Ch. 4 Risk Factors for Drug Abuse

D.A.R.E. -Do you feel that the D.A.R.E. program was effective? - The Center for the Study of Prevention of Violence said that the program was not working. - DARE programs made many adjustments after these findings from the CSPV. - The New DARE program has mixed evaluations, but has the presidents support on the revised program.

-Risk taking is a normal part of development for teenagers. The are numerous factors that explain why: -Biologically based theories -Psychologically based theories -Social and environmental based theories -Biopsychosocial models of risk taking -Drug abuse is just another risk kids take while growing up. -Why do drugs? Relieve boredom, feel good, forget their troubles and relax, have fun, satisfy their curiosity, feel grown up, look cool, show their independence from adults or family, take risks, and ease pain. Theories For the Use of Drugs

What is a Drug? Different Types:

What is Intoxication? -False sense of confidence -Poor judgment -Talkative, emotional -Unsafe risktaking

Why Do Drugs?  Medical reasons  Better performance  Nutritional reasons  Fit in  Lack of supervision  Bored  Frustration  depression

Risk Factors Lack of supervision Bad role model family members, friends, and or neighbors Bad neighborhood Bullying Lack of caring Wants to be left alone Drug availability Lack of interest in activities Protective Factors Parents put KIDS FIRST Healthy friendships Healthy punishment Staying active Empathy and caring Goal, success and future oriented Self-discipline Achievement motivation Factors that could put a child or young adult at risk for drug abuse

The adolescent Brain and Substance Abuse -work in progress -longer development than previously believed -”Pruning” and “Use it or Lose it”

Brain Development -Frontal Lobe -self control,judgement, and emotional reg. -restructured in teen years -Corpus Callosum -intelligence and self awareness -full maturity in twenties

Brain Development Cont. -Prarental Lobes -integration of auditory,visual, and tactile signals -immature until age 16 -Temporal Lobes -emotional maturity -still developing after age 16

Symptoms of Child using Drugs -Withdrawn, depressed, tired and careless of appearance -Suddenly hostile and uncooperative -Relationships with family or friends has deteriorated -No longer doing well in school, grades/attend. dropping -Loss of interest in sports, hobbies, or other fav. activites -Changed eating or sleeping patterns

How to Talk About Drugs to Students -Set Rules -Provide Information -Encourage extra Curricular Activities -Peer Pressure -Side Effects -Drugs are Unacceptable -Long term effects

“As Teachers we are responsible for providing a safe working environment, and help serve as powerful role models.”(Matza,Health Science for Teachers)

Teachers Role Teachers should be aware of various signs that their students are abusing drugs so they can provide help if needed. Early intervention is critical to get students on the right track to overcome drug abuse. Positive alternatives are necessary to prevent drug abuse amongst students.