course materials

1. Discussion: Substance Abuse & Reducing Strategies For Women And
Children
Discussion: Substance Abuse & Reducing Strategies For Women And Children ON
Discussion: Substance Abuse & Reducing Strategies For Women And ChildrenSubstance
AbuseDevelopmental theories, as discussed previously, seek to describe the psychological,
emotional, and perceptual changes people undergo during their life span. As such, these
theories attempt to identify key developmental stages and the changes that might occur. For
example, the transition to college frequently involves a search to define oneself in the
context of the larger world and an interest in both cultural and intellectual exploration. As
part of this process, students participate in new social interactions and may be exposed to
increased opportunities to participate in substance use and other high-risk behaviors.
Developmental theories attempt to provide points which ex plain healthy and unhealthy
behaviors that individuals choose. This week you examine how theories may account for
substance abuse in girls and women. Discussion: Substance Abuse & Reducing Strategies
For Women And ChildrenFor this Discussion, review the week’s Learning Resources and
choose a type of substance abuse (i.e., alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs).
Research girls’ and women’s use of the substance and consider how developmental theory
accounts for effects of this substance abuse. Also consider theory-based interventions you
might apply to these effects. Discussion: Substance Abuse & Reducing Strategies For Women
And ChildrenWith these thoughts in mind:Post by Day 4 the substance abuse you selected.
Describe two immediate and two long-term effects of abuse of this substance. Explain how
developmental theory accounts for the type of substance abuse you selected in adolescent
and adult females. Finally, explain one theory-based intervention that may be used with
adolescent or adult females to mitigate the long-term effects you described. Discussion:
Substance Abuse & Reducing Strategies For Women And ChildrenBe sure to your postings
and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.READINGSThe National
Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. (2006). Pathways to substance abuse among
girls and women. Women under the influence (pp. 1–17, 203–216). Baltimore, MD: John
Hopkins.Fang, L., Schinke, S. P., & Cole, K. C. (2009). Underage drinking among young
adolescent girls: The role of family processes. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 23(4),
708–714.Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.Lehavot, K., & Simoni, J. M. (2011).
The impact of minority stress on mental health and substance use among sexual minority
women. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 79(2), 159–170.Retrieved from the

2. Walden Library databases.McCrady, B. S., Epstein, E. E., Cook, S., Jensen, N. K., & Ladd, B. O.
(2011). What do women want? Alcohol treatment choices, treatment entry and
retention. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 25(3), 521-529.Retrieved from the Walden
Library databases.Patrick, M. E., Schulenberg, J. E., O’Malley, P. M., Maggs, J. L., Kloska, D. D.,
Johnston, L. D., & Bachman, J. G. (2011). Age-related changes in reasons for using alcohol
and marijuana from ages 18 to 30 in a national sample. Psychology of Addictive
Behaviors, 25(2), 330–339.Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.Squeglia, L. M.,
Spadoni, A. D., Infante, M. A., Myers, M. G., & Tapert, S. F. (2009). Initiating moderate to
heavy alcohol use predicts changes in neuropsychological functioning for adolescent girls
and boys. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 23(4), 715–722.Retrieved from the Walden
Library databases.Webb, L. (2009). Counting girls out: A review of suicide among young
substance misusers and gender difference implications in the evaluation of risk. Drugs:
Education, Prevention & Policy, 16(2), 103–126.Retrieved from the Walden Library
databases.