Teen Alcohol Substance Abuse Issues
Peer Group Treatment Works Best for Young Adults
Treating the addictions of young adults is different from treating children or older adults. It is an urgent problem because the human brain does not fully develop until age thirty. Alcoholism and drug addiction can permanently damage not only the brain but also vital organs of young adults. Because young adults have a special set of problems, they belong in substance abuse treatments specialized for young adults.
Girls Who Party Too Much Face Risks That Boy's Don't
Girls are closing the gender gap when it comes to getting drunk and enjoying wild parties. According to the American Medical Association, the percentage of girls who drink is increasing more quickly than that of boys. There is new scientific evidence indicating that girls do face more risks when they drink, drug and sex it up compared to boys. And it's not just about unwanted pregnancy.
Laurie Wilmot, LCSW, is a therapist at SageWalk, a therapeutic wilderness program for troubled teens, who has worked with adolescents with drug or alcohol problems for years. She offers the following guidance to parents for raising drug-free teens.
So You are Considering Residential Drug Rehab or Alcohol Treatment for Your Teen
"Larry's counselor recommends residential treatment for his substance abuse problems. We've been in family therapy for months but Larry continues to drink and use drugs. I feel sad that our 15-year-old son has such a severe addiction problem but I also feel relieved that he will soon be getting more intensive help. The question now is how do we choose a good facility?"
~ Mrs. Laurie S. ~
Mrs. S. is not alone in her situation. An estimated 1.1 million youths ages 12 to 17 meet the diagnostic criteria for dependence on illicit drugs -- a history of regular and chronic use -- and approximately 915,000 are dependent on alcohol. Questions to ask yourself about Residential Drug Treatment Centers.
Teens Learn Values in Residential Treatment Program on Working Ranch
Turn-About Ranch is a real working cattle ranch that offers young people the opportunity to get an up-close look at the real-life benefits of living and working on a ranch. Unlike many adolescent residential treatment centers, Turn-About students learn the value of hard work, honesty, teamwork, and cooperation through hands-on experience, while at the same time receiving intensive individual and group therapy and attending school.Healing Teen Drug and Alcohol Addiction with Music Therapy
Music Therapist Andy Tubman talks about how listening to music can be a mood-altering experience, complete with the endorphin rush and natural euphoria teens are constantly seeking. In addition, music can be therapeutic. Research has shown that the rhythm of a song can stimulate brainwaves, impact breathing and heart rate, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost immunity, and improve overall health.
Catherine Knott, PhD, recently interviewed a teen, Brendan, and asked him to describe what helped him stay away from drugs, what mistakes he saw his friends make, and what he would suggest, from a teen perspective, for parents of teenagers today. She also talked to his mother, to get her perspective on what helps her teenagers survive and thrive. This interview can help parents develop strategies to keep their teens off drugs.
Marijuana is among the most commonly abused illegal drugs in the United States. Like heroin and LSD, it is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Of the many risks associated with marijuana use, its effects on the neurological system are some of the most worrisome, especially in young, developing brains.
Learning Disabilities Linked to Teen Drinking and Drug Abuse
Is your teenager failing school because he is drinking and doing drugs? Or is he using drugs and drinking because he is failing school? Teenagers who understand that they have a learning disability and who are able to succeed in certain areas are less likely to become alcoholics or drug abusers. The teens at risk are the ones who do not understand how their learning disabilities are affecting their lives.
New research shows that people who begin drinking at an early age are significantly more likely to develop a dependence on alcohol. Learn more about the risks of Teen Alcoholism and Teenage Alcohol Abuse.
What Science Says About Teen Addictions and What It Means for Parents of Teens helps explain how the biology of the human brain plays a part in adolescent addictions.
Parenting Younger Siblings of Addicted Teens
Is your teenager struggling with substance abuse? How does that affect the way you parent your younger children?
Your older child is probably getting most of your time and attention. You, the rest of your family, and your friends are focused on helping your addicted teenager. But what's happening to the rest of your kids? Are you just hoping that they'll be just fine on their own? Learn how you can create a plan to ensure that your younger children aren't neglected as you treat your teen's substance abuse addiction.
Prescription Drug Abuse on the Rise Among High Schoolers
Do you know where your prescription drugs are? Chances are your teen does. Pot, alcohol, steroids, cigarettes, meth, Ecstasy and LSD are being used less and less by American teenagers since the 1990s, but misuse of prescription drugs has been on the rise, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, which has surveyed youngsters across the country since 1975.
Girlfriends Don't Let Girlfriends Get Drunk!
A good friend doesn't take chances with the lives of their girlfriends. It's that simple. If you see your friend caving in to the pressure to drink, whether it's at a party, with a group of friends, or even if she's just curious, remind her that drinking is stupid!
We hope the information here will help answer some of the questions and concerns of parents with adolescents who are in need of drug rehab, drug treatment centers, substance abuse treatment, drug abuse treatment, alcohol abuse rehabilitation, and treatment for chemical dependency.
Should States Lower the Legal Drinking Age?
Seven states are currently considering proposals to lower the legal drinking age from 21 to 18. Supporters say they are motivated by the perceived failures in the existing laws that regulate alcohol consumption, however not all experts agree that lowering the legal drinking age is the ideal, or even an advisable, approach to curb underage drinking. Read more about the debate surrounding lower the legal drinking age.
Drunk Driving: Parental Liability for Underage Drivers
Parents of underage drivers take an enormous financial risk every time their child gets behind the wheel. Parents can be held liable for the negligent acts of minor drivers and most parents are not even aware of the extent of the liability. Learn more about parental liability.
It's Only Beer! How Parental Denial about the Dangers of Beer and Alcopops Can Endanger Your Teens.
How Residential Treatment Works: Clearing a New Path
Residential treatment is often the last stop for an out-of-control substance-abusing teenager. It offers a "time out" from situations that trigger self-destructive behavior, a chance to experience predictable and consistent consequences of behavior, an opportunity to participate in community, and for family bonds to be repaired. In the process, self-esteem -- the major antidote to alcohol and drug use - is increased.
How does this happen? Let's follow Joan J. through several aspects of her treatment experience.
Considering Wilderness Treatment: Finding the Right Wilderness Treatment Program for Your Teen
Are You Considering Residential Treatment for Your Teen: Questions to Ask
Choosing a drug rehab program for your teen can be complex and confusing. How do you find a reputabled addiction treatment center? Is residential treatment right for your teenger? So many questions and you're in a hurry to get your teen the help they need. Read on to learn what Questions to Ask When Choosing a Drug Addiction Treatment Center.
Topics:
Drug Rehab
Addiction Treatment Centers
Substance Abuse Treatment
Recovery Programs
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