The Predictors Of Substance Abuse Essay - 1944 Words

Predictors of Substance Abuse in Teens Substance abuse is a leading cause of mortality among adolescents (Sussman, S., Skara, S., Ames, S. L. ,2008). What can be done to help predict which teenagers are at risk for substance abuse issues? Substance abuse, which can be defined as overindulgence in psychoactive drugs will usually begin during the teenage years. Psychoactive drugs work mainly by altering neurotransmitter activity in the brain (Weiten,2015). Although various drugs initially affect various neurotransmitters, many theorists concur that the majority of abused substances affect a neural circuit that is known as the mesolimbic dopamine pathway (Weiten,2015). Operant conditioning may cause users of psychoactive drugs to continue using drugs. By consuming mind altering substances one is altering their consciousness. Additionally, substance abuse can lead to cognitive deficits, brain damage, and sleep problems (Weiten,2015). Three academic journals will be reviewed discussing whether it is possible to predict the likelihood that teenagers will abuse psychoactive substances based on whether the teenager suffers from depression, experienced childhood trauma, or based on the parenting style that the teenager grew up with. Psychology has many schools of thought. As a result of this theoretical diversity, there are many hypotheses as to what can help predict substance abuse in teenagers. B.F. Skinner, a strong advocate of behaviorism would likely suggest that substanceShow MoreRelatedSubstance Abuse As A Predictor Of Divorce1368 Words   |  6 Pagesreview focuses on substance abuse and how it correlates with divorce; specifically within the context of concordant and discordant substance abuse in married couples. It aims to assess how substance abuse impacts marital satisfaction, and if indeed it has an effect on subsequent separation and divorce. This paper will review previous studies that concluded that alcohol is a predictor of divorce, as well as those that have concluded that it is not necessarily the substance abuse itself but ratherRead MoreSingle System Design : An Objective Predictor Of The Likelihood And Extent Of Substance Abuse1284 Words   |  6 Pagesthat self-esteem is the most consistent predictor of the likelihood and extent of substance abuse (Uba et al., 2013). The client is a 15- year old female who was court ordered to Inspirations for Youth and Families treatment center. Client was arrested for shop lifting but was also charged with the possession of Heroin. For the past couple weeks, the client presented with low self-esteem of self that may have played a role in her poor choice in substance abuse. On top of Detox and group therapy, theRead MoreIs Self Esteem Is The Most Consistent Predictor Of The Likelihood And Extent Of Substance Abuse1668 Words   |  7 Pagesthat self-esteem is the most consistent predictor of the likelihood and extent of substance abuse (Uba et al., 2013). The client is a 15- year old f emale who was court ordered to Inspirations for Youth and Families treatment center. Client was arrested for shop lifting but was also charged with the possession of Heroin. For the past couple weeks, the client presented with low self-esteem of self that may have played a role in her poor choice in substance abuse. On top of Detox and group therapy, theRead MoreAdolescent Drug Abuse And Alcohol1426 Words   |  6 PagesDrug Abuse Adolescent Drug Abuse and Alcohol Nyria Madison Liberty University Coun 620 Abstract Around the world we are finding that most adolescent are experiencing drugs and alcohol. This has been a huge issue for years. This has become a trend in society as of today. This paper will discuss the perspective of adolescent alcohol and drugs. This paper will also identify and inform you on the common predictors of adolescent substance abuse. SubstanceRead MorePrescription Drug Use And Drug Abuse1691 Words   |  7 PagesPrescription drug abuse is an ongoing problem in rural teens. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health suggests that 13% of teens between the ages of 12-17 have experimented with nonmedical prescription drugs at some point in their lives. Researchers have identified several factors linked with nonmedical prescription drug use such as their school enrollment status, history of depression, and a two parent household presence (Gever, 2010). Nonmedical prescription drug abuse has been the rise, inRead MoreAttention Deficit / Hyperactive Disorder ( Adhd )1166 Words   |  5 Pagesbetween ADHD to substance use and abuse, during childhood and adolescence, since it is such an important developmental stage in life. â€Å"Substance abuse disorder is defined as a physical dependence, abuse of, and withdrawal from drugs and other substances.† (Biederman, 1999) The prevalence of substance use and substance abuse in recent years is a cause for concern and has been a matter of public and scientific debate. There is considerable amounts of literature on the risks of substance abuse among thoseRead MoreSubstance Abuse Paper1198 Words   |  5 PagesSubstance abuse is one of the most common comorbid conditions among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (Schwartz et al., 2007). Previous studies have shown that nicotine, alcohol, and cannabis were the most frequently used substances in individuals diagnosed with schizophre nia, followed by cocaine and amphetamine. Individuals with substance use disorders have negative long-term outcomes and poorer overall quality of life. Researchers suggest that substance abuse complicates individuals withRead MoreApplication Materials For The Assistant Professor Position798 Words   |  4 Pagesand correlates of juvenile substance abuse, online victimization, the effectiveness of programs designed to reduce and control crime, and the theory-driven understanding of such phenomena. For example, my coauthors and I recently published a test of primary socialization theory, an understudied and unique perspective related to the correlates of youth’s delinquent behavior, in the Journal of Substance Use. The results from this study indicated that association with substance-using peers and poor parentalRead MoreEnvironmental And Social Influences Of A Person s Environment941 Words   |  4 Pagestheir upbringing, their attitude, their personality, and how they adapt or handle tough situations. No truer words are apparent with adolescents and how their environments can lead to substance abuse. For many adolescents, risk factors, such as family problems and community violence frequently lead to substance abuse (McWhirter et al., 2013). Society is very good at encouraging people just to do about anything. Though they may not go right out and say, â€Å"Go do this, or do that†, they sugarcoat itRead MoreThe Relationship And Predictors Of Ptsd876 Words   |  4 Pages Todd (2013) conducted a qualitative study to examine the relationship and predictors of PTSD in youth. True Experimental Design with the use of posttest only equivalent groups was facilitated with the use of this study. It was used to make a comparison of control group of youth with PTSD to the treatment group of youth without PTSD. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of the correlations and predictors of PTSD in youth that has transitioned and living in a s upported community housing