Learn about alcohol and drug abuse and find out where to find help for children and youth.
Understanding alcohol and drug abuse
We hear a lot about alcohol and drug abuse these days. It is a serious problem for people of all ages. However, what does this mean? What do we mean by "abuse"?
When we talk about alcohol and drug use and abuse, we include all the substances that can alter our thinking, emotions, and perceptions, which we call psychoactive substances.
There is a whole host of drugs, legal and illegal, that can be psychoactive. Legal "drugs" include over-the-counter drugs, such as cough and cold remedies, as well as prescription drugs such as pain relievers (e.g., codeine or OxyContin). Street or illegal drugs include marijuana, MDMA (Ecstasy), cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. Other chemicals that have never been produced for human consumption, such as glue, solvent, and gasoline fumes, are also used to induce a state of euphoria.
Each substance has its effects on the body and mind and carries its risks. Because of the potential harm of some legal substances, such as alcohol and tobacco products, their use is restricted to adults. Illegal drugs will always pose an additional risk because their contents are never fully known. However, even over-the-counter and prescription drugs are dangerous if not taken correctly.
We talk about alcohol and drug abuse when their consumption begins to negatively impact a person's life and interferes with their relationships, activities, and well-being. The negative effects include losing friends, being fired from work or expelled from school, and getting into trouble with the law.
Consumption of alcohol and marijuana
Alcohol and marijuana (cannabis) is the most common substances used by young people and are the most likely to be used in too large quantities. Alcohol is often the first substance to be consumed, and many middle and high school students have taken it at least once. The use of marijuana is also common. From Grades 7 to 12, alcohol and marijuana use becomes more widespread, with alcohol use roughly twice as high as marijuana use. Very few children and adolescents use illegal drugs other than marijuana regularly.
The point is, many young people will "try" drugs and alcohol. Some will become occasional users. Others will have problems; if not right away, it will be long term. Unfortunately, it is difficult to know in advance who will have problems and who will not.
Dangers of alcohol and drug use
Alcohol and drug use is risky at any age, but young people are particularly at risk:
- cause harm to their physical and mental health, both short and long term;
- damage their brain - a teenager's brain is still developing, and alcohol and drug use can adversely affect this important process;
- have accidents, such as collisions, because they take more risk and their judgment, attention, and reflexes are impaired;
- to undergo personality changes, to commit assault (physical and sexual), and to have suicidal behaviors
- poisoning themselves from alcohol or drugs, and dying from them, especially because young people do not yet know their physical limits (excessive alcohol consumption is common among young people);
- have difficulties with their school work and often miss school;
- to isolate themselves because they will have lost their friends or because of the deterioration of family relations;
- to be arrested and imprisoned;
- of addiction, now or later in life.
If you know or think one of your mates is abusing alcohol or drugs, get them to help immediately. It's always best to get help early.
Risk factors
Men are more likely than women to have problems with alcohol or drug use. Other factors linked to an increased risk of problems with alcohol or drug use include the following:
- family history of alcohol or drug use problems
- presence of emotional or mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety
- low self-esteem
- feeling of rejection
- history of trauma or violence.
People with mental health problems can take alcohol or drugs to treat themselves and their symptoms. The consumption of alcohol or drugs can, therefore, sometimes conceal serious mental health problems. Sometimes drug use can cause mental health problems, such as psychosis. When a person has both a mental health problem and a problem related to alcohol or drug use, we are talking about concurrent disorders, which require specific treatment.
Signs of alcohol or drug use
The particular signs depend on the substance taken, but in general, the warning signs may include:
- missing school or work, or dropping grades
- caring less about the school, work, friends, and family
- changes in sleeping and eating habits
- decreased concentration or memory
- keeping secret their activities or their whereabouts
- the excessive need for money - which the person can sometimes meet by stealing money or valuables
- not caring about your appearance and taking care of yourself
- a general loss of motivation
- mood swings, irritability, personality changes
- confrontations and non-respect of the rules
- make a new group of friends who are less connected with home or school.
These signs can be signals of alcohol or drug use, but they can also indicate other problems, such as mental health problems. Regardless, it is important to take this kind of signal seriously. Please don't ignore it.
Treatment and support
Different kinds of services are available to help young people with alcohol or drug problems, depending on where they live and what their problems are.
For many, meeting with a counselor for several sessions is sufficient while continuing their regular school activities. Others will be able to enjoy a day program for a fixed period. A day program includes treatments and small group schoolwork in one location.
If a more intensive approach is needed, there are residential programs where participants stay for the program's duration, ranging from a few weeks to a few months. A few rehabilitation centers provide a positive environment and life skills training during rehabilitation to help participants live independently.
Treatments that include Medication Assisted Treatment or that focus on motivation are often used successfully. Sometimes medication is helpful. These treatments can also include family therapy.