101028: Injection Drug Use Among Youths

About the Course:

The goal of this article is to heighten awareness among social workers and other human service professionals about the use of injection drugs by adolescents and young adults. Although social work and other human service providers possess increasingly greater knowledge and skills in dealing with tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use among adolescents and young adults, they often have limited knowledge of injection drugs such as heroin and cocaine. This article reviews the empirical research on prevalence, hazards, and treatment options for young injection drug users and provides case studies to illustrate key points. The role of professional education is discussed as are implications for research and practice, including early intervention, involvement of family and social networks, street outreach strategies, and the need for services along a continuum of care. COURSE SYLLABUS I. Hazards of Injection Drug Use in Adolescence II. Multiple Risk Factors of Injection Drug Use in Adolescence III. Transition to Injection Drug Use IV. Interventions for Young IDUs V. Implications for Intervention and Treatment

Journal/Publisher:

Families in Society (Alliance for Children and Families)

Publication Date:

2007/ Vol. 88, No. 1

Authors

Sunny Hyucksun Shin, MSW, PhD; Maryann Amodeo, MSW, LICSW, PhD

About the Authors:

School of Social Work, Boston University

School of Social Work, Boston University

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for social workers, counselors, psychologists, nurses and other human services and behavioral health professionals who seek knowledge about injection drug use in youths. It is appropriate for participants with beginning and intermediate levels of knowledge about the topic.

Course Objectives:

1. Heighten awareness among social workers and other human service professionals about the use of injection drugs by adolescents and young adults.

2. Identify implications for research and practice, including early intervention, involvement of family and social networks, street outreach strategies, and the need for services along a continuum of care