Drug Addictions and Juveniles in Houston Texas

Drug Addiction and Juveniles in Houston, Texas

Houston is the largest city in the state of Texas and just like any state in the United States on of the problems in Texas; particularly in Houston is Drug Addiction and Juveniles.

Drug Rehab and Treatment Facts in Texas

            According to  (2007) the following are the facts regarding drug abuse in the state of Texas:

• In the year 2004, 63.4% of individuals that seek addiction treatment in Texas were male.
• In 2004, 36.6% of individuals that seek addiction treatment were females.
• In 2004, the largest age group admitted into drug rehabilitation in Texas are between the ages of 21-25.
• The second largest group that attended drug rehabilitation in Texas in the year 2004 are between the ages 12-17.
• And 46.4% of individuals that seek for drug treatment in Texas are Caucasians. 

How common is Drug Abuse?

            Abusing drugs in the United States have risen over the past years. According to  (2007) currently about one-third of the American population have tried illegal drugs and more than 6 percent of the population are users or addicts.

Commonly used Drugs

            The most commonly abused drugs according to  are the following:

Cocaine- it is a strong stimulant that could be an addictive substance once an individual smokes it. It could cause heart damage, seizure, stroke or even death.

Marijuana- it is one of the most widely used drugs which can cause memory problems and apathy.

Metemphetamine- it is an addictive stimulant that can cause brain damage and psychosis if utilised in high dosages.

Heroin- a narcotic painkiller usually induced through injection which could expose users to infection and AIDS.

Inhalants- it includes anesthetics, solvents and aerosols. Sniffing inhalants could produce a short-term high however it could permanently damage the brain and the lungs.

Hallucinogens- are unpredictable perception-changing drugs, examples are mescaline and PCP.

Prescription Drugs- it is one of the most abused drugs which could have a negative effect on the patients if abused. If induced in high dosages or combination with alcohol, it can lead to unconsciousness or even death.

Persons that became drug abusers

There are a number of factors that could make a person vulnerable to abuse of drugs and these are:

Genetic Factors- there are some studies that revealed family history could potentially contribute to the development of addiction. According to , an individual with an alcoholic parent will most likely develop addiction to alcohol.

Emotional Distress- an individual that suffers from depression and anxiety will most likely utilise drugs in order to escape the feeling of worthlessness.

Psychiatric Problems- individuals that have serious mental disorder has a 29 percent of substance abuse.

Signs and Symptoms of individual abusing drugs

            According to the  (2007) the following are the possible symptoms of individuals that abuse drugs:

• Sudden changes in the personality
• Severe mood swings.
• Reduced interest in leisurely activities.
• He or she becomes unreliable in the work place or in school.
• There are changes in his or her eating and sleeping habits.
• Reduced interest in hygiene and personal appearance.
• Isolates himself or herself from other people.
• Increased dishonesty.
• Mysterious absences.
• Change in friends.
• His or her behaviour becomes more aggressive.

Effective Treatments for Drug Addiction

            According to the  addiction is a complicated but treatable disorder. The following are effective treatments of addiction:

Medication- it can be used to aid in re-establishing the normal functions of the brain and it also prevents relapse and decrease the cravings for drugs during the process of treatment.

Behavioural Treatments- in this type of treatment the patients are engaged in the treatment process that will change their attitudes and behaviours regarding drug abuse. There are four types of behavioural treatments and these are:

Outpatient Behavioural Treatment- this type of behavioural treatment constitutes various programs for patients who regularly visit clinics and outpatient departments in hospitals.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy- which aids drug users to identify, avoid and cope up with situations wherein they have the probability to abuse drugs.

Multidimensional Family Therapy- it provides the scope of influences of the patterns of drug abuse among adolescents and is developed for adolescent users and their families.

            Motivational Interviewing- it focuses on the ability of individuals to change their attitudes toward drugs and enter treatment.

            Motivational Incentives- it utilises positive reinforcement in order to encourage users from abstaining from drugs.

 

 

Juveniles     

Often times, adolescents that are under the influence of drugs are the ones that commit juvenile crimes. The following are the statistics of juvenile crimes according to the  (2007):

·         89% of the offenders are boys.

·         11% of the offenders are girls.

·         44% were Hispanic.

·         34% were African-Americans.

·         22% were Anglo.

·         34% of the offenders are gang members.

·         40% are identified as individuals eligible for special education.

·         46% of the juveniles are drug users.

·         41% have mental problems.

·         36% of the offenders were neglected and abused by family members.

·         60% came from families with low-incomes.

·         52% of the offenders have family members that commit criminal acts.

·         76% of the juveniles had divorced, separated or single parents.

 Specialised Correctional Treatments for Juveniles

            Juveniles cannot be put in adult jails and they require an intensive and specialised treatment in order to help these juveniles cope up with the situation. The Texas Youth Commission has the following programs for juvenile offenders and these are:

Capital and Serious Violent Offenders-this program helps the juveniles connect their feelings with regards to their violent behaviours and determine alternatives to respond to situations that will be deemed risky in the future.

Sex Offenders- juveniles in this program receive counselling interventions that emphasises on the deviant sexuality of young people, arousal patterns, and sexual fantasies that could be a contributory factor to the sexual abuse of young people.

Chemically Dependent Offenders- the programs that are involved for juveniles that are chemically dependent are education on chemical dependency, individual and group counselling, and training their social and living skills.

Offenders with mental health impairment- the main objective of the programs for this type of juveniles is to treat the basic problem regarding mental health and allow this kind of youth to take control of their behaviour. If the patient is able to accomplish it, he or she will benefit from treatment which emphasises on transforming criminal patterns of behaviours and then reincorporating the juvenile to his or her family and the community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

Get papers by email:
Enter your email address

Delivered by FeedBurner

Your Ad Here

Custom Essay Writing Australia 
Send us your essay instructions. We write it for you.
Only AUD$27 per page.
www.ivythesis.com

Malaysia Essay Writing 
Send us your essay assignment. We write it for you.
Only RM 40/ page.
 www.ivythesis.com

Singapore Essay Assistance 
Have a hard time finishing your assignment.
We write it for you. Only SG$ 25/ page.
 www.ivythesis.com

 

Comments

[family therapy]

I recently came across your blog and have been reading about family therapy. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.