Assessment Description:
Research the range of contemporary issues teenagers face today. In a 500-750-word paper, choose one issue (besides teen pregnancy) and discuss its effect on adolescent behavior and overall well-being. Include the following in your submission:
1. Describe the contemporary issue and explain what external stressors are associated with this issue.
(A relevant issue facing adolescents is thoroughly discussed. An explanation of external stressors associated with this issue is well
presented. Insight into adolescent issues and external stressors is demonstrated.) Contemporary Issues and Resources Essay
2. Outline assessment strategies to screen for this issue and external stressors during an assessment for an adolescent patient.
Describe what additional assessment questions you would need to ask and define the ethical parameters regarding what you can
and cannot share with the parent or guardian.
(Strategies to screen for the chosen issue and external stressors during an assessment for an adolescent patient are well
described. The strategies are highly relevant to screening for the issue and external stressors. Additional assessment questions to
ask are presented and relevant. The ethical parameters regarding what cannot be disclosed to the parent or guardian are clearly
presented. The strategies demonstrate insight into assessment development for adolescent issues.)
3. Discuss support options for adolescents encountering external stressors. Include specific support options for the contemporary
issue you presented.
(Support options for adolescents encountering external stressors are thoroughly discussed. Specific support options for the
contemporary issue are described in detail. The support options are relevant for addressing the external stressors, including those
specific to the contemporary issue. The options are well-supported by evidence and rationale.)
Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.
Clear and convincing argument that presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.
You are required to cite a minimum of three peer-reviewed sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice.
Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide,
Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.
BUY A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE
Adolescence: Contemporary Issues and Resources
Adolescence (13 to 17 years of age) is a precarious development period between childhood and adulthood. While it is a stage of immense opportunity when individuals make important decisions, such as career choices, it is also an age of turmoil when they develop very fast and face different risks in the course of development. The changes that occur during this period strategically positions them to face drug and alcohol use as a major problem within the age group. Adolescents who use drugs and alcohol are likely to have serious problems such as lasting legal problems, problems at home, loss of friends, and poor school work. Also, the use can lead to injury or death related to drowning, violence, suicides and car crashes. Moreover, the use increases the risk of STIs and pregnancy from unprotected sex (Hupp, 2018, pp. 138-139). This paper discusses drug and alcohol use as a contemporary problem among adolescent populations.
The contemporary issue & external stressors are associated with this issue.
Alcohol and drug use is a contemporary issue among adolescent populations. Many of them try out alcohol and drugs in their adolescent ages. Some of them try these substances and are able to stop using them, while other try them and continue to use them. The inability to control the cravings and urges once an adolescent starts using drugs and alcohol is understandable since they are developing and do not have much control. At this time, they may try a number of substances to include illegal drugs, over-the-counter and prescription medicines, household chemicals (inhalants), and cigarettes (Zucker & Brown, 2019, p. 77).
Some of the reasons advanced for alcohol and drug use among adolescents include belief that it makes them more grown up, make them feel, and enable them to better fit with a certain group or friends. In addition, adolescents are more curious, and tend to try new things even as they take risks so that they may use drugs and alcohol as a new exciting experience. Besides that, adolescents who have family members using drugs and alcohol are likely to use them. Also, those who feel disconnected from social groups (such as family) are at high risk of use. Furthermore, those with mental health, emotional or self-esteem problems are at increased risk of use (Zucker & Brown, 2019, p. 554).
Assessment strategies to screen for this issue and external stressors during an assessment for an adolescent patient.
Alcohol and drug use among teenagers presents discernible signs to include health complaints, being overly tired, and red eyes that they may try covering up using over-the-counter eye drops. Other signs include chemical-soaked papers and rags indicates vapors inhalations, stains on face, hands and clothing, new friends who have little to no interest in school and family activities, and less interest in school to include skipping school or classes and grades dropping (Essau & Delfabbro, 2020, pp. 153, 256).
In addition to the indicated signs, the adolescents would be assessed through using the CRAFFT screening tool that is specifically designed for assessing adolescent substance abuse. This is a validated substance use screening tool for adolescents between 12 and 21 years of age. Some of the questions asked include history of use and association with persons who use drugs and/or alcohol in the last 12 months. The results of the assessment are scored then interpreted to determine the degree of the problem related to alcohol and substance use as well as suggestion actions (CRAFFT, n.d.).
The questions can be asked in the presence of a guardian with the adolescent fully aware of the what the tool seeks to assess. In addition, the adolescent should be assured of confidentiality and privacy, an expectation that can only be violated if the case details involve mandatory reporting requirements, such as if the adolescent is being abused (Essau & Delfabbro, 2020, p. 413).
Support options for adolescents encountering external stressors
There are four support options that can be implemented to prevent adolescent substance and alcohol use. Firstly, having an awareness of the social groups in which the child is involved, particularly the friends. Having friends who avoid drugs and alcohol can be a good protection. Secondly, regularly talking to the adolescent and offering positive reinforcement can help to improve self-confidence and esteem so that the individual does not use alcohol and drugs as an emotional crutch. Thirdly, presenting rules that give the adolescent a structured life. This includes setting reasonable consequences for bad behaviors and consistently carrying out the consequences. For instance, withholding financial allowance when an adolescent uses drugs or associated with friends who use drugs. Fourthly, ensuring that the adolescent is kept busy with meaningful activities that do not leave time for alcohol and substance use and bad company, such as participation in church and sports programs. Finally, having discussion forums in which the adolescent is informed about the expected behavior towards alcohol and substance abuse as the individual is likely to use them if there is a perception that use would be acquiesced (Monti, Colby & Tevyaw, 2018, p. 291).
References
CRAFFT (n.d.). CRAFFT Screening Tool for Adolescent Substance Abuse. https://www.sunshinehealth.com/content/dam/centene/Sunshine/pdfs/CRAFFT.pdf
Essau, C. A., & Delfabbro, P. (Eds.) (2020). Adolescent Addiction: Epidemiology, Assessment, and Treatment. Academic Press – Elsevier, Inc.
Hupp, S. (Ed.) (2018). Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy: Components of Evidence-Based Treatments for Youth and their Parents. Cambridge University Press.
Monti, P. M., Colby, S. M., & Tevyaw, T.O. (Eds.) (2018). Brief Interventions for Adolescent Alcohol and Substance Abuse. The Guilford Press.
Zucker, R. A., & Brown, S. A. (Eds.) (2019). The Oxford Handbook of Adolescent Substance Abuse. Oxford University Press.