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Drug Use and Young People. Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. LICADD 516-747-2606 631-979-1700 1-800-585-5422 www.licadd.org. What is a drug?. A Drug Is. A foreign substance introduced into the body that produces change in normal body functioning
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Drug Use and Young People Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. LICADD 516-747-2606 631-979-1700 1-800-585-5422 www.licadd.org
A Drug Is . . . . • A foreign substance introduced into the body that produces change in normal body functioning • Mind and mood altering substances
Mind and Mood Altering Drugs • Alcohol • Amphetamine • Cannabis • Hallucinogens • Opiates • Benzodiazepines • Sedatives • Stimulants
Why drugs? Why do people use drugs?
Answer… • Curiosity • Peer pressure • Relaxation • Anxiety • Social acceptance • Depression • Escape • Energy • Lose inhibitions
Reasons for drug use self medication-recreation-poor coping skills
Why do young people use drugs? • Stress from school • Relationships (friends) • Relationships (romantic) • Family pressures and problems • Transitions and fitting in • Independence (driving) • Availability of drugs and alcohol
The Teen Brain The parts of the brain that control physical coordination, emotion and motivation develop first. The part responsible for reasoning and impulse control develops LAST.
USE RISK DISAPPROVAL Perception of Risk
Risk Factors for Drug Use and Abuse • Family history- predisposition to drug or alcohol problems • Close friends who use drugs or alcohol • Early first use • Diagnosed or undiagnosed depression/other mental health disorders • Problems in school/learning disabilities
Drug Use Continuum • Gateway drugs include alcohol, nicotine and marijuana. • Subtle changes in attitudes and related behaviors. • Defense mechanisms: denial, rationalization and intellectualization ‘backfire’ and create dysfunction.
BI as supplemental therapy Possible Applications Brief intervention: Schools, courts, pediatric clinics, emergency rooms, mental health clinics Intensive Treatment Dependence Abuse Early abuse Infrequent use Drug Involvement Abstinence Adapted from Broadening the Base of Alcohol Treatment (IOM)
What is Dependence? • Physical: the body has adapted to the drug and the lack of it will lead to specific withdrawal symptoms. • Psychological: a sense of need for a specific substance is felt either for the drugs’ perceived effects, or to avoid the negative effects associated with abstinence.
Definitions of Dependence • “A disease process characterized by the continued use of a substance despite physical, psychological or social harm.” • A disease of the mind (as seen in the DSM-IV-R). • Dysfunctional defense mechanisms and lack of healthy coping skills.
Negative Self-Care Behaviors Shift in interests towards substance use
Young people who begin drinking before age 15 are 4 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who abstain until age 21. CAMY Report, 2007
Each year, approximately 5,000 people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking 1,900 deaths from motor vehicle accidents 1,600 homicides 300 suicides U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2007
Alcohol Facts and Stats Alcohol kills 6½ times more teenagers than all illicit drugs. 95% of violent crimes on college campuses are alcohol-related. High levels of alcohol use interferes with brain development
Social Host Law • It is illegal for any person over the age of eighteen who owns, rents, or otherwise controls a private residence, to allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages by any minor on the premises • This law provides a legal basis for holding adults responsible for knowingly allowing parties for individuals under the age of 21 to occur at a place under their control, whether or not they provide the alcohol.
How do I know if someone is having a problem with drugs or alcohol? • 5 SIGNS • Decline in school work and grades • Abrupt change in friends, groups, or actions • Sleeping habits/abnormal health issues • Deteriorating relationships with family • Less open and honest
Remember! Substance abuse is a disease. Left untreated it will progressively get worse.
Where to Get Help • Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (LICADD): www.licadd.org 516-747-2606 or 1-800-585-5422 • Alcoholics Anonymous Hotline Nassau County: 516-292-3045 • Narcotics Anonymous Nassau County: 516-827-9500