Vulnerability and risk of students to drugs and substance abuse

Introduction

Drug use, including alcohol, among adolescents have been a public health concern for decades and although drug use trends have waxed and waned over the years, recent research continues to show alarming rates of drug and alcohol use. The University of Michigan annually surveys adolescents nationwide in grade 8, 10 and 12 as part of its monitory the future study to determine trends in tobacco alcohol and other drug use.

The 2010 survey by the university indicated that daily marijuana use among high school senior has increase to its highest point in 30 years. In fact, daily marijuana use among adolescent at all three grade points surpassed daily tobacco use, which has been on the decline. Although alcohol use has decline slightly in comparison with previous years, nearly two third (65%) of high school senior and nearly one third (29%) of eight grade have used alcohol in the past month. Public health significance of the aforementioned adolescent drug use is exacerbated by the fact that early initiation of drug use is correlated with an increased risk of a constellation of problem behaviours such   as legal problems (example selling drugs and violence-related charges), during under the influence of a substance and physical, sexually, and emotional abuse. In addition, substance use problems in adolescent have been shown to increase the risk of later development of a substance use disorder (SUD). Considering the widespread use of drug during adolescent, it is important to highlight the prevalent of problematic use. It is estimated that about 1.5 million teenagers meet criteria for an SUD. Of those adolescent, only 111,000 (7%) receive treatment for the disorder. This treatment gap may be due to a variety of factors, including (but not limited to) poor health care coverage, low motivation by the youth or parents, a lack of specialized adolescent treatment services.

The abuse of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) is undeniably linked with economic and personal adversities for both individuals and society. It is estimated that the annual national cost of substance abuse is more than $ 144 billion. This includes related health and mental health care, social welfare, victim’s losses, unemployment and lost productivity, and criminal justice system cost.

Women appear to be more vulnerable than men to many adverse consequences of alcohol use. Women achieve higher concentration of alcohol in the blood and become more impaired than after drinking equivalent amounts of alcohol. Research also suggest damage and to trauma resulting from traffic crashes and interpersonal violence.

Globally, it has been estimated that 3.5% to 5.7% of population aged 15 to 64 years, or approximately 155 to 250 million people, had used on illicit drug at least once in the past year. When taking into account the pattern of use, an estimated 16-38 million people are considered problem drug users (regular or frequent users) and 11 to 21 million people are injection drug users. This wide range of estimation is related, in part to a lack of reliable epidemiological data on use of specific drugs other than marijuana (example inhalants, cocaine, ecstasy/ MDMA (3,4-methy lenedioxymethamphetamine), sedative tranquilizers, heroin and opioid analgesic), especially in country where resources for research and evidence-based treatment are comparatively limited but illicit drug use has increased.

On our locality, it is no difference of which every average adolescent will want to venture in one of the drug or other. The most substance that is been abuse in the school environment by adolescent is the alcohol beverages, beer and sometimes marijuana of which the population is quite reduced. But for the alcoholic substances it is more.

For this reason extensive research during the past two decades has identified a number of preventive strategies that measuring reduced drug use, including by those at high risk. These strategies share a common goal: strengthening “protective factor” such as well developed social skills, strong family bonds, attachment to school, and active involvement in the community and religions organizations while reducing “risk factors” that increase vulnerability to drugs and substance abuse. Resent research suggest that resilience is also an important factor, even in high risk, adverse circumstances; many people (female) are able to resist drugs.

Few of the strategies include:

1. Teaching prevention in school.
2. Reaching youth outsides school.
3. Reaching high-risk group.
4. Building family bond.

Concept of drug/substance abuse

Buddy (2014) stated on the substance abuse front, in terms of historical significance, the top story in 2014 explored why heroin use increased dramatically after years of declines, several factors are behind the sharp rise in heroin overdose deaths,

He further stated that the top substance abuse research stories in 2014 revolved around under age alcohol and drug use, including research about what family and community factors play a role in a greater risk of teen substance abuse, how the consumption of energy drinks is linked to teen drug use, how specific laws can reduce under age consumption, and research revealing which teens are more vulnerable to become substance abusers.

