The Importance Of Preventing Substance Abuse Among Adolescents

Educational programs are one of the many primary preventions strategies that are out there for things such as drug abuse among adolescents. However, it is not enough to think that educating adolescents will help aid them in preventing negatives health behaviors or even changing negative health behaviors. Behavioral interventions (aids adolescents with their recovery and increase their skills to withstand drug abuse), family-based approaches (involves family members, parents, and sometimes if necessary friends, to assist variety of problems), recovery support services (community-based setting to help a drug-free lifestyle) (Drugabuse.gov, 2015) are other great programs for adolescents. I believe that in order to truly have the power to effect change on adolescents dealing with drug abuse, we need to look at the environment as well, of each area that is affected by adolescent drug abuse. We also need to use the six levels on spectrum of prevention as a tool to create more effective drug abuse …show more content…
As stated in the article “Advance in Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment”, “Because adolescent and adult drug problems are often manifested differently, it is imperative that treatment programs be designed specifically for adolescents.” (Publichealthnewswire.org) Therefore, it is important that we approach through a behavioral approach, which can help with adolescents that are struggling with drug abuse and are working through recovery. Through behavioral approaches adolescents can participate in several treatments that help the individual by participating in group therapy which provides positive social reinforcement through peer discussion and help with living a drug-free lifestyle. (Publichealthnewswire.org) Also behavioral therapy can be effective in establishing coping skills strategies and using these skills to withstand further