Adolescent Drug Abuse and Alcoholism: Directions for the School and the Family (From Drug Abuse, P 17-38, 1987, Raymond J Reitz, ed. -- See NCJ-127612)

• NCJ Number: 127614
• Author(s): E Smith
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 22 pages
• Sale Source: Phi Delta Kappa
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Reprinted from Urban Education, V 16, N 3 (October 1981), P 311-332

Annotation

An analysis of the nature and causes of drug abuse among youth accompanies a discussion of treatment approaches and the roles of schools and the community in addressing the problem.

Abstract

The abuse of alcohol and drugs is a general problem that is particularly severe among adolescents and youth, particularly in cities. Family characteristics believed to be contributing factors include the emotional unavailability of parents, negative communication patterns, lack of consistent limits on children's behavior, and difficulty in expressing anger. Having a drug-abusing parent is also believed to be related to youthful drug abuse. Treatment models include punitive, medical-psychiatric, communal, religious, chemotherapeutic, and community-based approaches. Prevention efforts should include workshops on adolescent drug abuse and family dynamics. In addition, teachers and school counselors should receive training related to drug abuse prevention and recognition. Schools should also recognize that scare tactics have little influence and should include primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention in their efforts. 44 references