Although drug abuse has declined in the past 20 years (1), teens are using certain substances, like marijuana, more than ever. Mental illness and substance abuse in teens requires treatment, as co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to live a healthy and normal life. While all teens and adolescents experience anxiety, stress, and sadness, some…
Teen depression and substance abuse are closely linked. Mental health problems can lead to self-medicating, where you use drugs and/or alcohol to alleviate symptoms like sadness. About 8% of adolescents suffer from depression, and 11.5% of high school seniors use illicit drugs other than marijuana at least annually. (1) The teenage years are stressful, awkward,…
With 11.5% of high school seniors using an illicit drug other than marijuana and another 35.7% using marijuana last year, parents understandably wonder how to talk about substance abuse to teens. Teens and adolescents have to navigate complex relationships, challenges, and social pressures while learning how to make responsible decisions. This can make it easy…
Drug use has declined among teens in the past ten years. But certain mental health conditions, like anxiety, have increased. Anxiety disorders among teens rose 20% between 2007 and 2012. With 1 out of every 3 of teens between the ages of 13 and 17, eventually developing an anxiety disorder, teen anxiety and substance abuse…
One of the primary causes of teen substance abuse is a class of common conditions known as impulse control disorders. Disorders of this nature involve an individual who has difficulty resisting the urge to engage in certain behavior and actions. These behaviors and actions are ultimately harmful and self-destructive. Impulsive behavior can also involve positive…
Drug and substance abuse in teens is an unfortunate consequence of experimenting with psychoactive substances. The cause of addiction is unknown, meaning that there is no known gene that makes you more prone to developing an addiction. Recreational use and experimentation carry the risk of dependency. Substance abuse disorders don’t discriminate. This means that anyone,…
Binge drinking is a significant problem in the United States. From young adolescents to adults, the number of people who participate in this practice is high. In fact, according to the CDC, one in six adults engage in binge drinking approximately four times per month. Young people are susceptible to binge drinking, too. Young adults…
Alcohol consumption is high for the top 10 percent of Americans, according to a Washington Post article. These individuals consume approximately “74 alcoholic drinks per week.” This astounding number means that these individuals drink about 10 a day. However, some people may binge drink this amount in a few days instead of spreading it out…
Alcohol use in the United States is a serious problem. With millions of people every year struggling with alcohol use disorder, it’s critical that parents take the necessary steps to address this with their teens. Even though talking to your teen about alcohol may not be something you planned on doing, it could help them…
Do you suspect your teen is using drugs and needs to enroll in an adolescent treatment center? You should be talking to your teen about drugs whether you suspect they are using or not. Talking to your teen about drugs is certainly difficult, but it is necessary in order to prevent detrimental consequences. The number…