Term Paper on "Content Areas"

Term Paper 12 pages (5378 words) Sources: 1+

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Teenage substance abuse

Substance abuse is a serious legal and social problem in American culture that has plagued our society with skyrocketing crime rates and overflowing prison systems. The substances in question include any mind-altering chemicals, including common illegal street drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and designer drugs, just to name a few. Also included are misused legal substances, such as household chemicals or over-the-counter and prescription drugs that are misused for the purpose of achieving mind-altering effects. Of course, alcohol is also included, which is by far and large the most commonly used substance of abuse, excluding perhaps tobacco which is rarely recognized properly as the drug that it is. The inappropriate use of these substances can easily spiral out of control for anyone who gets involved with them, taking control of their lives. When teenagers fall into the habits of substance abuse, the negative and lasting effects can be particularly harmful because of the fragile state of the body and mind during this developmental period.

Although we all want to believe that our teenagers are the "good kids" that would never be involved in substance abuse, the statistics are staggeringly high and all of our teenagers are being affected by substance abuse one way or another. Statistical studies show that seventy percent of all teenagers will try cigarettes, with close to half of them doing so before reaching high school. Cigarettes are considered to be a gateway drug because those who smoke cigarettes are more likely to try other drugs as well. Alcohol is another gateway substance, which has been used by almost all high school students at least once. Both of these are readily accessible with little enforcement of underage laws, and they are considered by popular culture to be cool and passively rebellious. Both alcohol and cigarettes lead to lasting physical damage, causing liver and lung disease and leading to cancer. Alcohol has further dangers, with studies revealing that half of all teenage deaths from drowning, fires, suicide, and even murder are actually related to alcohol and alcohol abuse. As for other illegal substances, some studies show that as many as one third of all high school students have used illicit drugs at least once in the year leading to the time of the study.

Most of the time, a teenager's first experience with alcohol or other drugs is just for fun, often giving in to peer pressure on a dare or to fit in with the other kids. Some teenagers never try drugs, others will try them once or twice and never use them again, while others will occasionally partake in these substances as a social habit. Many teenagers, however, become seriously addicted to the substances, perhaps because of physical or mental predisposition to drug dependency. Teenagers that have a blood relative that is a drug addict or alcoholic may be particularly prone to addiction, or those who have been surrounded by role models that drink heavily or do drugs.

It is important that parents, friends, and school workers are aware of the warning signs of substance abuse. This is a particularly important area for school counselors to approach, educating others so that the community can work as a whole to detect and resolve substance abuse problems. Otherwise unexplained fatigue, headaches, or irritability may be signs that a teenager is dealing with a substance abuse problem. Others may show other behavioral changes, such as disinterest in their friends or other things that used to be important to them. Physical problems that plague abusers may include digestive problems and sleep disorders like insomnia or narcolepsy. Some drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamines, or other stimulants, there may be sudden and drastic weight loss. The teenager on drugs may have trouble with memory or concentration, and they might loose interest in things that were previously of great importance. Mood swings, depression, and social problems are also very common, as they often become isolated from family and friends. Their family and friends will suffer as they watch their loved ones change and become strangers to them, often times having no idea what is happening.

The reason it is so important to counselors to be involved is because they have training in recognizing the warning signs of substance abuse in teenagers as well as the background to approach those involved with sympathy and tactfulness. Drug dependence is treatable, and counselors can help to recommend young people to specific rehabilitation programs and hospitals that can help. When appropriate, getting the teenager evaluated physically and mentally by licensed doctors may help to answer questions about whether or not the teenager is involved in drug use and what kind of assistance would be most appropriate.

Talking to the teenager first is vital, however, in making sure that you are not misinterpreting the situation and making sure they know you care.

All in all, education of teenagers, teachers, parents, and the community as a whole is the only way progress can be made in preventing, recognizing, treating, and putting an end to teenage substance abuse problems.

Teenage pregnancies

It is very difficult to find anyone who works with teenagers that has not had to deal with the issue of teenage pregnancy firsthand. Almost every high school teacher has had a female student struggle with this condition; almost every teen has had a friend or acquaintance be forced into making the taught decisions that accompany a teenage pregnancy. While teenage pregnancies may seem like a recent phenomenon, it is actually our response as a culture that is new, not the pregnancy itself. Historically, the teenage years were the most common time for a woman to begin childbearing, but as Western civilization began changing standards of when childhood actually ended and adulthood began, pregnancy before the legally-defined adult age of 18 became more and more taboo. Today, sex education, over-the-counter and prescription contraception, and fear of STDs such as AIDS have completely changed the face of teenage pregnancy. Other factors such as the abortion debate and women's rights to careers and independence also have a significant role in how individuals and communities will react to a young girl getting pregnant.

Finding out that one is pregnant can be, and often is, a monumentally devastating occasion for today's teenage girl. So many questions have to be answered. Should she keep the baby? Should she terminate the pregnancy? Should she put the baby up for adoption, and if so, should she use an adoption agency or work privately with a loving couple? Should she tell the father... does she even know who the father is? Should he have say in the fate of the child? Should she talk to her parents, her teachers, her friends, or is this a secret that must stay private and hidden? Should any of them have a chance to voice opinions over the situation? If she does not terminate the pregnancy, can she continue attending school? Should she drop out and start working? Can she stay at home, should she move in with the baby's father, should she run away and start a new life where no one will know who she is? Should she just end it all by terminating herself along with the pregnancy so she doesn't have to deal with this horror?

This is an important time for mentors and peers to step in and offer nonjudgmental assistance to the teenager. She needs to know that she is not alone. Many girls are in her situation, and there are support groups made up of experienced professionals and peers alike that can help to ease the worries and assist her in making an educated decision that will best suit her individual circumstances. Not every girl can make the same choice. Some will have families willing to support her decision regardless of the outcome, others are very isolated and have no one to turn to at home. Some have boyfriends that want to take responsibility for the child, while others may not even know who the father of the child is, or not want the father to be involved in the decision making process. Different teenagers will also have varying religious and moral beliefs about what is best for herself and the unborn child, and these must be taken into consideration and approached with sensitivity.

Counselors must be prepared to show the teenager an unbiased view of every possibility. Yes, the girl will likely be the subject of ridicule and harsh gossip if she keeps the baby, and many people will think poorly of her. Yet others will think it is a beautiful and natural process and offer support. It is important under every circumstance to encourage the teenager to continue her education in some way. Even if she decides to carry the child and keep it after it is born, without an education she will find herself lost and unable to support her family in the future. Help her to understand her rights regarding an education, and offer… READ MORE

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