In 2008, 1.9 million youth age 12 to 17 abused prescription drugs alone. During the awkward transitional period for adolescents, many teenagers want to explore and try new things. Many teens will experiment with drugs and many that try drugs and alcohol eventually develop a very serious habit. This is why it is essential that any person who has a teen in their lives understands teenage substance abuse and how they can spot it and help that teen get the help they need for their addiction.
Many teens who do experiment with drugs and with alcohol, early substance can be a risk factor for developing a far more serious drug addiction. As a friend, family member or parent of a teen it is essential to know when these addictions are likely to form and how you can tell if these problems are developing.
Teen substance abuse has shown to be higher during transitional times such as moving, changing schools, divorces or breaking up with relationships. These times of stress and uncertainty often provide the perfect breeding ground for teenage substance abuse issues to flourish.
One of the best things that parents, friends and family can do is simply watch the teenager and look for certain signs and changes in behavior as well as obvious signs of drug use. While no one ever wants someone they love to deal with substance abuse issues, they are quite common and it is important that teenagers have somewhere they can go to get help. Currently teenage substance abuse is on the rise in the United States, which is why there are now many teen drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers specifically designed to cater the needs of adolescents.
Programs like Vista Academy were developed with teenagers in mind and are designed to be an environment where teens can feel comfortable and safe and get adolescent-centered treatments that specifically target their needs. With places like Vista Academy in California, there is finally something that can help combat the teenage substance abuse issues taking over today.
Teenage Substance Abuse – Vista Academy is a premier California teen drug and alcohol rehabilitation center dedicated to helping teens overcome addiction. For more information visit them online at vista-academy.org.