Developing Personal and Social Life Skills to Protect Children and Youth From Substance Addiction

Abstract

This article focuses on life skills training within the scope of substance abuse prevention programs. The paper clarifies prevention programs and their importance withing the scope of teaching life skills to children and youth. Life skills, and life skills training programs and approaches specifically related to addiction prevention in America and Turkey are briefly covered. This paper presents an extensive and in-depth literature review of the information from pertinent documentation related to substance abuse, life skills, life skills training and the effective implementation of such programs in a number of countries. Finally, based on the textual analysis, recommendations on life skills education on addiction prevention are offered for application in Northern Cyprus.

Keywords: Substance addiction, prevention programs, life skills, teaching life skills, North Cyprus

Introduction

Substance abuse is a very difficult condition to treat once it becomes habitual. The effort and cost spent in the process (treatment and rehabilitation) to overcome substance abuse is far greater than the amount spent on prevention. The cost, both financial and manpower needed, to create physical spaces for long-term treatments, employing personnel, opening rehabilitation areas, and finding jobs is considerable (Ögel & Barşah, 2007). Two types of prevention methods are generally employed to overcome substance abuse: a) ‘Prevention Activities to Reduce Demand’, b) ‘Prevention Activities to Reduce Supply’ (Availability). As the fight against supply includes the efforts undertaken by security forces and judicial authorities, the scope of this article focuses on the ‘Activities to Reduce the Demand’.

According to the approach implemented in Public Health, prevention steps can be classified as:

• Universal Prevention – Intervention in the General Population: Universal prevention strategies are aimed at the population at large (such as the local community, students at school, entire families). The main purpose of universal prevention is to prevent the risk of substance abuse or to delay abuse by providing all necessary knowledge and skills to target audiences. According to universal prevention, the risk of initiating substance abuse in society is equal for everyone. In this context, the programs prepared without distinguishing the risk group are applied to the entire society.
• Selective Prevention – Intervention with Risky Groups: Selective prevention is undertaken among groups where the risk of substance abuse or addiction disorder may occur. This prevention efforts are applied to individual who are at risk due to their ethnic or social class, or the region they live in. Studies show that the risk of substance abuse increases, especially in groups experiencing social exclusion (young delinquents, school dropouts, truancy, low academic achievement, disciplinary problems at school, homeless, immigrants, having a substance abuser in the family).
• Indicative Prevention – Intervention with Risky Persons: The scope of the determined prevention includes individuals with characteristics that would accelerate the development of substance abuse (such as those who are involved in crime, truancy, exclusion from parents, school and positive peer groups, ADHD, antisocial disorder, suicide attempt) or have displayed early signs of problem substance abuse, but who have not been diagnosed with addiction in terms of clinical criteria. In this case, the individual may or may not have experienced substance abuse; however, this individual is considered high risk due to certain criteria exhibited within the personality structure that may lead to abuse. The purpose of this designated prevention program is not to merely prevent initiation of substance abuse. It also tries to prevent the rapid development of addiction, reduce the frequency of, and/or prevent substance abuse from progressing to more harmful habits such as intravenous administration (Burrow-Sanchez & Hawken 2007).

Apart from these three approaches, environmental strategies can be mentioned. These strategies aim to change the cultural, social, physical and economic environment of individual to make the right choices about substance abuse behavior. This perspective does not look at the problem only in terms of personal characteristics, family and school-based practices but from a wider perspective. Tobacco and alcohol bans, age controls, promotion bans, national rules and regulations regarding substance abuse, as well as taxes can be evaluated within this framework (EMCDDA, 2011).

The US based National Institute on Drug Abuse – NIDA published its first guideline “Preventing Substance Abuse Among Children and Adolescents” in 1997 which was revised in its final form in 2003 where sixteen prevention principles were included based on prevention research. NIDA (2003), which acts as a guide for educators, community leaders and parents, includes the basic principles of substance abuse prevention, explains how to think about it, how plans and choices are made, and at what stages the programs are implemented. An examination of this guideline reveals that substance abuse prevention programs are categorised as:

• All Substance Abuse Prevention Programs for Children and Adolescents,
• Family-Based Substance Abuse Prevention Programs,
• School-Based Prevention Programs with Specific Knowledge and Practice for Each School Level, and
• Community Based Education Programs.

