Drug Abuse in Children

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that the U.S. government spends $181 billion per year on the problem of drug abuse. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Household Survey on Drug Abuse states that children start abusing drugs as early as age 12 or 13. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent drug abuse in children.

Significance

• According to Medline Plus, "drug abuse plays a role in many social problems, such as drugged driving, violence, stress and child abuse. Drug abuse can lead to homelessness, crime and problems with keeping a job. It harms unborn babies and destroys families." The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration studies have demonstrated that drug abuse in late childhood is linked with greater drug involvement later in life. Drug abuse is cyclical, meaning that children of drug abusers often become drug abusers themselves.

Signs

• Physical signs of drug abuse in children include repeated health complaints, red eyes and lasting coughs. Children who abuse drugs have sudden mood changes, increased irritability, irresponsible behavior, low self-esteem, poor judgment, depression and general apathy towards life. Child drug abusers show decreased interest in school. They have negative attitudes, many absences, truancy and discipline problems. Some of these signs, however, can also be signs of other problems. Visit an adolescent psychiatrist or mental health professional to determine whether your child is abusing drugs.

Risk Factors

• According to the NIDA, "the genes that people are born with--in combination with environmental influences--account for about half of their addiction vulnerability." Children are particularly susceptible to peer pressure, making other youth drug abusers in their environment a major risk factor. Physical and sexual abuse, stress and parental neglect all pose risk factors for children. NIDA states, "Adolescents face the most vulnerability for drug abuse. Because adolescents' brains are still developing in the areas that govern decision-making, judgment and self-control, they are especially prone to risk-taking behaviors, including trying drug abuse."

Time Periods

• According to NIDA research, "Key risk periods for drug abuse are during major transitions in the lives of children." Early adolescence is the stage during which children are likely to encounter drugs for the first time. The beginning of high school is another major transition that involves many emotional, social and educational challenges. High school provides more exposure to drugs, drug abusers and social events involving drugs.

Prevention/Solution

• Drug prevention programs are normally designed to reach participants in the places they spend the most time, like schools and after-school programs. They work to educate youth about the negative consequences of drug abuse through presentations in schools and literature on the topic. Prevention programs also work with families to help parents explain the damage of drug abuse to children when they are young. Examples of drug prevention organizations include Partnership for a Drug-Free America, The Courage to Speak Foundation and D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education).