Teens
Teen Drug Abuse and Addiction
Teen drug abuse continues to be a major issue in our society. Recreational use of prescription medications has been growing among teens at an alarming rate. Marijuana, ecstasy, opiates, designer drugs, and other new synthetically manufactured drugs are being introduced to adolescents regularly.
As most of us are aware, adolescence alone, regardless of the involvement of substance abuse, is an extremely challenging and complex transition for young individuals. Exploring and attempting to discover one's identity as an adolescent can be an overwhelming stage in one's life. Physical, emotional, and psychological changes are occurring as the body moves from childhood into adulthood. Facing these transitions without drugs and alcohol can be scary for both the teen and the family, but when drugs and alcohol are added to the mix it is a nightmare.
A Columbia University 2007 comprehensive survey study on high school and middle school children (12 studies over 13 years) found across the spectrum that if children attended drug infested schools they were more likely to quickly buy drugs, use drugs and alcohol, sell drugs, and experiment than those who attended drug free schools. The study also found that students identified the most important problems facing them in this order:
- 24 percent were worried about drugs, alcohol and tobacco
- 19 percent were worried about social pressures
- 16 percent were worried about academic pressures
- 5 percent were worried about crime and violence
(source: http://www.casacolumbia.org/templates/Publications_Reports.aspx#r3)
Peer pressure and environmental distresses are chief influences for an adolescent to become involved with drug or alcohol abuse. Furthermore, it has been clearly documented that children of substance abusing parents are shown to have an increased risk of developing substance abuse issues, due to both genetics and environmental factors.
The brain of the adolescent is young, not fully developed and is quite vulnerable to the alterations produced by drugs and alcohol. Both the adult brain and the adolescent brain are altered by drugs and alcohol. The issues related to adolescents and brain development can cause future psychological and physiological changes.
In the event that drug rehab for an adolescent is needed due to drug or alcohol abuse, it is more than likely that many more obstacles will be encountered. As a result of teenaged drug abuse, a teen will struggle with unmanageable physical and emotional consequences. If you are a teen and you feel you are addicted to drugs, alcohol, or other self-destructive behaviors, speak to an adult you trust such as a teacher, a physician, a counselor, a parent, or a close relative. You do not have to go through this alone. The first step to getting healthy is reaching out for help.
As a result of teen drug addiction or teen alcohol abuse, adolescents have a tendency to encounter various risks, including but not limited to:
- Developmental issues
- School problems
- Health problems
- Delinquency
- Sexual risks
- Physical issues
- Mental health problems
- Family problems
- Potential future addiction problems
Teen Drug Addiction Treatment Programs
It is important to consider an adolescent's individual situation when seeking addiction treatment for adolescent drug abuse. Many issues accompany the reasons for using such as depression, emotional or physical trauma, low self-esteem, family/home problems, etc. A range of issues must be evaluated before the adolescent drug rehab is chosen.
There are many different types of programs available, but they are not all appropriate for every problem. It is necessary to look at family dynamics, developmental stages, emotional well-being, self-esteem issues, and potential coexisting mental health disorders. The adolescent’s brain and psychological state are still undergoing the maturation process; therefore appropriate teen drug rehab can considerably enhance an adolescent's quality of life in the present and future.
Teenage residential treatment is an option for a self-destructive adolescent who is suffering from drug abuse and/or alcohol abuse. Residential treatment provides an opportunity for a struggling adolescent to be a part of a community of peers who are experiencing similar issues. This opportunity is provided within a structured environment with the aid of medical and mental health professionals. In addition, the time in a teen drug rehab allows the adolescent to evaluate and address his or her identity, self-esteem, and behavioral choices. Furthermore, treatment team professionals can provide assistance and support while addressing family issues and underlying causes of adolescent drug abuse.
