Under the Influence Drugs and Alcohol abuse among teenagers

Underage Drinking in Wisconsin

Alcohol-related behaviors among high school students 2013 study Center for Disease Control  65.9% had at least one drink of alcohol on one or more days during their life  14.6% had their friends drink of alcohol, other than a few drinks, before age 13.  32.7% had at least one drink of alcohol on one ore more occasions in the past 30 days.  18.4% had five or more drinks of alcohol in a row (binge drinking) in the past 30 days.

Dangers of underage drinking  Violence (homicide, suicide, aggravated assault)  Traffic crashes  Fetal alcohol syndrome  Property crime  Unintentional injury  High-risk sex  Sexual crime  Alcohol poisoning  Lasting health effects  More likely to try illegal drugs During 2012, an estimated 17 traffic fatalities and 383 nonfatal traffic injuries were attributable to driving after underage drinking (in WI)

Risk Factors of developing a drinking problem  Race and ethnicity  Genetics  The presence of mental health disorders  Personality traits  Influence of family and peers  Gender

Teen girls  Among teenage heavy drinkers (those having five or more drinks in a row at least five times in one month), girls are more likely to say that they drink to escape problems or to cope with frustration or anger.  Are more likely to drink because of family problems than because of peer pressure.  Drinking can delay puberty in girls.  Are more likely to have unprotected sex than girls who don’t drink

What drugs are teens doing? Source: drugabuse.gov  Tobacco, Nicotine, e-cigarettes  Marijuana  Opiates (codeine, heroin, and morphine)  Inhalants (glues, aerosol sprays, gasoline, paints, paint thinners)  Club drugs (ecstasy or Molly, date rape drugs)  Methamphetamine (meth, crank, speed)  Hallucinogens (ketamine, LSD, PCP)  Prescription drugs (Valium, Vicodin, OxyContin, cough syrups, and cold pills)  Anabolic steroids  Slimming (alcohol)

Risk factors  Genetics  Temperament and personality  Certain health problems (ADHD, depression, PTSD, or anxiety)  Drug expectations  Early age at first use

How do we know if our teens are using alcohol or drugs? Change in appearance  Less attention paid to dressing and grooming  Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss  Red and glassy eyes and frequent use of eye drops and breath mints Change in behavior  Decreased attendance and performance at school  Loss of interest in school, sports, or other activities  Sneaky behavior, secrecy  Withdrawal from family and friends  New friends and reluctance to introduce them  Lying or stealing

Continued… Change in attitude  Disrespectful behavior  A mood or attitude that is getting worse  Lack of concern about the future

Why are teens drinking and using drugs?  They want to fit in with friends or certain groups  They like the way it makes them feel  They believe it makes them grown up  New risk—seems exciting  Escaping struggles  Their role models  Poor self-esteem and it makes them “cooler”  Media (songs, movies, TV)

What do we do?  Take it seriously  Don’t ignore it  Don’t be afraid to talk about it—early.  Be supportive—NEVER give up on them  Communicate with parents  Be part of their life during recovery  Praise them for little things he/she does well  Be a role model  Share your beliefs  Invite, invite, invite!  Get informed