Substance Abuse Prevention

Substance Abuse Prevention Studies such as the Monitoring the Future Study at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research have shown that there has been an increase in substance abuse among children and adolescents within the past decade (1990ís).

This has included an increase in the reported use of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroine, hallucinogens, and other stimulants (i.e. MDMA or ecstasy).

The American Academy of Pediatrics has strongly advocated the need for health care professionals to participate in the promotion substance abuse prevention among children and adolescents.

PREVENTION is the best CURE!

Make substance abuse prevention a priority.

Recognize factors that increase the risk of substance abuse in pediatric population, i.e. predictive factors. These include: disorderly behavior& difficult temperament; genetic predisposition; chaotic familial environment; dangerous community environment.
Recognize factors that have been shown to decrease the risk of substance abuse in pediatric population, i.e. Protective factors. These include: nurturing home environment; consistent parental guidance; open parent-to-child communication; early education about harmful effects of substance abuse; good scholastic performance; family involvement in religious or social institutions.

Start early! Discuss aspects of home environment and community with parents during early child visits. As early as possible begin to recognize patientsí predictive and protective factors, then intervene or refer for outside intervention as warranted. Be sure to treat or refer for underlying disorders/illnesses that may increase risk of substance abuse.

Are there family members involved in substance abuse?
Is the home environment unstable and/or chaotic?
Does the childís neighborhood have easy accessibility to illicit drugs/drug trafficking?
Has there been disorderly behavior or lack of self control noted in the patientís temperament?
Are caregivers able to effectively discipline child?
What is important to the family unit, i.e. Religious affiliations?
How is the childís development, socially and academically?

During regular visits, use known predictive and protective factors to help target prevention intervention.

Tutors to enhance academic performance
Referral to parenting skills workshops
Tools to improve coping skills

Educate the patient on the negative effects of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. In particular, give special attention to more acute consequences of these agents.
Encourage parents to maintain open communication with children and to be very candid about their views on use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs.
Recognize the highest risk periods among children and adolescents.

Start of school
Promotion from elementary to middle or junior high school
Initiation of high school
Going off to college, the military, or entering the workforce

Know about effective prevention programs available and encourage participation.

D.A.R.E.
Life Skills Training
Project ALERT
Project STARR