Recently, many teens globally have been using drugs more than ever. In times like this, you may wonder why teens are susceptible to drug addiction and use. Hence, we have carefully gathered a variety of risk factors and additional information that can make teenagers more vulnerable to drug use.
Brain Development in Teens
In the teenage years, a person’s brain undergoes significant changes, mainly in the regions connected to areas linked to impulse control, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
Drug addiction during the teenage years can alter brain development, causing long-term risk of dependence on substance use. Drugs can disrupt the equilibrium of chemicals in the brain, affecting the reward system and the ability to feel pleasure from biological rewards like food, sex, and social relations. As time passes, drug use can desensitize the reward system, making it more strenuous to feel pleasure from anything other than the drug.
Guardians, educators, and medical healthcare providers must understand the alterations in the brain that can result from drug addiction during teenage. It is best to seek treatment once you have come to find out that you, or a teen you know, is involved in using illegal drugs; this can help prevent substance use in the long run.
Turn to Emmaus for Help Today
If you or a loved one has a substance use disorder and needs opioid addiction treatment with proven results, turn to Emmaus Medical & Counseling today. Our staff in Tennessee, TN, offers exceptional opioid treatment plans that address each patient’s specific needs. Call 423-202-3008 today to book a consultation.
Peer Pressure and Social Influences
Social influence and peer pressure are leading causes of teens getting a substance abuse disorder. Since teens are usually influenced by their peers and seek validation from their social group, they are more likely to drink alcohol or use other substances to seem cool to their peers.
Additionally, in recent times TV shows and popular culture has shown substance abuse as something glamorous. This has created a false perception regarding the consequences of substance abuse and alcohol abuse.
Parents must monitor their teenager’s social groups and the content they consume on the internet to ensure they do not develop substance use disorders.
Emotional Vulnerability in Teenage Years
Adolescence is a time of emotional vulnerability, and teenagers may turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges. Substance use disorder is a common issue among teenagers, and it can have lasting impacts on their physical and mental health.
Withdrawal symptoms can be severe for teenagers trying to quit using drugs or alcohol, and they may require medical intervention and support from rehab programs or a rehab center. Rehab centers can provide a safe and supportive environment for teenagers to overcome their addiction and develop lasting recovery.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, substance use disorder is defined as a pattern of drug use that leads to significant impairment or distress. Parents, educators, and healthcare providers must recognize the signs of substance use disorder and provide support and resources to help teenagers overcome their addiction.
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Accessibility and Availability of Drugs to Teens
Another significant risk factor for drug use disorder among teens, unfortunately, is that many teenagers can easily access drugs and alcohol through illegal sources or friends and family. First, teens are usually exposed to drugs and alcohol in their community or at social gatherings such as parties or festivals.
In addition, the rise of Internet users and social media platforms has made it more convenient for teenagers to access drugs and alcohol. In some cases, online shops and social media platforms provide access to illicit substances, making it more difficult for guardians, teachers, and doctors to monitor and prevent drug misuse among teenagers.
Hence we must provide education and resources on the dangers of drug use among teenagers, monitor their social media and online activity, and establish clear rules and consequences for using illicit substances. By addressing these problems, we can help reduce the prevalence of drug misuse among teenagers.
Drug Abuse and Mental Health Issues in Teens
Drug addiction and mental health issues come hand in hand with teenagers that are addicted. In many cases, teenagers turn to drugs to overcome mental challenges such as depression, childhood traumas, and anxiety; however, drug use can worsen these symptoms and lead to a vicious cycle of drug dependence and mental health issues.
We must address both mental health and drug misuse disorders simultaneously. Treatment programs offer mental health services and drug use disorder treatment. This may include family therapy, medication, and support groups. Addiction treatment programs can help your teen overcome drug addiction.
It is also essential to provide materials and support for teenagers and their families to address mental health issues in the first place to prevent substance use. These things may include coping, managing stress, healthy communication between parents and children, and proper drug education.
