Understanding Psychology

Chapter 4: Adolescence

Student Web Activites

"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 could mean that you can help them recognize the problem. You can use the Internet as a resource of material on adolescent depression and substance abuse. The Web sites below have a guide about helping a friend who has a drug or alcohol abuse problem.

Web sites
A Guide for Teens
Do you know the warning signs a friend might display if he/she has a substance abuse problem? Review this Web site to find out further information.

NIDA for Teens
Discover the facts behind teenage drug abuse by visiting this Web site.

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Activity
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.