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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
AdolescenceAdolescence 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.
Adolescence
‘not quite’ stage: not quite adult, not quitechild, not quite sure! (Spooner et al, 2001)
AdolescenceThe main normal developmental tasks of
adolescence are:Adjusting to physical changesTaking responsibility for sexualityWorking towards independence from
caregiversDeveloping a sense of personal identityDeveloping social and working relationshipsChoosing and making plans for a career.
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)
AdolescenceTypical adolescent behaviours include :
Being adventurous and experimentalNeeding acceptance with peersIncreased risk taking Unpredictable moods and behaviourNeeding to rebel
Drug Use?
As with all groups , amongst adolescents the most commonly used substances are Alcohol, Tobacco, Cannabis,Analgesics.
Factors influencing first use of any illicit drug
Factor %
Curiosity 77.0
Peer pressure 54.5
To do something exciting 20.7
To enhance an experience 12.0
To take a risk 9.3
To feel better 5.9Family, relationship, work or school problems 5.4
Traumatic experience 2.5
To lose weight 1.2
Other 3.3
Why? Reasons for use include:
Internal factors Curiosity, personal beliefs, confidence and mood.
External factors Culture, law, role models, peer approval and family.
Personal attitudes (Clark et al, 2003Non-users Light users Heavy
usersTend to be more
inward looking
Cocooned rejectors
Largely fearful about
drug use and
anxious to avoid
trouble with drugs.
Risk controllers
Enjoy drug use but
very conscious of
keeping it under control
Reality swappers
Like the drug
experience more
than ordinary life
and need drugs for
relief from problems.
Tend to be more
outward looking
Considered rejectors
Made an
independent
decision that they
didn’t need or want drugs.
Ambivalent neutrals
Not really for or
against drug use.
Will use when
they want to.
Thrill seekers
Enjoy the
excitement and risk
of drug use despite
knowledge of its dangers.
Risk factors for problematic drug useIndividual
Family Local environment
Macro environment
Commitment to
education/academic
problems
Ineffective parental family management techniques
Traumatic experiences
(e.g. war, child abuse)
Legislation
Personality: lack of
Social bonding,
alienation, high
tolerance for
deviance, resistance to authority
Negative communication
patterns
Socioeconomic status Law enforcement
Coping skills Parental role modelling
Peer influences Social messages about
use (e.g. via the media)
Early age of first use
Enhancing resilienceIn adolescence the family and school
environment primarily play a vital role in
preventing and managing drug misuse.
Enhancing resilienceBeing caring and supportiveKnow your childSetting and communicating realistic and
achievable expectationsProviding 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
Enhancing resiliencePrevention 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.
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