Substance Abuse Flashcards
How many high school seniors have reported using an illicit drug at least once?
1/2
How many high school seniors report having been drunk within the past month?
1/3
What OTC drug are students abusing?
Dextromethorphan (cough medicine)
What type of drug are students using now with increased frequency?
Prescription (oxycodone)
True or False: Use of more than one drug is more common than single use drug in kids?
True
True or False: The earlier a child starts using a drug, the more likely it is that they will develop dependency
True
What is he most common substance of abuse by young people?
Alcohol
What is the most common illicit drug used by young people?
Marijuana
True or False: More ER visits are due to the ill effects of marijuana (and/or drugs that might be mixed with it) than for alcohol
True
Name 12 risk factors for drug abuse
- Low self esteem/poor coping skills
- Alienation from conventional norms
- Homosexuality
- Use of performance-enhancing drugs
- Parental use/abuse of drugs
- Child abuse
- Inconsistent parenting
- Drug use among close friends
- Early academic failure
- Disconnect from family/school/community
- Early behavior problems (ADHD/ODD/Moos and disruptive behavior disorders)
- Depression, conduct disorders, antisocial personality disorders
True or False: Studies show that the media plays a powerful role in influencing adolescent behaviors related to alcohol and tobacco
True
True or False: Parents should be encouraged to discuss and help their teenagers understand the circumstances under which they will be pressured to try drugs
True
How should a pediatrician approach talking about drug use?
Open-ended questions asked in confidence
Ask about attitude in general regarding drug/alcohol use
Why should casual use of drugs/alcohol not be dismissed?
The transition from casual use to dependence may occur more quickly in adolescents than adults
What is a red flag to substance abuse?
Declining school performance
What psychiatric comorbidity is common in kids who use drugs?
Conduct disorder
What happens with psychiatric disorders after drug use?
Usually worsens after onset of drug use (and often precedes use of drugs)
True or False: Kids with ADHD who are appropriately treated are less likely to abuse drugs that those who aren’t treated
True
True or False: Drug abuse can mimic and worsen psychiatric disorders
True
*Alcohol/cocaine can induce depression or depression can lead to substance abuse
True or False: Alcohol and drug use can cause psychosis or mimic anxiety disorders
True
There is a higher likelihood of what type of trauma in kids who are abusing drugs?
Physcial
What is one of the strongest predictors of substance use?
Hanging around peers who use substances
Do urine drug screens have high sensitivity or specificity?
Sensitivity
What time frame to urine drug screens reflect?
Substance use within the previous 48 hours
How long can marijuana be detected in a urine drug screen for?
Several weeks
What 2 things impact the validity of drug tests?
- Urine specific gravity
2. Creatinine concentration
What are positive urine tox screens confirmed by?
Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry
What other factors are important in identifying besides which drugs are being used by teens?
- How often
2. Context within which they are being used
True or False: Obtaining information from the school and/or law enforcement is considered appropriate when dealing with teen drug use
True
How should urine drug screen specimens be collected?
Under direct observation
What is one exception to strict confidentiality with regards to drug abuse?
If adolescent is at risk of harming themselves or others
Who is expected to track progress when an adolescent is placed into a drug treatment program?
The pediatrician
True or False: Random drug screening isn’t recommended
True- If parents are requesting and teen is refusing, you should do a good H&P to address risks and concerns
If parents are requesting a random drug test for their child, what might be something to ask when doing history?
Parents for their mental health and drug use history
What is important to remember for any overdose victim?
Consider multiple drugs or potential combination of drugs from what is reported to you
What is one of the most commonly used drugs by adolescents?
Inhalants
Name commonly used inhalants
- Volatile hydrocarbons: Paint thinner, gasoline, cleaning fluids, aerosols, lighter fluid, organic solvents, glue, spray paint
- Nitrite compounds: Nitrous oxide, amyl nitrate
How do you inhale an aerosol?
Spray into a bag and then inhale from the bag
How do you inhale a liquid?
Pour onto a rag, then place it against the nose/mouth
What are the immediate effects of inhalant abuse?
Decreased inhibition, short-lived drowsiness/lightheadedness leading to ataxia and disorientation
How long does it take to feel the effects of inhalants and how long to the effects last?
Effects noticed within seconds and last 5-15 minutes (makes drug testing very hard)
What are some exam findings in someone who abused inhalants?
- Sluggish pupillary responses
- Bradycardia
- “Glue-sniffer’s rash” around nose and mouth
What are findings with inhalant intoxication?
Generalized muscle weakness, confusion, hallucinations, ataxia, delirium, nystagmus, and/or lack of coordination
True or False: You can have a hangover from inhalant intoxication
True (similar to alcohol hangover)
Which groups is inhalant use more common in?
Lower SE groups, Hispanic, Native American
What can repeated use of inhalants lead to?
Psychosis, dementia, bone marrow suppression
Name 3 fatal effects of inhalants
- Asphyxia
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Aspiration
What is the most common fatal complication of inhalant use?
Cardiac arrhythmia
How will an adolescent who is high from inhalant use present?
Mental status changes, but head CT and urine tox will be negative
What 2 substances might inhalant intoxication present similarly to?
- Alcohol (agitation/ataxia)
2. PCP
What are 2 potential clues for inhalant intoxication versus alcohol or PCP?
- Negative tox screen
2. Abnormal smell on their breath
What 3 things can long-term use of inhalants lead to?
- Liver/kidney damage
- Encephalopathy
- Hematologic aberrations`
What problem can gasoline sniffers develop?
Lead toxicity
How many high school seniors have reported using marijuana at some point?
Close to half
What % of high school seniors report using marijuana daily?
5%
What is the potency of marijuana today compared to in the past?
Much more potent