Adolescent Addictions
The same drugs which plague adults are now unfortunately being abused by adolescents who should only have to worry about crushes, homework, grades and social life. In addition to alcohol, adolescents have been statistically increasing their usage of the following:
• Marijuana
• Pills/Pharmaceuticals
• Huffing
• Tobacco products
• Coughing medicine
• Stimulants
• Hallucinogens
• Party drugs like ecstasy and many other synthetic drugs.
Statistics on Drugs and Alcohol Addictions
The report on teen drug and alcohol use is reflected in the following statistics:
• 43% of high school students have used alcohol and drugs at least once.
• Over 60% of teens get drugs and alcohol from school, friends, and at home.
• Over 5% of 12 graders have tried cocaine and nearly 2% have tried crack.
• 64% of teens have used prescription pain killers for one reason or another.
• More teenagers die from taking prescription drugs than the use of hard drugs.
• 71% of high school seniors have abused alcohol.
• Teenagers who drink are very likely to try marijuana and other drugs.
• Teens who begin drinking early are much more likely to become addicted and carry it into adulthood.
• Alcohol is the main factor in the top causes of teenage death.
Signs to Watch For
Parents might notice the following abnormal behaviors in their child when they’re abusing alcohol or drugs:
• Easily becomes depressed and lacks the motivation to do anything.
• School marks decline.
• Excessive amounts of skipping school.
• Physical appearance rapidly changing.
• Money and valuables start to go missing around the home.
• Depression, anxiety, argumentative and wild mood changes.
Getting Help for Your Adolescent
What is a parent to do when their child is acting out and their attitude is not attributable to normal adolescent or puberty independence? Parents should always be vigilant when looking for changes in their child and also try to keep a close channel of communication, establish rules, and ensure their children know what kind of behavior is expected of them. The decision to get treatment for an adolescent is a difficult choice no parent should have to make. However, modern treatments and techniques have proven very successful in teen drug rehab centers found in the Los Angeles area. The professional staff found at these teen drug rehab centers not only addresses the substance abuse, but they also perform a complete assessment and design a personalized treatment to deal with any and all self-destructive conditions as well as the original root from which the tendencies began to grow.
Teen Drug Rehab in Los Angeles County
The Adolescent Growth facilities located throughout Los Angeles County, California, is available to help your addiction afflicted teens from ages 12 to 17 years old. They possess traditional values of integrity and respect, coupled with innovative, evidence-based practices which will teach adolescents to be responsible and how to head towards becoming a contributing member of society.