Lack of Education And Prevention Among Teens
In most cases, a lack of education and prevention contributes to the problem of substance abuse among teenagers. Many teenagers do not fully understand the consequences and risks of drug and alcohol use, or they may not have access to materials that provide accurate and genuine information about drug use.
However, this could be prevented with the use of proper education and resources. This may include programs at school that provide accurate information about drug misuse and community resources that offer support and guidance for teens and their families.
Unlike most people, identify your teen’s drug addiction today and help them achieve long-lasting recovery with a drug treatment program.
Seek Treatment at Emmaus Medical & Counseling
Emmaus Medical and Counseling is a comprehensive treatment center offering services for individuals struggling with drug use and mental health issues. Our team of experienced professionals provides personalized care to help clients achieve lasting recovery and improve their overall well-being.
At Emmaus Medical and Counseling, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms of addiction or mental illness. We work closely with clients to create personalized treatment plans catering to their needs and goals. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, effective care that empowers clients to attain long-lasting recovery and enhance their quality of life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with drug use or mental health issues, we encourage you to contact us for help. Our team is here to support you on your journey to recovery and help you build a brighter, healthier future.
The Services That We Provide:
We provide many different services in weber city including Drug Rehab, Substance Abuse Treatment, Recovery Clinic, Addiction Treatment Programs and Opioid Addiction Treatment. Get in touch if you need help in overcoming any of your addictions.
Get the Addiction Help You Deserve With Our Programs
At Emmaus Medical & Counseling, every patient will receive personalized attention and treatment plans to put them on the path to sobriety and mental and physical well-being. We offer various treatments, programs, and faith-supported services to promote wellness. For more information about our addiction treatment plans in Bulls Gap, TN call 423-202-3008 today.
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People Also Ask
Drug rehab generally includes six stages, from the height of addiction to the confidence of living life every day without the fear of relapse:
- Precontemplation: An addicted person doesn’t think the severity of their condition and behavior is problematic.
- Contemplation: The person begins to believe they may have a problem but have no commitment toward recovery.
- Preparation: The addicted individual is ready to take action and may explore treatment options.
- Action: They participate in treatment to understand their addiction, the cause for their condition, and ways to overcome it.
- Maintenance and Relapse: Substance abuse rehabilitation takes time. The person will need to adjust to a new substance-free lifestyle that may include temporary setbacks.
Termination: The person no longer feels the need to indulge in the drugs of their choice.
The length of time a patient will stay in rehab depends on their level of care and the program they choose. Basic options include:
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days
- Extended programs
It is possible to overcome drug addiction over time. Substance abuse is a disease that not only affects one’s health but also influences behavior. It’s not an easy feat to get sober and remain that way, but it becomes less of a challenge as time goes on.
A stable support system and comprehensive treatment from a drug rehab center like Emmaus Medical & Counseling significantly increase the odds of sustained abstinence from substances. Other factors contributing to long-term sobriety include extended mental health treatment, reduced-risk environments, and social and spiritual support.
One of the potential consequences of substance abuse is jail time. Whether a person goes to jail due to possession of illicit drugs or drug-related behaviors, such as stealing, incarceration will force addicts to be sober.
However, using jail and prison time to end substance abuse is not as effective as drug rehab. Once a person is caught in the system for a drug-related offense, whether they are extensive users or not, their legal troubles make it harder for them to meet their needs. The additional stress of life after jail often causes people to continue down a destructive path.
Drug rehab facilities like Emmaus provide an alternative path to recovery. We give people the tools and support they need to live their lives without relying on substances. Give us a call today at 615-321-1201 for more information.
Areas We Help
The Services That We Provide:
We provide many different services in weber city including Drug Rehab, Substance Abuse Treatment, Recovery Clinic, Addiction Treatment Programs and Opioid Addiction Treatment. Get in touch if you need help in overcoming any of your addictions.
Bulls Gap City Location to Serve You
Bulls Gap, TN
Directions from Bulls Gap, TN
Head southeast on Elmwood Ave toward N Main St
Turn right onto N Main St
Turn left onto US-11E N
Turn right onto S V F W Rd
Destination will be on the right
