The Effects of Drug Addictions on Juveniles in Houston, Texas


I. Introduction


            Drug addiction has become a perennial problem in the society. It is a condition which is characterized by impulsive drug intakes and cravings despite the negative effects associated with drug use. The addictive nature of these drugs differs depending on the substance and the individual using it. This pervasive phenomenon has evolved with modern practices and easier access to drugs.


Juveniles are not exempted in the exposure to these drugs. In Texas, the increasing availability of drugs such as cocaine was believed to have contributed to the increasing number of teen addiction. The types of drugs that were found to be commonly used by adolescents include cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates and narcotics, marijuana, inhalants and club drugs. A number of personal, emotional and social factors contribute to the propensity of an individual to use these kinds of drugs.  Even so, drug addiction must not be justified by any of this as it is a matter of personal rationale and choice.


            Addiction poses serious consequences not only to the patient but as well as the family and the larger community. Most of the effects are experienced by the individual including the deterioration of the physical and mental health. Also, it causes incalculable emotional suffering to the family. In the community level, increased incidences of crimes are attributed to drug abuse and addiction. While addiction is difficult to battle, there are treatments available depending on the individual’s need for care. Such treatments assist the patient and their families in the transition to a drug free environment and living.


1.1 Drug Addiction


            Drug addiction is a biobehavioral disorder characterized by repeated instances of drug taking. Early clinical researchers have tried to operationalize the term by describing it as a condition of chronic intoxication occurring in opioids and barbiturates users. One of the most common effects observed based on this description is the psychological signs of withdrawal upon the cessation of drug use. Signs of psychological withdrawal have been incorporated with the definition of drug addiction and came to be regarded as the fundamental sign of drug addiction. With such definition, drugs such as cocaine which do not produce significant psychological withdrawal signs were regarded by many as non addicting element. Moreover, the essential characteristic of drug addiction is the existence of frequent drug self ingestion behaviors occurring in manners considered to be “compulsive” or “habitual” which the society consider to produce harmful medical and social effects ().


1.2 Types of Drugs used by Juveniles in Houston Texas


Cocaine/Crack Cocaine. In Texas, cocaine is easily obtained especially in major cities and even in small towns. Cocaine has been cited as the primary problem of people entering drug treatment and rehabilitation centers (‘’, 2007). According to the 2003-2004  () an estimate of 2.4% of Texans age 12 and older have used a form of cocaine during the past year and 0.4% had used crack cocaine. Abusers of this powder cocaine constitute 11% of all admissions to treatment. Among the cocaine admissions, cocaine inhalers are the youngest are likely to be Hispanic with involvement in criminal justice or legal systems (, 2006, ). Cocaine is widely sold on the street as a white powder called the cocaine hydrochloride. Cocaine hydrochloride which is commonly sold in powder form is soluble in water and is absorbed by the nasal mucous membranes. Preferred methods of administration are through intranasal snorting although it can also be taken in orally or intravenously.


Cocaine abuse has been rooted to the drug culture in the United States. The emergence of free base form of cocaine or crack and its availability in the streets has resulted to intense drug abuse and addiction. Converting the cocaine into free base involves the preparation of cocaine in alkaline solution as ammonia or baking soda. The free base is then extracted as volatile solvent.  Cocaine users inhale the vapor when it is extracted. The process of free basing can be performed only by those with free base kits and large quantities of cocaine.


Methamphetamine. Amphetamines are another group of stimulant drugs that cause similar psychological, physiological and behavioral effects. These drugs are related to the neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine also known as adrenaline and non adrenaline. Similar to cocaine, amphetamines has effects ranging from alertness, confidence and increased euphoria, impulsiveness and agitation. There are three primary forms of amphetamines: amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine and methamphetamine.


Methamphetamine is readily available in Texas that activities related to the abuse of this drug have continually grown. This drug is also transported into the state through commercial vehicles. Aside from this, there are also laboratories producing small number of high quality methamphetamine both in the rural and urban areas (‘’, 2007). Most users prefer choose the oral and intravenous administration. But just like cocaine hydrochloride, methamphetamine can be prepared into a smokable form. This smokable version is called ice amphetamine.


Other Opiates. This group of drug does not include heroin but includes opiates such as methadone, codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, dpropoxyphene, hydromorphone morphine, meperidine and opium. In the 2004 surveys of Texas secondary school, 8.3% of students were reported to have drunk codeine cough syrup to get high and 3.3% drank during the past months. A 9% of White and Black students reported lifetime use as well as 9% of Native American Students and 5% of Hispanic students. There were no differences in gender but lifetime use has increased in the grade level from 35 in the 7th grade to 11% to the 12th grade. The results of the 2003-2004 NSDUH revealed that 4.65 of Texans aged 12 and above used pain relievers and 0.3% had ever used Oxycontin for non medical situations. In the metropolitan areas, 5.0% used pain relievers while 0.6% used Oxycontin non medically (, 2006, ).


