Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Predictors of Adolescent Substance Abuse - Final Hypothesis
One final hypothesis that researchers are beginning to focus on is the theory that drug abusers with comorbid psychopathological disorder, commonly referred to as dual diagnosis, are self-medicating their neurochemical deficiencies or surpluses. This is important in relation to addiction treatment because, "several studies have found adolescents with comorbid psychopathology to be at increased risk of relapse". The self-medication hypothesis (SMH) explains adolescent drug abuse as being motivated by biological need and an unconscious psychological desire to alleviate distressing symptoms. Research on SMH has trickled down to treatment facilities, causing many facilities such as the Betty Ford Center in Palm Desert, Promises in Malibu, and Sober Living By The Sea in Newport Beach, to require every client to undergo an initial psychiatric evaluation upon admittance to determine psychopathology and proper medication management. The hope is that addiction treatment coupled with proper medication will decrease attrition rates and increase positive treatment effects for clients undergoing rehabilitation.
Discussion
The most recent research has focused on the above mentioned areas in an attempt to validate and solidify past research in the area of drug addiction risk factors for youth, while at the same time create hypothesis about what might be done to decrease risk-factors associated with adolescent drug use and drug abuse. Determining risk-factors and generating hypotheses on drug use and abuse are vital steps in vaccinating the "disease" of addiction. Since most drug use begins during the critical time of adolescence, it is imperative academic attention must be focused on this developmental time period if we are to prevent initial drug use, treat drug abuse, and help people maintain their recovery.
Discussion
The most recent research has focused on the above mentioned areas in an attempt to validate and solidify past research in the area of drug addiction risk factors for youth, while at the same time create hypothesis about what might be done to decrease risk-factors associated with adolescent drug use and drug abuse. Determining risk-factors and generating hypotheses on drug use and abuse are vital steps in vaccinating the "disease" of addiction. Since most drug use begins during the critical time of adolescence, it is imperative academic attention must be focused on this developmental time period if we are to prevent initial drug use, treat drug abuse, and help people maintain their recovery.
