factors.