            Oxycontin is a prescription painkiller used for moderate to high pain relief. The abuse of this substance results to dependence and tolerance. The tolerance leads to higher doses of intake to achieve the same effects. Long terms use of this drug leads to physical dependence and addiction. While the body has adapted to the presence of the drug, withdrawal symptoms occur upon the cessation of intake.


Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug not only in Texas but throughout the United States. It is smoked often in combination with other drugs. When marijuana is smoked, the effects start immediately after the drug entered the brain and last form 1 to 3 hours. If it is consumed with food or drink, the effects are felt more slowly. Within few minutes of marijuana smoking, the heart will start to beta rapidly, the bronchial passages relax and enlarge and the blood vessels in the eyes expand causing them to become red (‘’, 2002). The effects of marijuana to its users are the same as with smokers. This may include cough, acute chest illnesses, and increased risks of respiratory diseases. Lung cancer can also be promoted by continued use of marijuana


            Among the Texans students in 2004 in grades 4-6, 2.5 % have ever used marijuana while 1.7 % reported use during the past school years. In 2005, 42% of Texans high school students in grades 9-12 have ever smoked marijuana and 22% did during the past month. The 2003-2004 NSDUH estimated at least 8.5% of Texans aged 12 and older using marijuana during the past year (, 2006, ).


            Inhalants are groups of diverse chemicals creating fumes and vapors obtainable in gas state that may be inhaled for its intoxicating effects. There are three types of inhalants: volatile solvent, volatile nitrites and anesthetic gases. Most of the commonly abused is the volatile solvent. These solvents are found in various industrial, automotive and household products such as paints, paint thinner, glues, cleaning fluids and automotive fluids. Volatile nitrites are the second type of commonly abused inhalants. They include amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite. The type of drugs is called vasodilators because they dilate or widen the blood vessels which allow more blood flow in the vessels. They cause mild levels of euphoria (, 1994, ).


            The elementary school survey of Texan students found out that 10.5% of students in the 4th to 6th grades had ever use inhalants although 1.6% of them had used it throughout the school year. The use of inhalants reflects a peculiar age pattern which is not observed of other substances. The decrease in usage as students age is related to the fact that inhaler users usually drop out of the school early. Additionally, the Texans survey found out that 8th graders used different kinds of inhalants than those in other grades (, 2006, ).


Club Drugs such as Ecstasy (MDMA), LSD, Ketamine and GHB are also widely available in major cities. Rave parties serve as a venue for distributing Ecstasy clubs and gyms. The Texas secondary schools survey revealed a decrease in the lifetime use of Ecstasy from 8.6% in 2002 to 5.55 in 2004 (). Other readily available harmful drugs are Rophynol and Phencyclidine (PCP). The number of cases involving PCP increased from 102 in 1998 to 189 in 2005. On the other hand, Rophynol which is an illegal drug in the United States have continued to be a problem along the Texas-Mexico border. Students from the border areas were found to be three times more likely to report Rophynol use than those living in other places (, 2006, ).


II. Causes of Drug Addiction as related to behaviors to society, family and self


Peer Pressure. Researches indicate that drug abuse is related with the behavior of fiends especially when the parent supervision is weak. Youths in the inner city areas where feelings of alienation exists often come in contact with drug users who teach them how to use the drug that serves as an answer to their feelings of inadequacy. They join with their peers to learn drug use techniques and to gain social support for their habit.


            Based on empirical researches, the association of a youth to peers who are drug abusers increases the probability for drug abuse. The same is true with adolescent drug abusers who seek friends that are likely to engage in such behaviors. Such associations increased the level of drug abuse. Indeed, peer networks are very influential for long term drug abuse. The feelings they share leads these youths to become deeply involved in the so called dug use subculture. Research indicates that drug users maintain warm relationships to their drug abusing peers who supports their behavior ( & , 2004, ). This lifestyle provides them with activities they enjoy and the opportunity to gain status among their peers.


Family Factors. The relationship between the parents and the adolescents contribute to commonly seen problems of adolescents. Dysfunctional and impaired relationships often triggered problems. Parental rejection, strict parenting, excessive leniency and negligence, inconsistent parenting and overprotection may result to difficulties in communicating and establishing closer relationships (, 1994, ). Studies showed that most of the drug users experienced unhappy childhood characterized by harsh punishments or neglect. It is also common to find drug abusers in families with divorced parents, separated or absent.


