Substance Abuse Prevention Programs for Teens

There are approaches frequently used to prevent adolescent substance use and abuse, including school-based prevention programs usually provide drug and alcohol education and interpersonal and behavior skills training.

Community-based prevention programs usually involve the media and are aimed for parents and community groups; and programs such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) are the most well known community-based programs.

Family-focused prevention programs involve parent training, family skills training, children's social skills training, and family self-help groups. Research literature available suggests that components of family-focused prevention programs have decreased the use of alcohol and drugs in older children and improved effectiveness of parenting skills that favorably affected their children's risk factors.

The following are the most common behaviors that indicate an individual is having a problem with substance abuse. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:/P>

• getting high on drugs or getting intoxicated (drunk) on a regular basis
• lying, especially about how much they are using or drinking
• avoiding friends and family members
• giving up activities they used to enjoy such as sports or spending time with non-using friends
• talking a lot about using drugs or alcohol
• believing they need to use or drink in order to have fun
• pressuring others to use or drink
• getting in trouble with the law
• taking risks, such as sexual risks or driving under the influence of a substance
• work performance suffers due to substance abuse before, after, or during working or business hours
• missing work due to substance use
• depressed, hopeless, or suicidal feelings

The symptoms of substance abuse may resemble other medical problems or psychiatric conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Src: medicalcenter.osu.edu

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