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INTEGRATIVE PROJECT PART 3
Integrative Project Part 3 – Substance Abuse and Adolescents
Alicia Conklin
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
Author Note
Alicia Conklin, aconklin7@liberty.edu
I have no conflicts of interests to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this paper should be addressed to Alicia Conklin 1971
University Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24515. Email: Aconklin7@liberty.edu
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INTEGRATIVE PROJECT PART 3
Overview
Substance abuse disorders are of great concern for our adolescents. In fact, this concerns
is prevalent enough that some have begun to consider it normal development for adolescents to
experiment (Kenny & Dennis, 2019). With an array of causes, substances abused, and
devastating consequences, we have to ask ourselves what do we do? There are many things to
consider when working with adolescents who struggle in this manner of life though. One must
consider the influence of family and friends, religious faith, and the various ethical problems as
well.
Special Considerations
Peer influence is one area to consider when it comes to substance abuse. This is covered
in two different and distinct areas. The first is that of “peer socialization” (Trucco, 2020), which
is a reflection of their choice to change their behavior to reflect that of their peer group. In other
words, they change who they are to “fit in”. The second is “peer selection” (Trucco, 2020), or the
adolescents choosing peers who are similar to themselves. Both can affect the outcome of their
choice to use various substances because there is a drive to adopt the attitudes of the larger
group.
Effective Interventions
There are several psychosocial treatments that can be used to help treat adolescent
substance abuse disorders (SUD). These include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Family-Based therapy (Fadus et al., 2019). Each of these
treatments can be beneficial and has been shown to be effective. We will briefly look at each of
these treatments, as well as include a discussion on how faith and/or religion can also be a
benefit in treating SUDs.
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Working with Parents, Teachers, Clinicians or Other Helping Professionals
When working with adolescents we must take into account the legal and ethical standards
around treating SUDs. Confidentiality is extremely important to building rapport with this group.
A breach of trust with adolescents (or any client in that manner) can cause a stall in treatment, as
they may no longer feel safe with that counselor. For this reason, it is extremely important for a
counselor to stay current on all relevant state laws regarding a minor’s privacy rights (APA,
2005).
Ethical and Legal Issues
This subject goes hand-in-hand with the previous topic as we consider Pennsylvania’s
statutes surrounding adolescent mental health care. Statue 147 of the mental health laws states
that a minor is capable of signing themselves in for outpatient care at the age of 14 (Mental
Health Treatment, 1970/2004). This means that a parent has no right to access their medical
records or stop them from receiving treatment. Adolescents who believe they need professional
help are capable of doing so and have the assurance that their parents do not have to know more
than they are comfortable sharing.
Reference
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