Psychology: Understanding Psychology: Student Web Activity: Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Adolescence

"My Friend Has A Drug Problem"

Introduction
Do you know someone who is letting alcohol and other drugs control their life? As you learned in this chapter, adolescent feelings of invulnerability and depression can contribute to teen substance abuse. Being a friend to someone who is abusing alcohol and other drugs means that you help them recognize the problem. You can use the Internet as a resource of material on adolescent depression and substance abuse. The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information's Web site has a guide about helping a friend who has a drug or alcohol abuse problem.

Destination Title: A Guide for Teens
Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window. Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips.

Directions

Start at A Guide for Teens Web site.
Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.

Read through the information, and then answer the following questions.

1. What are some of the indications that a person has allowed substance abuse to control his or her life?

2. What serious conditions can develop from substance abuse?

3. What role does denial play in substance abuse?

4. How can you help someone with an abuse problem?

5. Based on what you have learned, imagine two friends who are confronting a substance abuse problem. On a separate sheet of paper, write a short skit using dialogue that convinces the abuser to seek help.