Teenage Drug Use in the United States

This paper addresses the problem of drug use among teenagers and examines the various facets of drug prevention and intervention programs. First the paper outlines the problem of drug use among teenagers. Then, the paper discusses the two types of programs. Next, the paper discusses various elements of peer prevention programs. Finally, the paper discusses which drug prevention strategy is most effective.

Teenage drug use is a significant problem in the United States. Research shows that "well over one-half of American high school seniors have tried an illicit drug, and over one-third have used an illicit drug other than marijuana; nearly one in six seniors has tried cocaine." (Milhorn, Jr.,1994,, 3). Another alarming statistic is that the age of 12 or 13 marks the first time a person has used alcohol or an illicit drug (Milhorn, Jr., 1994, 3). Thus, prevention and treatment of drug use is an important part of ensuring healthy development among teenagers.

One of the dangers of drug use is addiction. Beginning in adolescence, drug use "often progresses from nicotine to the use of alcohol and illicit drugs." (Milhorn, Jr.,1994, 6) Addiction is marked by a "loss of control" where the teenager no longer has any power to stop his/her drug use. (Milhorn, Jr.,1994,6) Thus, drug addiction must be treated before it reaches the stage where the teenager loses self-control. This is precisely the reason why drug preventio

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weaknesses in the structure and behavior of families (Milhorn, Jr.,1994, 56). The socialization deficit can be corrected by helping adolescents develop necessary skills to prevent drug use. These programs recognize that families are a major socialization agent and as such are the locus where adolescents learn "self-control, self-motivation and self-discipline." (Milhorn, Jr., 1994, 56). Parental modeling refers to the idea that children learn behaviors from their parents and aims to improve parental behavior. Social control refers to the concept that parents must exercise some control and take responsibility for their children's drug use. Programs that focus on peer groups consider three factors: conformity, peer modeling and peer influence. The aspect concerning conformity and peer influences aims to help adolescents resist the influence of peer pressure to use drugs. Peer modeling aims to introduce adolescents to positive role models (Milhorn, Jr.,1994, 57). Programs that focus on schools emphasize deterrence and aim to correct lack of knowledge about drugs. Programs that focus on the community address availability, the social climate and social bonding. These programs aim to make drugs less available, increase social
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Approximate Word count = 1378
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)