Although these programs are welcome in the fight against substance abuse, some improvements can be made with regard to aspects pertaining to the inclusion of to strengthen the efficacy of the programs. For instance, studies have shown that prevention programs that begin in middle school but do not continue in high school do not produce the desired results. Prevention programs should also include training of trainers. Prevention programs are more effective when they are implemented interactively. For example, peer discussions and psychodrama-based parent games make it easier for children to obtain information about substance abuse and to develop positive attitudes towards abuse. Effective prevention programs that are research-based are more cost-effective (Evcin, 2016).

Research Objective

The objective of this paper is to present pertinent information on life skills approaches and programs and their effective application in several countries to combat substance abuse in several countries and using that information make some recommendations for the application of life skills in North Cyprus.

To this end, an extensive and in-depth textual analysis was made of selected documents pertinent to substance abuse and life skills programs. In essence, the paper presents a detailed literature review of the practice of substance abuse and how proper life skills training programs are utilized to identify at risk children and youth and reduce the chances of risky behaviour by equipping them with the right life skills.

Recommendations on implementing Life Skills Prevention Program in Northern Cyprus

The issue of addiction has afflicted human society for a long time, and as a result, individuals and society have always suffered materially and spiritually (Bazrafshan et al., 2020). The most significant social catastrophe in our nation and one of the four worldwide crises is the drug usage problem, which is intimately tied to other economic and cultural aspects of the nation (Dom et al., 2016). Unfortunately, drug abusers and addict offenders are becoming prevalent in many of the nation's prisons (Khalooei et al., 2016). Additionally, disturbing data on the prevalence of substance abuse in society over the past three decades, particularly among teenagers and young individuals, have been made public (Sohrabi & Moghimi, 2009; Sadock et al., 2011). Statistics show that more than 15% of young individuals in the United States over the age of 15 struggle with addiction (Sadock et al., 2011). The risk of substance usage has escalated in the younger population today, gravely endangering their mental health. According to reports, young individuals in society are susceptible to a range of psychosocial problems and run the danger of abusing drugs and alcohol (Chakravarthy et al., 2013; Dow, & Kelly, 2013; Schulte & Hser, 2013). Unhealthy development conditions, different underlying variables, and special intervention and characteristics—the basis of which is within the family and subsequently in society—are necessary for someone to start using drugs and keep using them. However, a variety of psychological, familial, and biological factors play a role in the field of addiction (Lander et al., 2013). Society needs to pay substantial attention to the development of more effective preventive techniques due to the negative pharmacological, health, socio-economic, and legal impacts of substance abuse (Sohrabi & Moghimi, 2009). Making the correct stress management decisions can enhance one's physical and emotional wellbeing (Bavojdan et al., 2011; Chen & Gilmore et al., 2017). A lack of awareness, difficulty in making decisions, poor judgment, lack of insight, lack of problem-solving abilities, job skills, social and individual skills, and negative self-perceptions are just a few of the cognitive and lifestyle issues that are common among individuals with drug abuse problems. Such individuals often also have poor levels of self-esteem and self-evaluation in terms of their cognitive, behavioral, moral, and family connections (Glenn et al., 2008).

To help overcome risks related to substance abuse, Life Skills training is a highly recommended approach that researchers advise. The word "life skills" refers to a broad range of psychosocial and inter-individual abilities that individuals can employ to make wise decisions, communicate clearly with others, gain comfort in their physical, mental, and social well-being, and successfully meet the demands and obstacles of daily life (Lolaty et al., 2012). In general, life skills training is a thorough program based on research, and it actually influences how individuals can develop the abilities they need to function in daily life. The most crucial ideas in these trainings include building self-awareness, empathy, appropriate communication, decision-making, problem-solving, anger control, and stress-coping techniques (Mohammadkhani & Hahtami, 2011).

