“Substance abuse is a problem no one really talks about, abuse and neglect is the number one cause of injury to children in the country. More children die of abuse or neglect than natural causes.”

-Donna Miller-

Substance Abuse in Children

The Direct and indirect effects

of alcohol and other

drugs on children lead to many

adverse health and safety risks

for the child, family, and

community.

Addiction develops from a complexinterplay between the individual, theagent (drugs and alcohol), and theenvironment.

- Behavior, Affect, and Temperament

- Peer Group

- Genetics

- Sex (Gender)

- Community Environment

Protective factors are characteristics withinthe individual, the family, and theenvironment that advance one’s ability toresist adverse outcomes.

Protective factors for the pediatricpopulation include growing up in anurturing home with open communicationwith parents and positive parental support.

Positive self-esteem, self-concept,self-control, assertiveness, socialcompetence, and academicachievement all promote resistanceto drug use.

In addition, regular churchattendance and a sense of moralityhave been shown to be protectiveagainst drug abuse.

Prevention efforts prior to 1970were based on an information-deficit approach. The assumptionwas that children lacked adequateknowledge regarding the effects ofdrug use. Thus, prevention effortsinvolved the dissemination ofinformation.