Mayo (2014) stated that drug addiction, also called substance use disorder is a dependence on a legal or illegal drug or mediation. Keep in mind that alcohol and nicotine are legal substance but are also considered drugs. Arlington (2013) stated that when you are addicted, you are not able to control your drug use and you may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes. Drug addiction can cause an intense craving for the drug. You may want to quit, but most people find they cannot do it on their own. Hales (2014) state that drug addiction can cause serious long- term consequences, including problems with physical and mental health, relationship, employment and the law. He further say you may need help from your doctor, family, friends, support groups or on organized treatment program to overcome your drug addiction and stay drug free.

Causes of drug/ substance abuse

Medindia (2014) pointed certain common factors that are associated with the causes of drug abuse. They are:

Biological factors:

1. Family history, genetic predisposition
2. Pre-existing psychiatric or personality disorder, or a medical disorder
3. Reinforcing effect of drugs
4. Withdrawal effects and gaining
5. Biochemical factors

Psychological factors

1. Curiosity
2. Social rebelliousness
3. Early initiation
4. Poor control
5. Sensation seeking (feeling high)
6. Low self-esteem (Anomie)
7. Poor stress management
8. Childhood loss or trauma
9. As a relief from fatigue or boredom
10. To escape reality
11. No interest in conventional goals
12. Psychological distress

Parental Influences:

Evans, Henderson, Hill and Raimas (1979) says poor parents-child relationships predicted initiation to marijuana and other illicit drugs in a study by Kandel (1978) on drinking among adolescent have shown that although heavy drinking by parents is a contributing factor in youthful also social, isolation, deprivation, cynicism and anti social behaviour within the family system are frequently present in the young abusers home.

Peer group influence:

Kandel (1987) research shows that substance use patterns and drugs related attitudes of peers are strong predictors to drug involvement. Study by Johnston, Ibashman and Omalley (1980) of the class of 1980, students reporting high marijuana use reported that their friends were also users.

Effects/influence of drugs/substance abuse

WHO (2011) Described substance abuse as, ‘The harmful and hazardous of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. Often people begin experimenting with drugs; however this can lead to addiction. National Institute of Drugs Abuse (2010) noted that most people don’t realize they are addicted, the drug user will continue to use drug even though it will cause great harm. It further describe addiction as, ‘’A chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequence.

Catalano, Miller and Hawokins (1992) stated that declining grades, absenteeism from school and other activities and increase potential for dropping out of school are problem associated adolescent substance abuse. They further that low level of commitment to education and higher truancy rate appear to be related to substance use among adolescents cognitive and behavioural problems experience by alcohol and drug using youth may interfere with their academic performance and also present obstacles learning for their class mate.

McCaig(1995) reports trends in people seeking emergency department treatment related to illegal drug use or non medical use of legal drugs. Preliminary 1994 estimates indicate drug related emergency department episodes for youth age 12-17 increased by 17% from 1993 to 1994. This increase was greater than for any of the older age group reported. Significantly emergency department visits related to marijuana/hashish for youth age 12-17 increased by 50% between 1993 and 1994. Ninety-one youth between the age of 12 and 17 died of drug abuse in 1993.

Nowinski (1990) addled that the abuse of alcohol and other drugs by the youth may result in family crises and jeopardized may aspects of family life, sometimes result in family dysfunction. Both siblings and parent are profoundly affected by alcohol and drug involved youth substance abuse can drain a family’s financial and emotional resources. Gropper (1985) stated that the social and economical cost related to youth substance abuse are high, the result from financial losses and distress suffered by alcohol and drug-related crime victims, increased burdens for the support of adolescent and young adults who are not able to become self supporting and greater demands for medical and other treatment services for those youths.

