THE SOCIAL “SIDE” OF ADOLESCENT DRUG ADDICTION GONCA POLAT ULUOCAK BAŞKENT UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

What comes to mind when you see or hear the word "drug"?

WHAT IS ADDICTION? Drug addiction involves compulsively seeking to use a substance, regardless of the potentially negative social, psychological and physical consequences.

DSM DIAGNOSIS (Substance Dependence) Three (or more) of the following, occurring any time in the same 12- month period: 1. Tolerance 2. Withdrawal 3. Larger amounts of substance taken 4. Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use. 5. Time spent in activities to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects. 6. Reduced social, occupational, recreational activities 7. Continuation of substance use despite harmful effects

The Types of Drugs What are examples of drugs used in your area?

The Types of Drugs Alcohol Cigarette (Nicotine) Opiats (heroin, morphine, codein) Hallucinogens (LSD) Stimulants (Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, cocain, ecstacy Cannibis Hypnosedatives (Benzodiazepines) Inhalants (Bally, Thinner)

ADOLESCENT DRUG USE WHO: Adolescence is a period between the ages Adolescence is a stage of searching; Searching for identity.. Searching for joy... Searching for excitement… Searching for difference… Searching for independence……

ADOLESCENT-ADULT DRUG USE STAGES (PROCESS) EFFECTS SOCIAL FACTORS

CAUSES OF ADDICTION 1. Adolescent development (biological and psychological) 2. Mental illness 3. Environmental chaos 4. Widespread availability of drugs

CHARACTERISTICS OF ADU Curiosity Family and friends are important factors for either risk or protection Many of them use polydrugs; different drugs together Many of them give up, with the support of their families, usually before adulthood.

MYTHS ABOUT DU/DA Drug addiction occurs as a result of free will. You choose to become addicted. Drug addiction happens in people who have a ‘weak’ character or lack self-discipline Marijuana is not addicting People who carry on taking drugs after treatment are a waste of time and will never beat their addiction

TRADITIONAL-ALTERNATIVE FRAMEWORKS Health Legal (Physiological)(Crime) Psychological PROBLEM DRUG USE

Social Health Legal Psychological

Social Dimension The social risk and protective factors of addiction; The social rehabilitation dimension of the treatment The social reintegration process after treatment.

Social Reintegration EMCDDA: Any integrative efforts for drug users in the community Education (which includes training), Housing Employment

Recovery will occur only if; Abstinence has more to offer than addiction Find a purpose in their drug-free lives Meaningful roles and activities that offer them self-respect and pride New daily routines that do not involve criminal activities Access to a decent income, adequate housing, employment opportunities; family relationships and being connected to community networks.

Social Exclusion Exclusion of a person-or a group- from normal activities and decision making processes of the society Not integrated with the society’s economic, social, law and cultural sub-systems

According to a research in Turkey (Ogel,2005) Unemplyed Poor Have problem in social relations Steals Can easily lie Agressive Lack of capacity to struggle with problems Shy and fearful Lack of self confidence Sensitive and kind Weak and ill

Results of Stigma&Exclusion ¼ of drug users are not employed or promoted. Even they are ex-users, most of them are not having the job if they tell their story. They are obliged to work without insurance in some cases Young people using drugs are not able to take grants or benefit the educational programs. In USA some states restrict their social assistance to the young drug users. (Even the intention behind is to decrease drug use, it stil is a disciriminatory practice). An important amount of drug users are not able to receive treatment because of not having insurance or can not afford the costs. 1/10 drug users are feeling ashamed to be under drug treatment

Attitudes Drug user adolescents are; Patient for the doctor, Insane for the psychiatrists, Sinful, for the religious people, “Bad Child” of the family Problem student for the teacher Problem for the whole society

Attitudes of Health Care Workers face stigma and discrimination controllable stigma’ More contact brings more understanding….

Activity

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