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Drugs Throughout Life Stages
Jane Elphingstone, Ed.D
Professor of Health Education
University of Central Arkansas
Objectives
Cite reasons why drugs are more harmful to children and adolescents than adults.
Identify which drugs have the greatest addiction potential.
Examine common drugs of use and abuse at various life stages.
Summarize key effects of drugs on juveniles and women and infer use of information for prevention.
The Brain and Development
By the time a child is 6 years old, it is 90-95% of its adult size!
The brain is not developed until about 21-25 years of age.
Effect of Early Use of Drugs
The younger the brain is when exposed to drugs, the greater the chance of an addiction.
Drug Addiction Potentials
Opioids 3-7% Alcohol 10-15% Cocaine/
Amphetamines/
Methamphetamines 20-30% Nicotine 50-60% Jeff Georgi, Duke Addictions Program, Duke
University
Infants and Children
Prenatal exposure – effect vary according to time of development, type of drug, and amount of drug used.
Infants do not have a developed blood brain barrier until about age 2.
Infants and ChildrenPrenatal Exposure
Prenatal exposure – effect vary according to time of development, type of drug, and amount of drug used.
Infants and ChildrenInfants
Infants do not have a developed blood brain barrier until around the age of two.
Infants and Children Children Most children do not use psychoactive drugs. Around age 9, children begin to experiment
with substance around the home –i.e., inhalants, alcohol, tobacco.
Adolescents
Most common drugs of use are alcohol and tobacco.
Alcohol and tobacco are referred to as “gateway drugs”.
Alcohol use before the age of 15 is a powerful predictor of later alcohol and drug problems.
Health Outcomes and Binge Drinking
For people who began before age 13 and continued use:
4 X’s likely to be overweight or obese 3 ½ X’s likely to have HBP when 24 or older
Current, Binge, and Heavy Alcohol Use, by Age: 2003
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
Age in Years
12-13 14-15 16-17 18-20 21-25 26-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65+
Percent Using in Past Month
Current Use (Not Binge)
Heavy Alcohol Use
Binge Use (Not Heavy)
4.5
17.0
31.8
51.5
67.861.7
59.2 59.5 58.6 57.754.0 52.9
46.2
34.4
Cigarette Use among Youths Aged 12 to 17, by Age: 2002 and 2003Percent Using in Past Month
1.7
4.7
8.5
21.9
28.1
1.73.3
8.4
14.1
26.4
20.1
13.6
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
12 13 14 15 16 17
2002
2003
Age in Years, = Significant change 2002 to 2003
Overall Drug Trends (MTF-2003 data) Percentages of youth using illicit drugs is
declining. Alcohol use remains stable. Perceived availability is declining. Increase in perceived risk of regular
marijuana use. Increase in perceived risk of the use of
ecstacy. Decrease in perceived risk of inhalant use.
Working Youth and Drugs
Youth that work more than 20 hours per week are at high risk for substance abuse and injury. (SAMHSA)
Number of youth (ages 16-17) working is increasing.
Young Adults (18-25)
Alcohol is the most common drug of abuse.
Young adults use more illicit drugs than adults over the age of 25.
Older Adults
Older adults tend to use drugs that help them cope with aging Alcohol Prescription drugs including antidepressants and
tranquilizers Over-the-counter drugs
Women and Drug Abuse
Compared to men, girls and women who use drugs are more likely to: Report faster rates of addiction Experience adverse health consequences from
smoking, drinking, or using drugs. Be depressed and suicidal. Engage in risky sex or be victims of sexual
assault. Have easier access to drugs.
Juveniles and Drug Abuse
Youth using drugs are at greater risk for problems including: Academic difficulties Health related problems (including mental health) Poor peer relationships Involvement with the juvenile justice system Consequences for family members, the
community, and society