Substance Abuse

Developmental theories, as discussed previously, seek to describe the psychological, emotional, and perceptual changes people undergo during their life span. As such, these theories attempt to identify key developmental stages and the changes that might occur. For example, the transition to college frequently involves a search to define oneself in the context of the larger world and an interest in both cultural and intellectual exploration. As part of this process, students participate in new social interactions and may be exposed to increased opportunities to participate in substance use and other high-risk behaviors. Developmental theories attempt to provide points which explain healthy and unhealthy behaviors that individuals choose. This week you examine how theories may account for substance abuse in girls and women.

For this Discussion, review the week’s Learning Resources and choose a type of substance abuse (i.e., alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs). Research girls’ and women’s use of the substance and consider how developmental theory accounts for effects of this substance abuse. Also consider theory-based interventions you might apply to these effects.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 the substance abuse you selected. Describe two immediate and two long-term effects of abuse of this substance. Explain how developmental theory accounts for the type of substance abuse you selected in adolescent and adult females. Finally, explain one theory-based intervention that may be used with adolescent or adult females to mitigate the long-term effects you described.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Readings

• The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. (2006). Pathways to substance abuse among girls and women. Women under the influence (pp. 1–17, 203–216). Baltimore, MD: John Hopkins.

• Fang, L., Schinke, S. P., & Cole, K. C. (2009). Underage drinking among young adolescent girls: The role of family processes. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 23(4), 708–714.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Lehavot, K., & Simoni, J. M. (2011). The impact of minority stress on mental health and substance use among sexual minority women. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 79(2), 159–170.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• McCrady, B. S., Epstein, E. E., Cook, S., Jensen, N. K., & Ladd, B. O. (2011). What do women want? Alcohol treatment choices, treatment entry and retention. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 25(3), 521-529.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Patrick, M. E., Schulenberg, J. E., O’Malley, P. M., Maggs, J. L., Kloska, D. D., Johnston, L. D., & Bachman, J. G. (2011). Age-related changes in reasons for using alcohol and marijuana from ages 18 to 30 in a national sample. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 25(2), 330–339.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Squeglia, L. M., Spadoni, A. D., Infante, M. A., Myers, M. G., & Tapert, S. F. (2009). Initiating moderate to heavy alcohol use predicts changes in neuropsychological functioning for adolescent girls and boys. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 23(4), 715–722.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Webb, L. (2009). Counting girls out: A review of suicide among young substance misusers and gender difference implications in the evaluation of risk. Drugs: Education, Prevention & Policy, 16(2), 103–126.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.