By: Zondra Davis, RN
Drug addiction is characterized by compulsive use of a controlled substance for non-medical purposes despite deleterious effects from continued use. Physical dependence is manifested by painfully uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms after cessation of a drug. It is difficult for some to associate these outcomes with a curious teen raiding the medicine cabinet, but the epidemic of prescription drug abuse warrants our attention.
Vulnerable teens, ill-informed about the adverse consequences of prescription drug abuse have found themselves on the fast track to chronic illness as a result of prescription drug addiction. While illicit drug use has steadily declined among youth, prescription drug abuse has seen an astronomical increase! What can we do as healthcare providers to protect teens from reckless pleasure-seeking escapes in a pill bottle?
Assessing for and talking about substance abuse can be uncomfortable; nevertheless, it is an essential component that should occur at each healthcare contact for the developing adolescent. Substance abusers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that result in sexually transmitted diseases-including HIV and to suffer from traumatic injuries that can disable for life. Depression and other mood and psychiatric disorders often accompany drug abuse.
Teens need to be educated about the lethality and morbidity that pervades substance abuse communities. Parents need to be aware of the signs of prescription drug abuse. Empirical data suggest that universal interventions have potential for public health impact by reducing many types of prescription drug abuse among adolescents and young adults (Spoth, Trudeau, Shin, & Redmond, 2008).
Assessing for and talking about substance abuse can be uncomfortable; nevertheless, it is an essential component that should occur at each healthcare contact for the developing adolescent. Substance abusers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that result in sexually transmitted diseases-including HIV and to suffer from traumatic injuries that can disable for life. Depression and other mood and psychiatric disorders often accompany drug abuse.
Teens need to be educated about the lethality and morbidity that pervades substance abuse communities. Parents need to be aware of the signs of prescription drug abuse. Empirical data suggest that universal interventions have potential for public health impact by reducing many types of prescription drug abuse among adolescents and young adults (Spoth, Trudeau, Shin, & Redmond, 2008).
The fragility or resilience of familial relationships can be tested during the tumultuous teen years. The best nursing approach will be aimed at identifying teens at risk for substance abuse disorders so that preventative strategies can be employed. Positive communication and effective nursing education for parents and teens can avert the negative health outcomes linked to long term substance abuse disorders.
1. Spoth, R., Trudeau, L., Shin, C., & Redmond, C. (2008). Long-term effects of universal
preventative interventions on prescription drug misuse. Addiction. Jul; 103(7): 1160-8
1. Spoth, R., Trudeau, L., Shin, C., & Redmond, C. (2008). Long-term effects of universal
preventative interventions on prescription drug misuse. Addiction. Jul; 103(7): 1160-8
NOTE: This blog post reflects the work of Zondra Davis, RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.
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