Tackling teen drug use

Research clearly suggests that the prolonged use of methamphetamines can cause brain changes and brain damage.

This is concerning when a recent Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report found that almost one-in-10 Australians aged 14 and over has used methamphetamines known as 'ice,' speed or crystal meth; and of that group, the majority took the drug in conjunction with either alcohol or marijuana.

The question now for researchers is what effect this drug use has on the brain. This is one of the issues that will be discussed at a community lecture, 'Youth, drugs and mental health' to be held in Lecture Theatre 3 at Flinders Medical Centre on Wednesday 30 May at 8 pm.

According to Associate Professor Michael Baigent, senior consultant psychiatrist at Flinders Medical Centre and clinical advisor to beyondblue: the national depression initiative, prolonged heavy use of methamphetamine can have psychological effects and change the way the brain works.

This is particularly concerning for the adolescent brain because of the uneven way it develops: part of the brain craves feel-good 'rewards' at any cost, while the opposing part of the brain that works to avoid risk is under-developed.

'We know that adolescent brains are driven by reward, and younger people often do not have the brain maturity to put the brakes on things,' Dr Baigent said.

Michael said a key concern with prolonged heavy use of methamphetamines was that people could become psychotic and even with lesser use could develop anxiety and depression.

However, the good news is that the majority of adolescents don't have first hand experience of illegal drug use.
'Being a young person is a period of change when you make mistakes - you are anxious about your self image and your ability to socialise. As a parent it is easy to forget what it was like being that age,' says clinical psychologist and the director of Southern CAMHS, Clive Skene.

Clive said drug use was a social and personal issue, and people used drugs for a number of reasons such as a means of escape from an abusive situation.

'There has to be personal accountability when it comes to drug use, but society can create a certain amount of distrust of young people....we have to be careful because every human being is capable of being influenced positively and negatively,' he said.

Clive says drugs can create both physical and psychological damage. 'There are a lot of people who use drugs and as a result are psychologically damaged and it is more than anxiety and depression. They suffer guilt, shame and feelings of worthlessness that can prevent them from moving on with their lives.'

Clive and Michael will speak at the free community lecture. Clive will discuss child and adolescent development, societal pressures facing young people and confronting fears and prejudices towards young people. Michael will discuss the prevalence of drug use, how stimulant drugs work and when they become a problem. The lecture is free and everyone is welcome. Bookings are not required.

For further information please contact Ross Verschoor, Corporate Communications, Flinders Medical Centre on 08 8204 4949