Drug Abuse

Profile and risk factors

A drug abuser uses different substances to modify their state of mind. This, in turn, causes a person to have problems with other people. They have difficulties working or doing school work. People under the influence of drugs are slowly causing themselves health problems. Some people fail to realize that sharing needles can lead to the spread of HIV and other diseases. Substance abuse contributes to social ills, including crime, accidents, and violence.

Teens in today’s society have come up with so many reasons to use drugs. No reason is good enough to excuse the substance abuse. Some kids want the novelty and excitement of taking drugs, something that flouts authority. (Lakhanpal, 2007) Teens use drugs because they are suffering and they think that using drugs will make them feel better. Mental disorders such as depression, panic disorders, and other problems are also other reasons why teens choose to use drugs.

Lakhanpal, (2007) stated the following: Drug abuse affects all teens, regardless of economic status or race. The risk factors may include:

Poor self-esteem

Poor relationship with family, including parents

Low grades in school

Hostile or defiant behavior

Easily influenced by friends

History of behavioral or emotional problems

Untreated or under treated learning disorders such as: attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Drug use in the family

It is clearly noted that youths are exposed to a number of factors. Some may increase their risk for, or protect them from problems or delinquent behaviors. Teens use drugs because they want to fit in with a certain crowd; they like the way it makes them feel; drugs make them feel more grown up; drugs give them an exciting feeling; and yet they do not realize how bad this could hurt them. Teens with family members who have serious substance abuse are more than likely capable of following the same steps. Teens that do not feel loved by their parents or feel disconnected from their family are also at greater risk.

According to MedicineNet.com (2007) as of 2002, about one-third of 10th graders used marijuana; about 2% had used cocaine; and 3% had used opiates. The dangerous effects of drug use are that these kids decrease their abilities to pay attention. Kids who choose to try drugs at such a young age are more likely to develop a substance abuse problem and more likely to relapse into drug abuse when trying to quit.

Corrections and detentions

The purpose of corrections is to, not only hold the youth accountable for their behavior and actions, but also to provide them with the proper help and education skills, to assist these young kids back to the community. Teens that have fallen on the wrong paths due to drugs have been able to get help in several different types of facilities. There are many rehabilitation facilities for teens and grown adults. Many programs have been formed. Each child’s case is different, therefore, depending on the seriousness of the issue, is what determines which program will be best to go with.

For those who have abused drugs and have committed crimes because of it, they will be sent to a high-security rehabilitation facility. Some teens rebel to the extent of becoming extremely violent; not caring or realizing that others are trying to help. When rehabilitation facilities do not work, the courts tend to take over and place these kids in a detention center or a place that is a lot stricter. Each state has their own style of detention centers and organizations that step up to help where ever possible.

The main goal of these facilities is to help these young children. If they can learn and accept the help that is given, most of these kids will be able to start over and still be young enough where it will not affect their futures. In most cases, rehabilitation treatments are for six to eight months long and then the youth is released. The main goal for these facilities is to successfully return the youths to their families, schools, and communities and in hoped that they do not return.

Due to the severe ness of some kids, a high percent of them do return for a second and third treatment. As with anything else, sometimes these kids do not learn the first time around and need additional help. The juvenile justice system knows how to handle the stubborn groups, although difficult at times, they do their best to help and change these kids for the better.

Juvenile Courts

A juvenile court is authorized to pass judgments for crimes committed by children who have not attained the age of the majority. Crimes committed by children are treated and handled differently than they would if the crime was committed by an adult. The juvenile courts categorize juveniles by three types: those who are charged with criminal conduct; those who are charged with neglect; and