            Moreover, social psychologists suggested that drug use patterns may result from the experience of parental drug use. Youths who learn the pleasurable effects of drug use have the tendency to experiment with illegal drugs. For example, gang members from families with history of drug abuse are more likely to use cocaine seriously than other gang members. The observation of drug abuse from the parents is a more significant cause in drug abuse than other family problems ( & , 2004, ).


Genetic Factors. The relation between the parental drug abuse and adolescent behavior may have a genetic basis. Research shows that biological children of alcoholics raised by adoptive parents often develop alcohol problems than their biological children. The genetic basis for drug abuse is also strengthened by the evidence showing that future substance abuse is predictable by behavior exhibited during the age of six years. These traits are independent of peer relations and other environmental factors.


Emotional Problems. Not all drug abusers come form the rural areas. Given this fact, drug abuse was explained across social classes by linking it to emotional problems that may strike regardless of the economic status. Psychodynamic explanations of drug abuse argue that drugs help the youth to express and control their emotions. Psychoanalysts also believed that youth who internalize their problems may use drugs to reduce or appease their feelings. Introvert people may also resort to drug abuse to escape form their inferior feelings. Another view is that adolescents engage in antisocial behaviors such as drug abuse ( & , 2004, ).


            Studies on the characteristics of narcotics users showed the presence of relevant degree of pathology. By testing the personality of the users, it was found out that a significant percentage is suffering from psychotic disorders. Moreover, addicts are suffering from a number of personality disorders including weak ego, frustration tolerance and fantasies of omnipotence. Half of the drug abusers are also found to have antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) which refers to patterns of disregard towards other people.


Problem Behavior Syndrome. For many youths, drug abuse is a problem behavior that occur early in life and remains throughout the course of their life. Youths abuse drugs are found to be maladjusted, emotionally distressed and have many social problems. Deviant behaviors and lifestyles are characterized by the association with delinquent peers, alienation from the dominant values of the society and engagement in delinquent behaviors at an early age. Moreover, those who use drug are less committed to religion, education and spend most of their time with peer activities. They perform poorly in school, drop outs and maintain drug use after leaving the school ( & , 2004, ).


III. Impact of Drug Addiction


            Substance abuse is one of the most challenging problems in the society since the late 1990s. The consequences of drug abuse include chronic health problems, injuries and deaths, psychosocial maladjustment and involvement in criminal activities. Considerable financial expenses also results from the drug abuse that involves health systems, law enforcement and criminal justice system.


            Drug abuse interferes with the development process in children and adolescents. This leads to long term physical, psychological and social consequences. Moreover, youth users are more susceptible in accelerating tolerance and addiction. For a significant number of individuals, problems with drugs are likely to continue through adulthood. Drug abuse affects individuals, families and the systems where they are involved. Such impact can be expressed in financial terms. It was estimated that federal, state and local control policies on substance abuse cost the United States around billion yearly. It can also be expressed in the immeasurable suffering and lost of potentials by those afflicted with drug problems and disorders.


            Drug abuse weakens physical health. For instance, marijuana smoking can cause lung cancer while inhaling solvents damages the central nervous system. Many drugs are toxic when taken excessively that may lead to acute and chronic effects on physical health that leads to permanent disability or even death. It also increases the possibility of acquiring diseases such as HIV, sexually transmitted diseases or trauma caused by accidents while under the influence of drugs (, 1999, ).


            Drug abuse is also associated with a number of mental disorders. Comorbidity is common with one third of individuals suffering from psychiatric disorders have a history of drug abuse. At some cases, the psychiatric disorders develop with the drug abuse. Emotional and behavioral disturbances are also likely to occur with drug problems. Moreover, problems in personality, mood, self esteem, coping mechanisms, behavior and social function are all part of the psychological dysfunction among drug abusers. Abuse of drugs also contributes to distinct psychological representations such as amotivational state for chronic marijuana users (, 1999, ).


             The nutrition of the individual is also compromised with drug abuse. Expensive drugs along with limited financial sources lead the user to buy the drug rather than food. This is true especially with addictive drugs such as opiods. The suppression of food also results to malnutrition. Opioid and stimulant drugs are known as anorexiants but sedatives also have the same effects. Drug induced nausea, vomiting, anorexia and hyperthermia results to severe depletion of fluids, potassium, sodium and chloride.


IV. Treatment/Remedies/Preventive Methods


            Addiction treatment requires a holistic and systematic approach of addressing the physical, psychological and spiritual effects of addiction not only for the patients as well as their families and significant others. Therapies for addiction may include didactic and experiential learning; group, family and individual counseling and participation in groups such as the Alcoholics Anonymous. The treatment may also include addiction education, legal counseling, parental skills and relapse prevention. Each aspect of the treatment must be tailored in meeting the specific needs of the patient and the family members.