However, despite the best intentions, many cases of abuse and relapse are common. Most relapses, according to research, happen during the first six months after quitting professional therapy. Relapse does not, however, have to be a part of the victim’s ongoing narrative. The victim can establish and maintain sobriety after rehab when given the proper, individualized treatment and the necessary life skills for recovery.

The following are the life skills that have been found to be most effective for a long-term recovery:

Recognizing the value of self-care, which includes taking care of oneself and doing what makes one happy, is the first step towards a healthy recovery. This could be keeping one’s home tidy, getting one’s hair done, or doing yoga frequently. One may stay optimistic throughout one’s rehabilitation process by focusing on the things that will make one feel good inside and out.

Healthy routines and habits should be established during the healing process to support self-care. This could entail maintaining good individual hygiene, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, or regularly socializing and attending support groups. This establishes routines that will improve different facets of one’s life as part of one’s therapy program. It is crucial to stick to these routines throughout the recuperation duration to keep on track to recovery.

Routine creation and time management go hand in hand. In the past, procuring drugs, using drugs, or getting clean from drugs probably occupied the majority of one’s time. Establishing a schedule will help one stay on top of the things that matter now that one has control over one’s life again (work, school, mediation, meetings). To avoid becoming a substance abuser, individuals should keep busy with work or leisure activities." Too much "down time" can be a trigger.

peers could have been probably taking drugs and drinking before the therapy started therapy. It is crucial to build stronger relationships with those who will assist in the recovery process. However, particularly among teens and young adults, many substance abusers in recovery experience social anxiety and insecurity. As such, social skills are crucial to the healing process. In recovery, developing social skills can increase self-assurance, self-esteem and make meeting new individuals. Through meetings with support groups and counseling sessions, a sober social network can be created while in treatment.

as without a doubt, substance abuse can have a significant financial impact, this is a "must-have" life skills for individuals in recovery, which can be learned with the correct commitment. It's critical to look for a career that would pay a suitable salary after recovery. For advice on financial management, trusted family members, mentor, a member of the support team, or a sponsor in treatment can be consulted for advice, such as how to budget, control a credit card, and settle debts.

stress and unpleasant feelings are catalysts for substance abuse. Many individuals abuse substances as an escape from their anguish or grief. Learning how to control emotions and stress is crucial to recovery. This entails developing self-control and constructive coping mechanisms to deal with challenging situations. Exercise, meditation, art or music therapy and writing are just a few examples of coping mechanisms. This particular recovery skill set can be developed through a Cognitive Behavioural Treatement (CBT)-based treatment program.

setting goals is a crucial recovery skill to motivate individuals to move ahead. Setting goals gives individuals direction, enhances their sense of value, and inspires them to optimise the fullest potential.

Studies have demonstrated that enhancing life skills, such as coping mechanisms and psychosocial competencies, has a significant positive impact on life circumstances. Individuals’ psychosocial competencies enable them to successfully navigate life's challenges and triumphs. These skills allow individuals to act responsibly and favorably toward other individuals, society and the environment, as well as to maintain their mental health (Mohammadkhani & Hahtami, 2011). According to Bandura, each of the three factors—individual, environment, and behavior—has an impact on the others and is interconnected. According to Bandura's theory of social learning, learning is also an active process based on environmental experience; as a result, during active learning and training, individual and children acquire practical life skills and engage with their surroundings. Therefore, in this kind of training, techniques that encourage individual to actively participate in the development of social skills and interindividual and individual communication are employed (Bandura & Walters, 1977; Ennett et al., 2010; Fryling et al., 2011). Beigi and Shirazi, who studied 32 patients receiving methadone treatment in Shahroud City in 2012 with the goal of determining the effectiveness of life skills training on enhancing their quality of life, revealed that life skills training was effective, indicating that individuals who were trained in life skills, such as effective stress management techniques, decision-making and problem-solving skills, and effective communication skills, significantly improved their quality of life. Additionally, life difficulties were connected to and amplified the contribution of life skills to effective inter-individual communication and the development of problem-based coping mechanisms (Ghodsbin et al., 2013). The effectiveness of these trainings contributes to the decline in smoking, drinking, and substance abuse (Jahanbin et al., 2017; Moshki et al., 2014), to the prevention of violence and delinquency (Matjasko et al., 2012) and to the reduction of suicide (Clarke et al., 2014).