Hawkin (1987) says that there is an undeniable link between substance abuse and delinquency. Arrest, adjudication and intervention by the juvenile justice system are eventual consequences for many youth engaged in alcohol and other drug use. It cannot be claimed that substance abuse causes delinquent behaviour or delinquency causes alcohol and drug use. However, he further stated that the two behaviours are strongly correlated and often bring about school and family problems, involvement with negative peer groups, a lack of neighbourhood social control and physical or sexual abuse.

Wilson and Howell (1993) say that there is strong evidence of an associated between alcohol and other drug use and delinquent behaviour of juveniles. Substance abuse in associated with both violent and income generating crime by youth. This increases fear among community residents and the demand for juvenile and criminal justice services, thus increasing the burden on these resources. He further state that gangs ding trafficking, prostituting and growing numbers of youth homicides are among the social and criminal justice problems often linked to adolescent substance abuse.

Risk factors of substance abuse

Buddy (2014) commented on the risk factors substance abuse have on the brain , he added that the brain obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggest that women may be more valuable than men to alcohol induced brain damage. Using MRI, he found that a brain region involved in coordination multiply brain function was significantly smaller among alcoholic women compared with both non-alcoholic women and alcoholic men.

He further stated that the differences remained significant after measurement were adjusted for lead size, conversely a study measuring metabolic energy utilization in selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic. These results are not consistent with a greater vulnerability to alcohol brain damage in women. However, the female alcoholics reported less severe alcohol use compared with the male alcohol studied. Alcohol Alert (2014) stated that men and women who consume one or two alcohol drinks per day have a lower death rate from coronary heart disease (e.g. heart attack) than to heavier drinkers and abstainers, as discussed in Alcohol Alert No ‘’Alcohol and coronary heart disease’’ Among heavier drinkers, research shows similar rate to alcohol associated to heart muscles disease (i.e. cardiomyopathy) for both men and women despite women’s 60% lower life time alcohol use.

Ways of managing substance abuse

Hemispheric Drug strategy (2010) stated that the world drug problem, including its political, economical, social and environmental costs, constitutes, a complex, dynamic and multi-causal phenomenon that presents a challenge to states and their governments. Far from being a local or regional issue, this problem demands a comprehensive, balanced and multidisciplinary approach that requires common and shared responsibility among all states.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA (2014) have an overview on the management/treatment on the substance abuse. SAMHSA is working a behaviour health system that enables Americans to find effective treatments/management and services in their communities for mental/substance used disorders. While effective management or treatments exist, for two few people with behavioural health conditions receive the help they need.

Sullivian, Mckendrick, Sacks and Banks (2007) stated that individual paths to recovery differ and packages of management or treatment for substance abuse should be tailored to fit individual needs, for many people with behavioural health problems. The most effective approach often involves a combination of counselling and medication. Supportive services, such as case or care management can also play an important role in promoting health and recovery they further added that treatment and management are provided in variety of locations, including

1. Specialty Community behavioural health centres.
2. Substance use disorder rehabilitation programs.
3. Independent providers.
4. Hospitals
5. Community health centres.
6. Mutual support group and peer-run organizations.
7. Community based organizations.
8. Schools
9. Jails and prisons.
10. At home through tele behavioural or home-base service.
11. In patient services providers.
12. Primary care programs with integrated behavioural health services.
13. And a variety of other community setting.

National institute of drug abuse NDA (2012) stated that individual and group counselling include a variety of treatment /management used to treat behavioural health problems. Counselling are more specialized psychotherapies seek to change behaviour, thoughts, emotions and how people see and understand situations. Counselling is provided by trained clinicians such as psychologist, psychiatric risk, social workers and counsellors.  Abudu (2006) suggested the following ways of management of substance abuse.

Table 1: Suggested ways for the management of substance abuse

(Source: Abudu,  2006).

References

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McCaig, K. (2011). Motivation behind Youth Involvement in Drug Usage. Washington: Sage Publication.

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