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Why do T eenagers Use/Misuse Drugs ?

Why do T eenagers Use/Misuse Drugs ?. Therese Winship . “I don’t know why I did it, I don’t know why I enjoyed it and I don’t know why I’ll do it again.” Bart Simpson. Adolescence. Adolescence is one of the most significant times of developmental change.

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Why do T eenagers Use/Misuse Drugs ?

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  1. Why do Teenagers Use/Misuse Drugs? Therese Winship

  2. “I don’t know why I did it, I don’t know why I enjoyed it and I don’t know why I’ll do it again.” Bart Simpson

  3. Adolescence • Adolescence is one of the most significant times of developmental change. • For some young people it can be a time of • Excitement and adventure. • Others, • A confusing and challenging time.

  4. Adolescence ‘not quite’ stage: not quite adult, not quite child, not quite sure! (Spooner et al, 2001)

  5. Adolescence • The main normal developmental tasks of adolescence are: • Adjusting to physical changes • Taking responsibility for sexuality • Working towards independence from caregivers • Developing a sense of personal identity • Developing social and working relationships • Choosing and making plans for a career.

  6. Adolescence • “The young have always had the same problem – how to rebel and conform at the same time. They have now solved this by defying their parents and copying one another.” (Fuller, 2002)

  7. Adolescence • Typical adolescent behaviours include : • Being adventurous and experimental • Needing acceptance with peers • Increased risk taking • Unpredictable moods and behaviour • Needing to rebel

  8. Drug Use?

  9. As with all groups , amongst adolescents the most commonly used substances are • Alcohol, • Tobacco, • Cannabis, • Analgesics.

  10. Factors influencing first use of any illicit drug

  11. Why? • Reasons for use include: • Internal factors • Curiosity, personal beliefs, confidence and mood. • External factors • Culture, law, role models, peer approval and family.

  12. Personal attitudes (Clark et al, 2003

  13. Risk factors for problematic drug use

  14. Enhancing resilience • In adolescence the family and school environment primarily play a vital role in preventing and managing drug misuse.

  15. Enhancing resilience • Being caring and supportive • Know your child • Setting and communicating realistic and achievable expectations • Providing opportunities for meaningful participation e.g. sport. • Drug education and information for parents or caregivers reinforces what their child/children are learning about the harmful effects of drugs and opens opportunities for family discussions about the abuse of legal and illegal substances • Parental monitoring and supervision are critical for drug misuse/ abuse prevention. Setting clear and consistent boundaries

  16. Enhancing resilience • Prevention programs for secondary school students should increase academic and social competence with the following skills : • Study habits and academic support; • Communication; • Peer relationships; • Self-efficacy and assertiveness; • Drug resistance skills; • Reinforcement of antidrug attitudes; and • Strengthening of personal commitments against drug abuse.

  17. The End Thank You

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