Reece 1 Lonnie Reece Elizabeth McKinley English 111 Expository Writing March 30, 2014 Juvenile Drug Abuse

A Nationwide Epidemic

Juvenile drug abuse is a serious problem in the United States of which is becoming more prevalent. An article in Time Magazine from 2011 states In a new report on drug, alcohol and tobacco use among teens in the U.S., the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University finds that 75% of all high school students have used alcohol, tobacco or either legal or illicit drugs and that 20% of these adolescents are addicted (Park). Notice the study says 75% of all high school students, which proves that the problem is widespread and not just a local issue. Data from the survey conducted also states that there is a link between early substance abuse, and addiction later in life. It says 90% of Americans who are currently addicted started smoking, drinking or using drugs before age 18. A quarter of those who begin using addictive substances at these early ages become addicted as adults, while only one in 25 who start using these substances after age 21 does. (Park). When one takes into consideration the long term effects of this problem, one should determine if it is a problem that is growing and needs to be addressed, or is it a problem that might eventually correct itself? In a perfect world it would take care of itself, but we dont live in a perfect world, now do we. So I believe that we should take every opportunity possible to educate and rehabilitate every individual involved.

Reece 2 Educating our kids at an early age about the perils of a lifetime of substance abuse would play a major role in prevention. If you can prevent it, you wont have to stop it. So as a society we should become more involved in ways to teach more effective methods of prevention. While reading an article on the web, I ran across an interesting statement that said Parents are the strongest influence that children have (HealthyChildren.org). After much thought, I realized this statement was very profound. After all parents are the first teachers their children come into contact with, therefore the first to instill learning skills. So if parents instill morals and family values at an early age, the children should be able to make the right decisions about substance abuse when they are approached with the opportunity. Some would disagree and say A kids going to do, what a kids going to do, Ive heard the saying many times, but I would argue that I have known many children who did abstain from these types of choices because of their parents influence on their lives. I really dont know what makes anyone make the decisions they make, though I do feel parents who are positive influences in their childrens lives stand a better chance at not have to go through the complications of substance abuse problems. While educating our youth will not stop the abuse problem completely, it will go a long way towards preventing it. Another way parents can be a part of prevention is understanding the impact you have on your childrens choices. Parents need to maintain healthy relationships with their children through constant communication, and remember communication is a two way street, talking AND listening. In the same article it says to, Help your child make good choices and good friends. (HealthyChildren.org), which means stay in the loop, being fully aware of whats going on. It also says for parents to help their children learn other ways to say no, without being ashamed of saying it. A child should never feel pressured by anyone if they choose not to join the crowd.

Reece 3 Rehabilitation begins when an individual admits that they have a substance abuse problem. Its the hardest first step that one takes on the road to recovery. In order to receive help for their addictions one must first admit that they have a substance abuse problem. It is hard for any individual to share the fact that their life is not perfect and they have become addicted to something. We all tend to build walls around ourselves and pretend everything is wonderful, whether it is or is not. If one admits they have a problem with addiction, the people who surround the individual should be very supportive and not judgmental. There are many facilities throughout the U.S. that treat substance abuse, but The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) recommends that treatment of substance abuse: be readily available when the addicted person is ready to enroll; be tailored to the complex, multiple and changing needs (for example medical, mental health, social, legal, and family) of each individual; and consider the use of medication treatment when appropriate and include random drug testing. (Sheil). Im sure that other facilities have their own methods as well, and are probably just as effective. While the whole recovery process is taking place it might produce a strain on everyone involved, but not nearly as much of a strain as what they had been going through. Not everyone responds to treatment the same way, some may find it necessary to go to facilities like this and others may be able to find help spiritually. In either situation the important thing is getting help. So in conclusion, I sincerely hope that if you or anyone you know has a problem with substance abuse, you will seek help. With many ways out there, you only need one.

Reece 4 Works Cited Park, A.. N.p.. Web. 30 Mar 2014. <http://healthland.time.com/2011/06/29/teens-and-drugs-riteof-passage-or-recipe-for-addiction/>. . N.p.. Web. 30 Mar 2014. <http://www.healthychildren.org/English/agesstages/teen/substance-abuse/pages/Drug-Abuse-Prevention-Starts-with-Parents.asp&xgt;. Shiel, W.. N.p.. Web. 30 Mar 2014. <http://www.medicinenet.com/teen_drug_abuse/page7.htm