Self-Medicating to Sustain

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Self-Medicating to Sustain

Experimentation with drugs and alcohol is common among adolescents. While many stop before using drugs becomes a problem, others cannot ignore the attraction and may develop a dependency. Generally, these adolescents have certain risk factors that make them more susceptible for drug problems, including those who have a family history of addiction, are depressed, have low self-esteem, or feel like an outsider (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2011). These are the adolescents that may use drugs and alcohol to cope with their daily stressors, pains, and traumas, also known as self-medicating.

In 2009, 8 percent of children and adolescents ages 12-17 had major depression, and twice as many females in this age range were diagnosed with depression than males (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2010). Researchers have been studying the relationship between substance abuse and mood disorders for years. For example, some have said that adolescent cigarette smoking is associated with depression (Audrain-McGovern, Rodriguez, & Kassel, 2009). Do you think mood disorders lead to the substance abuse, or does the substance abuse lead to the mood disorder?

For this Discussion, select depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Consider the relationship between substance abuse in adolescents and the disorder you selected.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 the disorder you selected.

1.Explain the relationship between the disorder and the potential for adolescent substance use.

2.Then provide an example of when an adolescent with the disorder might use substances to self-medicate and explain why.

3.Finally, provide one suggestion for how families might support adolescents in refraining from using substances to self-medicate.

Support your responses with the Learning Resources and current literature.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.