The goal of the life skills training program is to protect against social harm and advance mental wellness. This program's primary goal is to offer possibilities for boosting life skills in addition to professional job skills, and its fundamental premise is based on research on psychological and social harms. Therefore, this study was done to underscore the importance of life skills training in preventing the recurrence of addiction among young individuals since the lack of basic life skills triggers the potential for social harm. The effectiveness of life skills training has been measured on a number of factors. Mahdavi-Haji et al. (2011) looked at how well individuals could control their emotions, improve their quality of life, and be happier. The results of this study show that a life skills training program enhances individuals’ feelings of happiness, enhances their quality of life, and strengthens their capacity to control their emotions (Mohammadkhani & Hahtami, 2011). Mohammadi (2011) found that providing young individuals with these abilities boosts their level of life happiness. Researchers also looked at how life skills training affected students' mental health in a study, and concluded that the experimental group's mental health had been significantly and favourably impacted by these trainings (Jamali et al., 2016).

In general, the following categories can be used to categorize the skills required to prevent relapse in young individuals:

Individuals are aware of both their strengths and flaws (Brody et al., 2016; Zlotnik, & Toglia, 2018).

Individuals understand the situations and feelings of others in a way that allows them to empathize with that individual's circumstances by considering the situation from that individual's point of view (Halpern, 2003; Srivastava, & Das, 2016; Weiner, & Auster, 2007).

This behavior is directly tied to elements like stress and animosity (Blair, 2012; Orth & Wieland, 2006), in tandem with feelings of dissatisfaction (Williams, 2017). Following this kind of excitement, a number of uncontrollable physiological reactions, including elevated blood pressure and heart rate, occur (Jennings et al., 2017; Todd, & Machado, 2019). When rage is unchecked and destructive, it severely impairs one's ability to work, interact with others, and generally live a productive life (Richardson & Halliwell, 2008).

These are techniques that individual can employ to lessen actual stress or improve their capacity to deal with life's challenges; (Ghodsbin et al., 2013).

In order to lessen the negative impacts of stress, individuals must employ effective coping mechanisms in order to be able to handle the demands and problems of life better (Baqutayan, 2011);

Lonely individuals are more likely to fail when faced with challenges; as a result, social assistance from community health and support networks can aid in the management of stress;

Communication is the means by which an individual introduces themselves to others and by which information is exchanged in every social activity. Hence this competency is invaluable in building a network of social support that can be drawn upon to assist an individual when a relapse or the need to abuse substances arise.

It goes without saying that every decision, regardless of how simple or complex it is, puts an individual under some level of stress. As a result, having problem-solving skills is thought to be crucial for coping with stress, minimizing it, and feeling content with the decision-making process (D'zurilla et al., 2003).

Conclusion

This paper has presented via a literature review the issues pertaining to substance abuse and the importance of life skills training to overcome the risks of such abuse by young individuals. Examples of current rehabilitation centers and effective practices being implemented vis life skills programs have also. been covered. Real life examples of the efficacy of such programs in several countries have also been provided to highlight such programs’ tangible benefits. The paper ends with a recommendation for such life skills training to be implemented in North Cyprus. The paper may foster some urgency among relevant government and/or private agencies to implement such programs formally in educational and certain work places to save young individuals from wasting their potential productiveness, which can be a massive loss to the state, the nation, and society.

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