Substance use prevention programs and strategies should ultimately begin with adolescents. When drugs and alcohol are used at a young age, it can easily turn into a substance use disorder. Children are more vulnerable to becoming dependent on substances that will adversely affect them. The decisive time for prevention programs should begin with young children, before they ever have a notion of using any substance.

Substance Use Prevention

Teenagers and drugs and alcohol

The teenage years are susceptible to experimentation and taking risks. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the teenage brain is still under construction. It is a critical time of brain changes and development that will affect brain function and behavior. Statistics reveal that the teenage years show an increase in death by injury, drug and alcohol use and criminal activity. Brain scans of teenagers show that the areas of the brain that involve planning ahead and controlling impulses does not develop until early adulthood. Raging hormones and brain changes can make the teenage years a challenging time and cause them to be moody, annoying, reckless and confused. All of these things set up opportunities for a young man or woman to impulsively try drugs or alcohol.

Hormones and Stress

Hormonal changes in adolescents causes their brain to produce sex, stress and growth hormones in abundance. In males, the hormone testosterone is produced ten times more than at any other time in their life. Because the brain is still developing, adolescents who experience extreme stress can develop psychiatric disorders. Stress affects the normal development of the hippocampus in the brain retarding its growth. Scientific research has now provided a biological explanation for some of the irresponsible behavior of teenagers. Other problems that affect their behavior may be caused by social, environmental and genetic problems.

Mental Health

Mental health and substance use disorder are affecting millions of Americans. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the symptoms of behavioral disorders will begin to emerge two to four years before the disorder is present. Preventing behavioral and substance use disorders among our youth is critical to the mental and behavioral health of America. These disorders are the top reason for developing disabilities and are projected to surpass all physical diseases as a major cause of disabilities worldwide. Early intervention has shown to be successful after the first expression of psychosis.

Prevention of substance use

There are measures we can take to help prevent substance use among the youth. Parents should show an interest in their child’s development and talk to them about any problems or concerns they may have. If a child is sad, depressed or having suicidal thoughts he should get immediate professional help. Give your child the love and attention he needs and spend quality time with him. Compliment your child when he succeeds, and encourage him in all his undertakings.

Showing interest and supporting your child’s schoolwork and extracurricular activities is also important. Teach your child how to make good decisions, and offer your advice and support if he needs it. Teach your child the importance of eating nutritious meals, and getting enough sleep and exercise. Keep the dialogue going and let your child know that you will always be there for him. Healthy, happy children are less prone to try drugs or alcohol, especially when they know the dangers of such actions.

It is estimated that substance use alone costs Americans about $600 billion annually, and creates a host of other physical and mental problems. Early intervention in someone’s life, no matter the age, is key to the prevention of substance use disorders. Drug Detox Centers Portland is your ultimate guide to recovery. Just give us a call today at  (971) 930-4338 for information.