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Heavy cocaine use by adolescents.
D E Smith1, R H Schwartz, D M Martin
1Children's Medical Center University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908.
Pediatrics
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Teenagers in rehab reported family conflict, delinquency, and early cocaine use. Most experienced rapid escalation, side effects, and prolonged cravings, often alongside polydrug abuse, highlighting prevention needs.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Adolescent Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Adolescents are a vulnerable population for developing substance use disorders.
- Cocaine use among teenagers presents significant health and social challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the experiences and patterns of cocaine use in adolescent patients undergoing drug rehabilitation.
- To identify associated factors, side effects, and progression of cocaine use in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative study involving interviews with 28 adolescent cocaine users in a rehabilitation program.
- Data collection focused on family history, behavioral issues, onset, progression, side effects, and polydrug use.
Main Results:
- Family conflict was a common precursor (86%), leading to running away and delinquency (stealing 96%, vandalism 57%).
- Early onset (14 years for 21%) rapidly progressed to weekly use (54% within 8 weeks).
- Observed side effects included sleep disturbance (18%) and tolerance (25%), with 93% experiencing craving for up to a month. Polydrug abuse was prevalent (96%).
Conclusions:
- Adolescent cocaine use is strongly linked to family conflict and behavioral problems.
- Rapid escalation, significant side effects, and prolonged withdrawal symptoms are characteristic.
- The high rate of polydrug abuse underscores the complexity of teen substance use, emphasizing the critical need for targeted prevention strategies.