Evaluations of experience as a counselor on teenagers and substance abuse.

1. Assessing Adolescent Substance Abuse Presented by: Mark Myers LCSW, CADC Myers Counseling Group 300 Memorial drive, suite 200 Crystal lake, Il 60014 (815)308-3368 markm@myerscounseling.com www.myerscounseling.com @myersgroup

2. Information Adolescent presents Information that is observable (paraphernalia found, urinalysis, drop in grades) Information Parents provide Assessing extent of problem Myers Counseling Group Information school provides

3. Assessment is not a one stop process Assessment comprises four important tasks: 1. to aid in the formal diagnosis of the patient's substance abuse problem 2. to establish the severity of the Substance Abuse 3. to guide treatment planning; and 4. to define a baseline of the patient's status, to which his or her future conditions can be compared Myers Counseling Group

5. Allows therapist to step out of role as one defining problem

6. Adolescent and behavior have control over outcome

7. Offers more clarity for all parties involvedMyers Counseling Group

8. Reasons for Detailed Evaluation (Functional Analysis) Important to understand impact of desired effect in use of drug for Functional Analysis. Different effects most likely mean different reason for use. Myers Counseling Group

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11. Why Adolescents Take Drugs? EXPANDED AWARENESS/INSIGHTSOME ADOLESCENTS BELIEVED THAT THEY COULD ACHIEVE GREATER UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THEMSELVES AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT DRUG EFFECT MOTIVE A DESIRE TO PRODUCE A HIGH, A MELLOWNESS, AN EASE WITH FRIENDS, AND A FEELIN G OF GREATER CREATIVITY. DIFFERENT DRUGS PRODUCE DIFFERENT EFFECTS. INCREASE ACTIVITY GOAL IS OBTAIN NEW AND EXCITING EXPERIENCES TO SATISFY CURIOSITY AND FOR THE HIGH THE DRUG CAN BRING. Myers Counseling Group

13. Dysfunctional family

16. Conflicts: Adolescent Developmental Tasks Verses Substance Abuse Myers Counseling Group

17. Addressing Issues After Cessation Of Drug Use Coping skills impacted Addicts stop growing developmentally when addiction sets up. Developmental lags. Hampers individuation, self determination. Difficult to achieve independence. Difficult to understand concept of understanding and making choices when substances are “making choices” for you. Myers Counseling Group Impact on self confidence. Uncertain social status if identified as substance abuser Understanding and internalizing of values of adult society Difficulties in moving from “I” self centered to negotiating world outside.

18. Experimental Learning effects of drugs. No patterns established. Little consequences Social Stage Events tied around use. Use peer initiated Myers Counseling Group Instrumentalearning Learn drugs impact on moods Seeking out effects Habitual Use Using to feel normal

19. Assessment Challenges Developmental factors could be confused with other adolescent issues as substance abuse problems Motivation to quit will be different than adults. Impact on life areas not as significant Adolescent view on life, peers, value system Resistance to authority More benefits seen than costs Reliant on parent observations Co morbidity Myers Counseling Group

21. Risk to selfthers

22. Medical info helpful but usually not a major factor in most assessments unless you are seeing them late in progression of use.

23. Formal assessment tools helpful but not often realistic due to time constraints and finances.

24. Interview itself crucial due to factors mentioned.Myers Counseling Group

25. When assessing why an adolescent is using drugs to cope or provide pleasure and excitement in life, therapists often ask the wrong questions. Instead of asking why drug use is so addicting and reinforcing, perhaps they should ask why the adolescent life is so unreiforcing that he or she is willing to risk it for drug or alcohol use. Until he or she can find a way to meet psychological needs in a more appropriate manner, drug or alcohol abuse will likely to continue. If an individual has few, if any alternative behaviors that bring about such good feelings and peace of mind, the drug takes on greater importance Myers Counseling Group

26. Presented by: Mark Myers LCSW, CADC Myers Counseling Group 300 Memorial drive, suite 200 Crystal lake, Il 60014 markm@myerscounseling.copm www.myerscounseling.com @myersgroup If you are interested in handouts on this presentation, please contact me.