Teens are also more prone to making risky and dangerous decisions because many parts of the brain, including the decision-making centers, take nearly 30 years to fully develop. When you mix a still-developing brain with school and stress, drug and alcohol use can quickly follow. Adolescence is an especially trying time. Peer pressure, puberty, stress,…
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Addiction and mental health disorders are chronic conditions that don’t discriminate. You can develop an addiction or mental health disorder regardless of age, race, gender, or background — every gender experiences unique barriers during treatment and recovery. For instance, men are more likely to experiment with drugs and reach out for treatment, while women are…
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It is shocking to learn that half of all mental health disorders begin displaying symptoms by age 14. That means it is especially important to look for signs and symptoms in adolescents and teens. Both addiction and mental health disorders are chronic and progressive conditions, meaning that symptoms continue to get worse until you receive…
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Video games are popular, especially among teens and adolescents. Online gaming no longer requires expensive game systems. Thus, it is more affordable and accessible than ever to play video games. In fact, 72% of American households play video games. While most play video games on a recreational basis, 4% of people spend 50 hours or…
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Substance abuse disorders, alcoholism, and addiction don’t discriminate. Although certain factors, such as having a close family member with a history of addiction, can increase your risk of developing a substance abuse disorder, anyone can develop an addiction. Drugs and alcohol are neurotransmitter inhibitors that force your brain to release a powerful and overwhelming rush…
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Teens are still maturing, meaning they’re inherently prone to making risky decisions. Not only are teens more likely to cave to peer pressure and experiment with drugs and alcohol, but they’re also more prone to experience mood and behavioral changes during addiction. Because addiction is a chronic condition, it almost always requires treatment. Rehabs can…
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Social media use has become increasingly popular, especially among adolescents and teens. 85% of teens ages 13 to 17 use YouTube, 72% use Instagram and another 69% use Snapchat. Not only do 95% of teenagers have a smartphone, but 45% of teens state that they are constantly online. While using the internet or social media…
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Prescription medications help people deal with pain and treat a wide range of medical conditions. They can be highly effective when used properly and per physician recommendations. When abused, taken improperly, or used in ways other than prescribed, prescription drugs can become addictive. What’s worse, they have the potential for producing dangerous adverse medical effects,…
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The abuse of drugs and the development of an addiction can be very complicated. In some cases, an addiction can develop accidentally when an individual begins using a substance for a legitimate medical reason. In other situations, a teenager may try using a prescription medication out of curiosity, peer pressure, or a variety of other…
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Your teenage child has reached a particularly difficult stage in life. They have to go to school each day and make friends, establish an identity, and decide what things they love and what they do not enjoy. They have to do all of this while they are still learning about themselves, and feeling immense pressure…
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