Adolescents with Substance Use Disorder

MICHIGAN

By: Brenna Atkins, Olivia Grover, Ana Macha, Alexis Phillips, Lilly Prall

Introduction

What is Substance Use Disorder?

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a "complex condition in which there is uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences" (American Psychiatric Association). The severity of SUD can vary, depending on the case. Repeated substance use can lead to changes in brain functioning, specifically in areas that relate to judgment, decision-making, learning, memory, and behavior control.

Commonly Addictive Substances:

Opioids

Hallucinogens

Cocaine

Alcohol

Cannabis

Tobacco

Nicotine

Demographics

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines adolescents as individuals in the 10-19 year old age group. As of 2020, nearly 1.6 million U.S. adolescents ranging in age from 12-17 years old met the diagnostic criteria for SUD.

Adolescent males have historically had higher rates of substance abuse, but the gender gap has narrowed over time. In 2020, rates of past-year SUD among 12 to 17 year old males and females had inversed to 5.5% and 7.2% with females at a higher percentage. Regarding racial differences, white adolescents report substance use at rates similar to and sometimes higher than black and Latina adolescents. White adolescents are more likely to use electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and report abusing drugs by 8th-12th grade.

22.9%

of youth have used an electronic vapor product

Source: Ottawa County YAS

24.8%

of area youth believe there is no or slight risk to having five or more alcoholic drinks once or twice a week

Source: Ottawa County YAS

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER

Symptoms (American Psychiatric Association):

Impaired control: the experience of a craving or strong urge to use the substance; desire or failed attempts to cut down or control substance use.
Social problems: substance use causes failure to complete major tasks at work, school or home; social, work or leisure activities may be cut back or given up entirely.
Dangerous use: substance is used in unsafe settings; continued use despite known problems.
Drug effects: tolerance (need for larger amounts to get the same effect); withdrawal symptoms (different for each substance).

Treatment:

The first step is withdrawal management, allowing the substance to leave your body. Healthcare providers may offer medications to help with this process and lessen the effects of withdrawal symptoms. After detox, therapy and medication can be individualized depending on an individual's recovery.

SUD Therapy:

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Contingency Management
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

SUD Medications:

Opioids: Methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone
Alcohol: Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram
Tobacco: A nicotine patch, nasal spray, gum, or lozenge; bupropion or varenicline

This website will follow the oppression adolescents with SUD. Click next on the Social Determinants of Health tab above for more.

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