            Addiction is far more different from the mere use of drugs in a frequent basis. It is a process involving impairment of the physical, cognitive, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual lives of the addicted individual. Because addiction may impair the several areas of life, the addiction must address all these areas. Addiction treatment services range from basic addiction educations and counseling to intense medical and psychiatric care. These services can be described based on the intense level of care required: (1) outpatient (2) intensive patient (3) inpatient addiction treatment. The levels of care vary according to the type of treatment service available, the intensity of the treatment and the range of treatment options.


            Outpatient treatment requires least intense level of care. It consists of few hours of treatment per week. People suited for this level of care of those employed and have stable social and family environments. On the other hand, intensive outpatient is a moderate to an intense level of care. Compared with the outpatient, it provides several treatments requiring more hours of treatment per week. Intensive outpatient treatment can take the form of partial hospitalization or residential treatment (, 1994, ).


V. Role of Health Professionals


            Health care professionals play a significant role in assisting drug abusers to make the transition from the treatment to the working environment. Similarly, addiction specialist groups such as the American Society of Addiction medicine have important roles in educating the general public and health care professionals about the nature and the treatment of addiction. These groups along with other organizations such as the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence carry the hope that treatment and recovery from addiction is possible.


            Health care professionals even those working in the field of addiction have specific areas of expertise as well as general knowledge in other areas. Physician specialists in addiction medicine must recognize the nee for familiarity with certain pharmacologic principles, knowledge about the specific drugs of abuse and the comprehensive understanding of the processes of addiction, its treatment, relapse and recovery.


VI. General Concerns


            The family is affected significantly by drug abuse. Behavior patterns that accompany addiction such as preoccupation in obtaining drugs, engaging in criminal activities to support the addiction, involvement in dangerous activities, educational underachievement can become a great burden to the family’s emotional and financial resources. Moreover, drug abuse occurring in distressed and dysfunctional families will undermine the coping capabilities of other family members.


            Another major concern is the cost of drug abuse in the community. Drug abuse and crime are strongly associated together especially those highly addictive substances such as cocaine, and heroin. As the addiction develops, individuals dependent on these drugs often turn to crime to obtain the sufficient amount of drugs they need to maintain their addiction. About 75 5 of the prison population have been reported to have been drug abusers and were incarcerated for drug related offenses. Aside from this, addiction increases the risk of being victims to a crime. Drug activities such as selling weaken the foundation of the community by exposing children to drugs and providing them easy access to these substances. Finally, it deprives the community of human resources that may otherwise become helpful in strengthening the vitality of the neighborhood (, 1999, ).


            The serious effects of drug abuse also manifest in the societal level. Drug abusers are likely to perform inefficiently and have higher rates of absenteeism. Ti has been estimated that million are lost by the employers due to lost work hours and poor performances. Additional costs are acquired through employee assistance for addicted workers and insurance use to cover treatments ( , 1999, ). The intervention with adolescents experiencing substance abuse problems has also become a problem to the juvenile justice system. First, there is a growing recognition that the participation of youths in crime is related to their substance abuse. Second, youth crimes are increasing during the recent years mainly because of the youth involvement in drug trafficking activities. Third, national surveys indicate the increasing cases of substance abuse among young people. Of particular is the increase in substance abuse among adolescents with the threat of an epidemic emerging within the next 10 years (, 1999, ). For these reasons, adolescent abuse presents immense challenges to the juvenile justice system


 


 


VII. Conclusion


            Addiction to drugs has been known for centuries. It is assumed that majority of the people have a general idea as to what a drug and what addiction is about. Yet many of them have continued to abuse the use of these substances despite their negative effects. Various studies have provided explanation for the occurrence of drug addiction among individuals. Among the factors attributed to this disorder include the peer pressures, family and genetic factors as well as emotional and behavioral problems. In Texas, a number of drugs have been found to be used even by adolescents. The smuggling of drugs from Mexico is one reason for the easy access and availability of these drugs. For instance the availability of cocaine in the streets and the cheap prices has resulted to intense drug abuse and addiction. Other drugs commonly used in the state are methamphetamine, opiates and narcotics, marijuana, inhalants and club drugs.


            All of these drugs have their unique effects in the individual depending on the dose of intake and administrations. Even so, all of these drugs are the same in undermining the physical, mental and social well being of the individual. Drug addiction can also impact the families of the user due to the changes in their behavioral patterns as well as the emotional and financial suffering. In the community level, drug addiction contributes to the higher rates of crime and decrease in human resources that should have otherwise been used for productive activities. Today various treatments and intervention programs are made available for drug abusers. This can give hope to people who want to free themselves form the destruction of drug addiction.


 


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