Marijuana and Drinking Among Teens

Any social practice that comes along with the use of drugs never ends well especially on the part of the innocent adolescents who only want to fit in or belong. When a teenager assumes such kind of behavior, there is a high likelihood that he or she will get addicted in the end. This possibility poses a threat to that teenagers well-being and success in the future. For instance, in this paper, I shall focus on the case of a sixteen-year-old girl named Denise who begun using marijuana and alcohol since she was fourteen. Currently, she is supposed to be completing her eleventh grade but her addiction has taken a toll on her. She has also begun using heroin and this has prompted her decision to quit school. Despite her mothers quick intervention, Denise is not willing to follow the rehabilitation programs her mother has tried putting her into. Even after the near-death of one of her friends, she still does not wish to stick to the program. This paper shall examine issues regarding addiction and decision-making among addicts as well as how drug treatment programs should be modified to accommodate those in juvenile custody.

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If a drug addict cannot comprehend the dangers that come along with being a drug addict, then they can never make decisions in their right mind. For instance, alcohol tends to cloud ones moral judgment such that one ends up saying whatever it is that comes to mind without even considering the consequences (Esposito-Smythers, et. al 2011, p. 3). Most people do not even remember what happened on a night they were drunk. Such is the behavior that clinical specialists should take into consideration when treating alcohol and drug addicts. In the case of teenagers, the duty of making a decision that will ensure the well-being of a teenage addict should solely be left in the hands of their parents or guardian. No matter how much of an adult a drug addict may be, he or she should never be left to decide on his own (Stein, et.al 2011, p. 12). These practitioners should, therefore, adopt a system that needs to be followed while coming up with the right conclusions regarding a victim of drug addiction.

Currently, the number of teenagers who are discreetly in possession of drugs, either with the intention to distribute or use has grown. It is very hard also to tell if teenagers are actually in possession of drugs because most of them have mastered the art of deceit. It is, however, the duty of the law enforcement sector to apprehend and detain any such persons for their sake as well as that of their peers. By apprehending teenagers in possession of illegal drugs serves them in a great way since they learn from such mistakes and improve their moral standing (Siegel & Welsh, 2014, p. 9). In the case of addicts, the duty of the law enforcement is even greater. Just like every other addict, those caught in possession have a right to fair clinical treatment if they desire it. However, there is a need for collaboration between the two different sectors. To ensure that the desires of all parties involved are met, then the police narcotics units should be willing to cooperate with clinical specialists to ensure the wellbeing of drug addicts (Stein, et.al 2011, p. 13). This way, the prisoners can serve their time as required by the law while still undergoing treatment. The government should be first in line to ensure this strategy is implemented in every correction facility that addicts are sent to so as to promote the well-being of those who desire to undergo rehabilitation programs.

This essay provides a case study that is based on two questions. There is a lot which could be done to reduce the number of teenagers who are becoming addicted. This case study states some of the facts and methods that need to be put into consideration.

References

Esposito-Smythers, C., Spirito, A., Kahler, C. W., Hunt, J., & Monti, P. (2011). Treatment of co-occurring substance abuse and suicidality among adolescents: a randomized trial. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 79(6), 728.

Siegel, L., & Welsh, B. (2014). Juvenile delinquency: Theory, practice, and law. Cengage Learning.

Stein, L. A. R., Lebeau, R., Colby, S. M., Barnett, N. P., Golembeske, C., & Monti, P. M. (2011). Motivational Interviewing for Incarcerated Adolescents: Effects of Depressive Symptoms on Reducing Alcohol and Marijuana Use After Release*. Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, 72(3), 497-506.