- 06/02/2013
- Posted by: essay
- Category: Free essays
The extensive use of drugs may lead to such unpleasant consequences as accidents, falls, violent encounters and undesired sexual activity. The latter means a lot, as it is correlated with risk. Some children are prone to risky behavior. Numerous researches were conducted in this respect, and some results showed that “teens who had an aversion to risk in general were less likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors” (Markman, 2008). So, if teenagers think about sexual behavior and especially about drug-taking behavior as well, they will be more prone start behaving in this way, in spite of the all comprehending of the risk involved. Actually all kinds of behavior are specific. The more specific the situation is, the difficult it appears to disintegrate from the situation. If we want teenagers to avoid risky behavior, we must teach them how to disintegrate from their environments. They must be learned how to turn specific situations into abstract ones.
No matter how serious the problem of alcohol and drug abuse among teens is, there are ways to solve it, as where is a will there is a way, though some ways may appear to be very difficult. Still there are several strategies that are elaborated to help people’s stuck in addiction. Thus, education and family support play a very important part in this respect. Of course parents should talk to a child about alcohol and drug abuse problem. And it is better to start doing it when it is not too late: from the elementary school. Unfortunately, “even elementary students may be offered or otherwise exposed to alcohol and other drugs” (McBride, 2009). Dealing with a child, it is better to keep the problem simple, do not overwhelm the child, and be a role model, as your authority is stronger than that of the classmates at this period. Dealing with adolescents may appear to be more difficult, as they start to believe not only your opinion, but also listen to their friends. Thus, it is very important to be specific and to describe all the terrible effects of alcohol and drug abuse.
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Besides, it is important to be realistic. And the most important thing is to be supportive, if the problem already exists. Every parent should remember to be the best friend of his child and show the readiness to help in the difficult period of life. Teenagers are the most difficult to deal with, as it is already required to be understanding and at the same time to say your opinion strong. Besides, it is necessary to get help in every sphere of his or her life.
There are special organizations that were established to help people with these problems. SAMHSA (Substance abuse and Mental health Services Administration) is one of them. It states that its mission is “to improve outcomes for children and youth with and/or at risk for mental, substance use and/or co-occurring disorders, and their families by increasing access to a continuum of comprehensive, integrated, culturally and linguistically competent services and supports that include prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery” (SAMHSA, 2008). The vision of this organization is the following: “For all children and youth to live full lives in the community to have an education, preparation for employment, and meaningful relationships with family and friends” (SAMHSA’s Principles for Children and Families). Besides they claim that “Children and youth are viewed and understood in the context of their families, their communities, and their cultures” (SAMHSA’s Principles for Children, Youth, and Families).
There is the Seven Challenges Program that was specifically designed for adolescents who have drug problems. It is especially aimed at motivating a decision and commitment to make changes in one’s life. The program helps youngsters address their drug problem, as well as situational and psychological problems. The program works in the following way: it challenges a young person and therefore helps to produce his or her own decision about life in general and alcohol or drug abuse in particular. Young people discuss their problems and fears, and counselors help them to come to a decision. The Seven Challenges Program got the review: “Clear, logically organized, and comprehensive materials are provided to support implementers, supervisors, and administrators. The Program materials, trainings, ongoing support and monitoring work effectively to ensure a successful implementation” (The Seven Challenges Program).
Sometimes all the strategies and programs do not help and parents may panic or lose their hearts. In this case drug courts may provide the necessary help, as their direct mission is “to stop the abuse of alcohol and other drugs and related criminal activity” (Adult Drug Court Programs). Drug courts are a specialized tem process that functions within the superior court structure and addresses nonviolent drug related cases.
Thus, the problem of alcohol and drug abuse among youngsters is a very serious one. Still there are a lot of ways of anticipating this, besides there are very effective ways of treatment of delinquent juveniles. However it is better to avoid the disease than to cure it.
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