171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
|
 |
December 2005
Mental Health Resource News Brief
How to Help Your Child or Adolescent Resist Substance Use
Almost all youngsters will eventually find themselves in a situation where they must decide whether or not they will experiment
with smoking, drugs or alcohol. While the majority of youth who experiment with substances do not develop a substance use disorder,
even occasional use can have serious consequences with an increased risk of health concerns, mistakes made due to impaired judgment
and motor vehicle accidents. Education about the implications of substance use is critical during the adolescent period. Almost all
substance use begins in adolescence, so delaying initiation of substance use during this time may help future substance related problems,
Parents who smoke place their children at higher risk for smoking. It is important for parents to think about which behaviors they
would like to model for their children. Positive role modeling can be established by parents not smoking cigarettes, smoking bans
at home, and by active participation and monitoring of adolescents.
Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of death nationally and the number one cause of death in South Carolina. Though cigarette
smoking in adolescents has decreased in recent years, most smokers initiate smoking before age 18. This is a major public health
problem, as nearly 16% of 12th graders use cigarettes daily. Early onset psychopathology and use of other substances is robustly
associated with smoking. In most cases, daily smoking is an indicator of nicotine dependence. Clinician and parent assistance for
smoking cessation should start with inquiry, clear advice to quit, assessment of readiness to quit, treatment referral and follow-up
for relapse prevention.
Positive and honest communication between a parent and child is one of the best ways to prevent substance use. Promotion of self-esteem
and avoidance of overly critical feedback can help the child learn to resist the pressure for experimentation. If talking within the
family becomes a problem, then a health professional may be able to help open up the communication. Discussions about and clinical
screening for substance use should be a routine part of health care. It is best to discuss these issues with children before they reach adolescence.
The primary care physician possesses a uniquely important role in the assessment of substance abuse in adolescents. Given the alarming
prevalence of this problem, as well as the potential tragic adverse outcomes, it is imperative that primary care physicians become well
versed in screening and diagnosis.
Clinicians and parents need to be patient as they encourage smoking cessation. Many smokers require multiple attempts to quit before they
quit completely. A smoking cessation study is available for adolescents and young adults through the Neuroscience Division of Psychiatry
by calling 792-BETT (2388).
Stay tuned for next month's newsletter for more tips on alcohol and drug use.
For more information and references for above information please see:
- A Practical Clinical Approach to the Treatment of Nicotine Dependence in Adolescents by Upadhyaya, Deas and Brady, American Academy
of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, September 2005.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Substance Abuse. Tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs: the role of the pediatrician
in prevention and management of substance abuse. Pediatrics 1998; 101:125-8.
- Bright Futures in Practice: Mental Health Tool Kit page 148. www.brightfutures.org.
Please join our peer supervision "Promoting Happy and Healthy Youth" breakfast study group on the third Tuesday of each month in room 377 Rutledge
Tower at 8 a.m. The primary purpose is peer supervision to discuss strategies for addressing mental health issues in medical clinic settings.
Contact spratte@musc.edu or maciasm@musc.edu or call Josie Kirker,
MSW at 876-1507 for additional information.
|
|
Print Version