According to current statistics released by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, “In the United States in 2011, there were approximately 25.1 million adolescents aged between 12 and 17. last year, more than a quarter of adolescents drank alcohol, about a fifth used an illicit drug, and nearly an eighth smoked cigarettes” (“A Day in the Life of American Adolescents,” 2013, para. 1). Substance abuse is the most serious problem among adolescents. Some are experimenting, but some teens may become addicted to a particular substance. If you become addicted to a substance as a teenager, it could be detrimental to your future health and success as an adult. Spear (2003) stated in an article entitled Alcohol's Effects on Adolescents, if a child begins drinking in the teenage years the likelihood of alcoholism as an adult is much greater. (slide #3) As a nurse working on an inpatient adult chemical addiction/behavioral health unit, most of my alcohol-dependent patients report starting drinking during adolescence. As they are currently my patients, they are still struggling with addiction, even though it may have been many years after they took their first sip. I believe it is important to reach out to adolescents and educate and inform them about the implications that may occur if they introduce substances into their lives. This topic should be discussed with adolescents in all areas of their lives: at home, at school, during extracurricular activities and in youth groups. Reinforcement from multiple people/guardians can have a lasting effect on the child. (slide #4) The impact of alcohol on a growing child is profound. Many physiological changes occur during adolescence (12-17 years). At this age, the child... half of the paper... interferes with his daily life. Ineffectively Addressing Substance Abuse 1. Assess the patient's daily behaviors and patterns2. Allow the patient to verbalize experiences with drugs and alcohol 1. Identify whether the patient suffers from substance abuse2. Identify whether the patient needs therapy, counseling, or rehabilitation services (slide #9) I have found Erik Erikson's theory of stages of psychosocial development to be a useful tool as a nurse creating a treatment plan for a particular patient. His theories provide good insight into how a teenager might view their life and how their behaviors will reflect a healthy path to becoming an adult. Most children at this age need reassurance, as they are going through multiple changes with their bodies, their environment, and their responsibilities. It is important to properly guide and educate this age group.