Chemical Dependency
Running head: CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY PAPER
Chemical Dependency Paper
Linda D. Miles
University of Phoenix
Child Therapy
MFFC/536
Robert Skaff
October 01, 2008
Chemical Dependency Paper
Chemical Dependency Paper
This paper will discuss Chemical Dependency or Substance Dependency and Substance Abuse in Adolescents; specifically the development, progression and biopsychosocial of dependency and abuse in the adolescent population. The definition of epidemiology and diagnosis will be addressed. Lastly three treatment options including the range of severity will be provided. There is difference between substance abuse and substance dependence. The distinction between the two is characterized by the role they play in a person’s life. Substance dependence is defined in terms of physiological and behavioral symptoms of substance abuse, and substance abuse in terms of social interaction and consequences. (Wikipedia, 2008) Substance abuse refers to the repeated and excessive use of drugs that are illegal or harmful to the individual and causes significant adverse consequences. Symptoms in adolescents who are abusing and using substances include: “failure to meet family or school obligations, interpersonal conflicts, legal problems. Other adverse consequences include accidents or injuries, blackouts and risky sexual behavior.” (Wikipedia, 2008) Substance dependence is when the frequent and repetitive use of drugs becomes habitual and a physical dependence occurs. Substance dependence in adolescents is identifiable by negative physical symptoms, which usually includes tolerance of the drug (requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect) and withdrawal, symptoms experienced when use of the drug is abruptly discontinued. (Wikipedia, 2008)
Adolescents are more venerable than adults to substance abuse due to several developmental factors. Substance abuse can compromise an adolescent’s psychological and social development in
Chemical Dependency Paper
Linda D. Miles
University of Phoenix
Child Therapy
MFFC/536
Robert Skaff
October 01, 2008
Chemical Dependency Paper
Chemical Dependency Paper
This paper will discuss Chemical Dependency or Substance Dependency and Substance Abuse in Adolescents; specifically the development, progression and biopsychosocial of dependency and abuse in the adolescent population. The definition of epidemiology and diagnosis will be addressed. Lastly three treatment options including the range of severity will be provided. There is difference between substance abuse and substance dependence. The distinction between the two is characterized by the role they play in a person’s life. Substance dependence is defined in terms of physiological and behavioral symptoms of substance abuse, and substance abuse in terms of social interaction and consequences. (Wikipedia, 2008) Substance abuse refers to the repeated and excessive use of drugs that are illegal or harmful to the individual and causes significant adverse consequences. Symptoms in adolescents who are abusing and using substances include: “failure to meet family or school obligations, interpersonal conflicts, legal problems. Other adverse consequences include accidents or injuries, blackouts and risky sexual behavior.” (Wikipedia, 2008) Substance dependence is when the frequent and repetitive use of drugs becomes habitual and a physical dependence occurs. Substance dependence in adolescents is identifiable by negative physical symptoms, which usually includes tolerance of the drug (requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect) and withdrawal, symptoms experienced when use of the drug is abruptly discontinued. (Wikipedia, 2008)
Adolescents are more venerable than adults to substance abuse due to several developmental factors. Substance abuse can compromise an adolescent’s psychological and social development in
References: American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-IV-TR) (4th Edition ed.). 1000 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209-3901: American Psychiatric Publishing Brown, T. (2004). Effects of Illegal Drugs Have on Mental Health (1st edition ed.). 15-19 Broadway, London, England E154BQ: Mind Publication. National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (2008). Summary of Findings from the 2007 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. Retrieved September 29, 2008, from http://ncadi.samhsa.gov.org Spear, L. P. (2008, January 26, 2008). Alcohol Effects on Adolescents. Alcohol Health and Research, Vol.4, 287-291. Retrieved September 30, 2008 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (2007, April 2007). Prevalence of Adolescent Alcohol Abuse and Dependence Treatment. Alcohol Treatment and Adolescents, , . Retrieved September 30, 2008, from www,ncadi.samsha.gov Wikipedia (2008, September 8, 2008). Wikipedia Encyclopedia. Retrieved September 27, 2008, from www.wikipedia.org