Drug/Alcohol Abuse: Using Technology for Detection and Intervention

iKeepSafe supports the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) mission to prevent alcohol and drug abuse among young people through reducing factors that increase risk, and increasing factors that promote resilience. We endorse their commitment to accomplish prevention through “all levels of  influence: individual, relationship, community, and societal” [1]. We hope to empower parents, educators, and mentors to use technology as a tool for identifying risk and promoting resilience within their own communities.

Alcohol and drug abuse are not only dangerous behaviors themselves, they are risk factors for a host of other high-risk behaviors: sexual violence, dating violence, high-risk sexual activity, suicide, gang involvement, etc.

In a recent study, 43% of high school students reported current use of alcohol, and 25% of high school students reported using alcohol before age thirteen [2]. Awareness for how and why teens use drugs and alcohol is essential for parents and other mentors because reducing risk factors for alcohol/drug abuse will also reduce risk factors for other high-risk behaviors.

Risk Factors: Drug/Alcohol Abuse
The National Institute on Drug Abuse lists the following as risk factors for possible drug/alcohol abuse:

• Association with drug-abusing peers.
• Lack of attachment and nurturing by parents or caregivers.
• Ineffective parenting.
• A caregiver who abuses drugs.
• Poor classroom behavior or social skills.
• Academic failure.
• Major transitions (i.e. elementary school to middle school, middle school to high school). [3]

Warning Signs: Drug/Alcohol Abuse
Risk factors indicate a possibility of high-risk behavior. But, if a young person is already abusing drugs and/or alcohol he or she will often exhibit various red-flag behaviors. The CDC and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence list the following as common warning signs for substance abuse:

• School problems, such as higher absence and poor or failing grades.
• Social problems, such as fighting and lack of participation in youth activities.
• Unwanted, unplanned, and unprotected sexual activity.
• Disruption of normal growth and sexual development.
• Memory problems. [4]
• Using drug slang, talking about drugs.
• Poor management of money (i.e., spending large sums of money and asking for money).
• Lethargic or apathetic.
• Mood swings.
• Frequent minor illnesses (headaches, nausea, slight tremors, flu-like symptoms, vomiting, sluggishness). [5]

Alcohol/drug abuse is often revealed online. For example, a 15-year old boy might be tagged in a photo of himself holding a beer. Or, a 14-year old girl might brag about going to a party where drugs and alcohol were being used. In addition, friends might make comments on other friends’ blog posts or social networking sites that indicate drug/alcohol abuse.

Parents, educators, and mentors who are connected both offline and online with young people should carefully watch for warning signs of alcohol/drug abuse. When witnessed, these warning signs should be taken seriously to help young people get the help they need and prevent more serious problems.

Upstander Action

Reduce Risk Factors
Ensure at-risk youth have as much support as possible in their family, school, and community. Encourage at-risk youth to engage with positive activities and peer groups.

Identify youth experiencing difficult transitions—encourage them to talk about their fears and concerns.

Increase Factors for Prevention
Young people are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol if their parents are involved in the discussion [6]. Encourage parents to openly discuss the dangers and risks of drug/alcohol abuse with their children. Support this discussion in schools and other community events.

When appropriate, connect with young people online. If you suspect risk factors, or encounter alcohol/drug abuse warning signs—intervene. You can help young people get the help they need—whether it be parental involvement, counselling, or peer support.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010, August 24). Suicide: Prevention Strategies. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/suicide/prevention.html
2. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2009, August 13). Alcohol. Retrieved from: http://www.4parents.gov/sexrisky/risky/alcohol_drugs_tobacco/alcohol.html
3. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Preventing Drug Abuse Among Children and Adolescents. Retrieved from: http://www.nida.nih.gov/prevention/risk.html
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010, July 20). Alcohol and Public Health Fact Sheets. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm
5. National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the San Fernando, Valley, Inc. (n.d.).  Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Symptoms of Adolescents. Retrieved from: http://www.ncadd-sfv.org/symptoms/teen_symptoms.html
6. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2010, May 28). Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco. Retrieved from: http://www.4parents.gov/sexrisky/risky/alcohol_drugs_tobacco/alcohol_drugs_tobacco.html