You probably know someone who has been affected by drugs, directly or indirectly. The most commonly used and abused drug is alcohol. Alcohol-related automobile accidents are the second leading cause of teen death in the United States. The most commonly used drug worldwide is marijuana. According to a United Nations 2008 World Drug Report, about…
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It is often stated that substance use is the #1 public health problem in the world. In fact, it has been stated that over 46% of high school students will use addictive substances. Substance abuse and addiction at a young age can lead to devastating effects on the individual when they become an adult, and…
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Staying sober isn’t easy when your peers and friends are experimenting or are abusing drugs and alcohol. In this post, we offer some helpful tips and reminders on how to stay sober and clean, even when you may be tempted or pressured to experiment. 1. Tell your friends about your decision to stop using drugs.…
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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…
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How many times have you heard that drugs ruin lives? By this point, probably too many to count. We hear it on television, at school, from parents, the internet, and sometimes we even see it unfold before our very eyes. Despite this, for centuries mankind has constructed a malfunctioning, mental stance from which we process…
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A Co-occurring disorder, often referred to as a dual diagnosis disorder, is a condition in which an individual who is suffering with a chemical addiction also has a co-existing mental disorder. Until recently, it has been the practice of the mental health industry to treat co-occurring disorders separately. However, a surge in pragmatic and empirical…
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When a loved one completes a treatment program, his or her goal focuses on remaining sober and avoiding substance abuse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains that individuals need continuing care that adjusts and changes over time to address a loved one’s needs. For teenagers, a treatment program that incorporates aftercare and provides long-term…
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Encouraging a teenager or adolescent to avoid drugs or alcohol often requires a strong support network and professional assistance. Since the causes of teenage substance abuse stem from multiple causes and the best treatment approach depends on their individual situation, identifying the right treatment plan takes time. Fortunately, the National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests…
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Completing a substance abuse treatment program marks a huge milestone in your overall recovery. However, it doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. Research estimates that more than 50 percent of addicts relapse during the first four years after treatment, and adolescents are at an especially high risk due to inexperience. Relapse triggers can be…
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Does the adolescent brain function differently than that of an adult? Studies show that teens are more likely to take risks and that makes them susceptible to drug abuse and addiction. According to the University of Utah, the gray matter starts to subside around the age of 12, so by 16, the brain is more…
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