ADOLESCENCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Adolescence Development Program

Adolescence Development Program

Introduction

Problem behavior with alcohol and drugs first occurs in adolescence (Johnston, Bachman, & O'Malley, 1981), and may be the most prevalent health problem in that period. It is a contributing factor in adolescent mortality from such causes as drunk driving and suicide (Medina, Wallace, Ralph, & Goldstein, 1982).

While most adolescents are healthy by traditional medical standards, a significant number of young people experience some serious physical or mental health problems or concerns. For example, approximately one in five adolescents suffers from at least one serious health problem, such as chronic conditions, asthma, or depression; and about one in four is believed to be at risk for early unprotected sexual intercourse or substance abuse. Moreover, many health problems occur disproportionately among adolescents who are Medicaid and SCHIP eligible. Low-income adolescents, especially those of color, have higher rates of death, illness, and health risk behaviors in almost every category studied. In addition, other subgroups of adolescents face special, heightened health risks and are more likely to have acute and complex health care needs. These groups include youth who have chronic physical or mental health conditions; live in foster or group homes; are homeless or have run away from home; are undocumented, migrant, or new immigrants; have limited English language skills; are incarcerated or involved in the juvenile justice system; or are pregnant or parenting. Making adolescent health a priority is especially timely because significant demographic changes are occurring in the United States. While adolescents will represent a smaller proportion of the overall population, the number of adolescents ages 10 through 19 is expected to grow from 39.8 million in 2000 to 42.3 million in 2020, a 6.4% increase. Moreover, adolescent population projections anticipate far greater numbers of young people of color, who are more likely to live in poverty, be uninsured, and underutilize primary and preventive health care services.

Defining Substance Abuse

The term “substance abuse” is used to describe a pattern of substance (alcohol/drug) use leading to significant problems or distress in a person's life. Examples would include drinking/using in a potentially hazardous situation (driving, working with tools, watching children), getting into relationship problems with family or friends due to drinking or using; or getting into legal, work or school trouble. Substance abuse can be the use of illegal substances, or the abuse of legal substances. Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug. The term “substance dependence” refers to the condition where a person has developed a “need” for alcohol or other mood altering substance. A person with substance dependence will continue to drink/use in spite of mounting and continual problems such as those listed above. Tolerance (a need for increasing amounts or alcohol or a drug to get the original effect) may develop, as can withdrawal (physical or emotional distress when cutting back or abstaining). As dependence progresses, a person slips further and further away from family and friends, performance at work or school deteriorates, and health related problems ...