Social media and online gaming are some of the favorite pastimes for young adults. It’s an opportunity to express themselves and share their interests with the world. Yet some interactions online also come with consequences. This includes internet addiction. Four in ten teens admit feeling anxious when they do not have their cell phone. This…
Music is food for the soul. When you are happy, a great song will make you want to get up and dance. When you are sad, the right song can shift your mood. In recent years, research has shown that music therapy can support adolescents dealing with chronic depression or substance use disorder. Why Should…
The terms dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorder are often used interchangeably to define when someone has a substance and mental health disorder happening at the same time. However, there are some definitive differences between these two terms that people should understand. Knowing the difference between the two can greatly impact and increase the ability of…
Substance use disorders among teens are not uncommon. Teens are experimenting and developing substance use disorders from cocaine to heroin and even prescription drugs. Many teens experimented with drugs by the twelfth grade. Many of us wonder, “why do teens turn to drugs?” Many experience traumas and challenges without professional support to help them manage…
Did you know that almost 75% of drug overdoses in 2020 were associated with opioids? It’s true, according to the Center for Disease Control. It’s no secret that teens are drawn to the calming, euphoric feeling associated with opioids. Whether teens misuse prescription pain relievers such as Vicodin or abuse illegal substances such as heroin,…
Opioids—drugs that are natural or synthetic—are popular amongst teens. Whether they are using prescription drugs such as OxyContin or illegal substances such as heroin, opioids offer the ability to feel pleasure when a teen is confronted with stress. According to the National Center For Drug Abuse Statistics, 2.3% of adolescents between 12 and 17 have…
Marijuana use is quite controversial. While some people believe that the mind-altering drug is not addictive, others argue that it is indeed. But one thing is certain—teen marijuana use is something to watch. Survey results show that marijuana is more likely to be used by 82% of high school seniors than cigarettes. More results show…
Did you know that marijuana is the second most popular drug in the United States? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), marijuana use disorder is one of the most prominent mind-altering drugs. And for teens, the statistics are even more startling. SAMHSA reports that 3.1 million teens between 12 and 17 used…
Heroin use disorder may be less prevalent amongst teens than in previous years, but its use can lead to lifelong struggles and, in some cases, death. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), less than one percent of teens have reported using heroin. Nonetheless, heroin use is rising—especially for people aged…
Heroin is a highly potent mind-altering drug. Teens who choose to use heroin may like it for the euphoric feeling associated with it. However, the dangers of heroin are quite significant. Even for teens experimenting, death can be an outcome. And for long-term users, heroin can present even more risky outcomes. A Southern California heroin…