Drugs Throughout Life Stages

Jane Elphingstone, Ed.D

Professor of Health Education

University of Central Arkansas

Objectives

Cite reasons why drugs are more harmful to children and adolescents than adults.

Identify which drugs have the greatest addiction potential.

Examine common drugs of use and abuse at various life stages.

Summarize key effects of drugs on juveniles and women and infer use of information for prevention.

The Brain and Development

By the time a child is 6 years old, it is 90-95% of its adult size!

The brain is not developed until about 21-25 years of age.

Effect of Early Use of Drugs

The younger the brain is when exposed to drugs, the greater the chance of an addiction.

Goal for Prevention

Delay the onset of drug use until the brain is developed!

Drug Addiction Potentials

Opioids 3-7% Alcohol 10-15% Cocaine/

Amphetamines/

Methamphetamines 20-30% Nicotine 50-60% Jeff Georgi, Duke Addictions Program, Duke

University

CDC Target Areas

Infants and Children

Adolescents

Adults

Older Adults

Infants and Children

Prenatal exposure – effect vary according to time of development, type of drug, and amount of drug used.

Infants do not have a developed blood brain barrier until about age 2.

Infants and ChildrenPrenatal Exposure

Prenatal exposure – effect vary according to time of development, type of drug, and amount of drug used.

Infants and ChildrenInfants

Infants do not have a developed blood brain barrier until around the age of two.

Infants and Children Children Most children do not use psychoactive drugs. Around age 9, children begin to experiment

with substance around the home –i.e., inhalants, alcohol, tobacco.

Trends in current use* of inhalants, 1995-2003

Adolescents

Most common drugs of use are alcohol and tobacco.

Alcohol and tobacco are referred to as “gateway drugs”.

Alcohol use before the age of 15 is a powerful predictor of later alcohol and drug problems.

Health Outcomes and Binge Drinking

For people who began before age 13 and continued use:

4 X’s likely to be overweight or obese 3 ½ X’s likely to have HBP when 24 or older

Current, Binge, and Heavy Alcohol Use, by Age: 2003

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

Age in Years

12-13 14-15 16-17 18-20 21-25 26-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65+

Percent Using in Past Month

Current Use (Not Binge)

Heavy Alcohol Use

Binge Use (Not Heavy)

4.5

17.0

31.8

51.5

67.861.7

59.2 59.5 58.6 57.754.0 52.9

46.2

34.4

Cigarette Use among Youths Aged 12 to 17, by Age: 2002 and 2003Percent Using in Past Month

1.7

4.7

8.5

21.9

28.1

1.73.3

8.4

14.1

26.4

20.1

13.6

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

12 13 14 15 16 17

2002

2003

Age in Years, = Significant change 2002 to 2003

Overall Drug Trends (MTF-2003 data) Percentages of youth using illicit drugs is

declining. Alcohol use remains stable. Perceived availability is declining. Increase in perceived risk of regular

marijuana use. Increase in perceived risk of the use of

ecstacy. Decrease in perceived risk of inhalant use.

Working Youth and Drugs

Youth that work more than 20 hours per week are at high risk for substance abuse and injury. (SAMHSA)

Number of youth (ages 16-17) working is increasing.

Young Adults (18-25)

Alcohol is the most common drug of abuse.

Young adults use more illicit drugs than adults over the age of 25.

Adults

Alcohol Prescription Drugs Over the Counter Drugs

Older Adults

Older adults tend to use drugs that help them cope with aging Alcohol Prescription drugs including antidepressants and

tranquilizers Over-the-counter drugs

Women and Drug Abuse

Compared to men, girls and women who use drugs are more likely to: Report faster rates of addiction Experience adverse health consequences from

smoking, drinking, or using drugs. Be depressed and suicidal. Engage in risky sex or be victims of sexual

assault. Have easier access to drugs.

Juveniles and Drug Abuse

Youth using drugs are at greater risk for problems including: Academic difficulties Health related problems (including mental health) Poor peer relationships Involvement with the juvenile justice system Consequences for family members, the

community, and society

Summary

Drugs have a more serious effect on an immature brain than an adult brain.

Some drugs have greater addiction potentials than others.

Drug of use and abuse may vary throughout life stages.