Introduction
Contemporary teenagers are struggling with an array of issues, among which are mental health problems and also substance use. The article highlights the issue of drug abuse by teenagers, which could be one of the things that a nurse at a local school health clinic needs to intervene in. An in-depth examination and investigation of this widespread problem would be critical for understanding the additional stress factors that cause a teenager to abuse substances and for developing nursing interventions as an aid for teenagers fighting this complex issue.
Contemporary Issues and External Stressors
The abuse of substances by teenagers is a severe problem that results from external stressors like peer pressure, academic pressure, family troubles, and expectations of society (Trucco, 2020). To cope with their problems, teenagers may resort to consuming alcohol, cigarettes, or taking illicit drugs in a harmful way. According to Mirlashari et al. (2020), healthcare professionals who are hoping to deal with this issue must understand how complicated those stressors are, as well as why substances are appealing. Understanding the reasons why teenagers misuse alcohol and other drugs can be useful when interventions and support systems are designed to ensure that teens develop positive coping strategies and exercise proactive decision-making in the face of external pressures.
Assessment Tools
Nurses utilize standardized tools, such as the CRAFFT screening tool, which was developed for adolescents and is used to screen adolescent substance abuse. (Gryczynski et al., 2019). This evidence-based instrument makes it possible to identify risky behaviors tied to the consumption of substances. Additionally, nurses can use open-ended questions concerning teenagers’ social life, academics, and emotional health. This is a holistic approach that allows for a more thorough assessment revealing any potential substance abuse problems. Using a validated screening tool along with personalized questions, healthcare practitioners improve their capability of distinguishing the core issues and developing appropriate interventions, which eventually results in developing a deeper understanding of a teenager’s problems regarding substance use.
Establishing a Therapeutic Relationship
According to Mirlashari et al. (2020), creating a therapeutic relationship is an indisputable factor in the success of teenage substance abuse. Nurses should strive to create an environment that provides security and freedom from judgment, which promotes trust and open communication. Active listening that is augmented with empathetic responses helps teenagers to feel truly understood and thus creates a supportive atmosphere in which they feel free to express their concerns. By emphasizing these interpersonal factors, nurses and doctors build bridges between them and adolescents, which makes it easier to have open conversations about substance abuse. Such an approach makes interventions very effective and helps teens face complexities of substance-related issues not only through the scope of treatment but also through better general health.
Legal and Ethical Parameters
Establishing a legal and ethical framework is a key factor in tackling teen substance abuse. According to Gryczynski et al. (2019), protecting the confidentiality of adolescents is paramount in building trust, but there are situations where disclosure to parents or guardians may be required. Situations where the teenager poses an immediate danger to himself or others may demand confidentiality disruption to protect the teenager. Maintaining confidentiality alongside preventing the teenager from any harm is a necessity, indicating the nurse’s duty to act in the best interests of the adolescent and handle possible risks of substance abuse. This careful balance maintains ethical standards and values an individual’s safety and quality of life.
Support Options
Several support options are available for teenagers who are experiencing substance abuse. Counseling adolescents might be a good solution individually and as a group. Moreover, participation in school prevention programs and community support groups can act as a form of ongoing support. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) is a great source of information and help-seeking.
Conclusion
The current teenage drug abuse is a complicated issue affecting many parts of society through internal as well as external stressors. Nurses who work in high school clinics are key players in identifying and mitigating the issue. Appropriate assessment tools, conducting a therapeutic relationship, and addressing legal and ethical issues are some steps in conducting a good care plan. By linking the adolescents to support services, the nurses participate in the general well-being of the adolescent and the family. Solving teenage substance abuse needs a complex and compassionate policy approach that acknowledges the intricate and multi-faceted character of the problem.
References
Trucco, E. M. (2020). A review of psychosocial factors linked to adolescent substance use. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 196, 172969. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172969
Mirlashari, J., Jahanbani, J., & Begjani, J. (2020). Addiction, childhood experiences and nurse’s role in prevention: a qualitative study. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 26(2), 212–218. https://doi.org/10.26719/2020.26.2.212
Gryczynski, J., Mitchell, S. G., Schwartz, R. P., Kelly, S. M., Dušek, K., Monico, L., O’Grady, K. E., Brown, B. S., Oros, M., & Hosler, C. (2019). Disclosure of Adolescent Substance Use in Primary Care: Comparison of Routine Clinical Screening and Anonymous Research Interviews. Journal of Adolescent Health, 64(4), 541–543. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.10.009
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