Teen addiction is a growing issue for families. Unfortunately, it is easy for teens to experiment with drugs and alcohol and become addicted at alarming rates. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, an estimated 86 percent of teens know someone who actively abuses drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes daily. And although adults can…
The Fourth of July is right around the corner. As the nation gets closer to celebrating its independence, our excitement gets even more significant. From family cookouts to fireworks, Independence Day is all about unity and solidarity. But for teens battling substance abuse, it can also be triggering. If you are worried about your teen…
When you hear the term binge drinking, you probably think back to college, picturing parties that stretched over days or classmates that became ill from alcohol on a regular basis. But binge drinking specifically refers to an excessive amount in one sitting, and for teens, this happens in the blink of an eye. If you…
When a person has become addicted to drugs or alcohol, their entire mind, body, and spirit are affected by the substance. In particular, the brain can be tied to addiction before or after the substance abuse has begun. In either case, there is help for anyone willing to take the first step and admit they…
Memorial Day is a chance for us to take a moment as a nation to reflect on the incredible gift of bravery and sacrifice that our soldiers have given to us so that we can all live the life that we love. At the same time, Memorial Day weekend is seen by many people as…
When you’re young, it can seem impossible to get someone to listen to you. Many teens turn to alcohol to deal with depression and other issues that seem to dominate their lives. While alcohol abuse rates have steadily declined among teens over the past few decades, it remains an issue that threatens that age group’s…
The use of e-cigarettes is widespread today. It was previously a smoking alternative, but many people who have never smoked now vape. Due to the high rates of teenagers vaping, many states raised the tobacco buying age to 21. E-cigs can cause severe health consequences because the devices contain tobacco and other harmful substances. The…
As a parent, you know that it’s your responsibility to look after your kids, which includes warning them about the dangers of teen drinking. So, what do you do when your kid comes home drunk? While your initial urge might be to panic or let your child know how angry you are, it’s important to…
If you drink alcohol, you may not realize how much your decision to drink could be influencing your child’s behavior.
Although the basic organization of the brain occurs when a baby is in the womb, the brain continues to refine its connections throughout childhood and adolescence. Some experiences, such as learning a new language, or playing a musical instrument, strengthen key connections in the brain. However, other choices, such as using drugs or alcohol, are…