NCJ Number
132355
Journal
Journal of Adolescent Chemical Dependency Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: (1991) Pages: 55-75
Date Published
1991
Length
21 pages
Annotation
Recent research has revealed information on the situations, characteristics, and correlates which render certain adolescents vulnerable to chemical dependency as well as the prevention and treatment strategies that are most effective with young people at risk of dependency.
Abstract
The psychological distress that affects the self-esteem, sense of identity, and academic performance of slow-maturing boys and early-maturing girls has been linked to substance abuse. Cognitive factors that place adolescents at risk include a low sense of well being, poor self-image, high level of anxiety or depression, and a sense of alienation while behavior factors include delinquent or deviant behavior, cigarette smoking, disciplinary problems at school, and antisocial behavior. Adolescents with friends who use drugs and/or a family history of drug use, criminality, alcoholism, and divorce are at higher risk of chemical use. Community based programs, school based treatment, day treatment centers, peer programs, and drug education programs have all had a large measure of success in early intervention and treatment of adolescents at risk of chemical abuse. Special conditions associated with chemical dependency include psychological disorders, conduct disorder, identity disorder, overanxious disorder, avoidant disorder, and attention deficit disorder. 30 references