Substance use problems can start as early as the teenage years. Many teens try alcohol
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Alcohol
al·co·hol
n.noun
a colorless volatile flammable liquid that is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks, and is also used as an industrial solvent and as fuel.
When ingested, alcohol can be a deadly intoxicant. Teens and adults alike are more prone to make fateful and negative choices while drinking alcohol. A deadly intoxicant, alcohol has destroyed and ripped apart the lives of millions and yet, remains to be the drug of choice of troubled teens nationwide.
Teenage minds are not yet able to fully appreciate the dangers that coincide with drinking. When drunk, teenagers commit and act out heinous activities which they would normally never commit or act out. Teenage pregnancy, driving under the influence, fighting and other consequences are more likely to occur while teens drink.
Parents of teenage boys or girls who drink occasionally or struggle with the addiction of alcohol, need to seek immediate treatment for their son or daughter. , tobacco, or drugs, but using these substances is very dangerous and illegal. Some teens try these substances only a few times and have the strength to stop and realize its not right. Others cannot control their urges or cravings they may have. This is substance abuse
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Substance Abuse
Substance Abuse
/sub.stance/ /a.buse/
Substance abuse is defined as the use of a chemical substance that has an effect on humans or animals improperly or in a negative view or purpose.
Substances involve different types of drugs and also alcohol. The misuse of a chemical substance can be very dangerous and can be the cause of many different types of problems such as impairment and also distress.
Along with physical problems that can come from recurrent substance abuse, there are many other problems that can occur. A lack of interest in schooling and work can lead to failure fulfillment of roles and obligations in different settings of life. Also, a poor performance in daily actions can be a cause.
Substance abuse is a problem that is important to deal with in an appropriate manner. There are many different programs that are available to help fix these types of problems to rehabilitate someone’s life.
More information about substance abuse in the US
The national institute on drug abuse characterize substance abuse as, “as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain; they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long lasting and can lead to many harmful, often self-destructive, behaviors.’
When pertaining to the adolescent brain and psyche, substance abuse and addiction is one of the most dangerous and common negative behaviors in troubled youth. Teenagers who participate in drug abuse are either not aware of the potential permanent damage they are causing themselves, or simply don’t care. It is because of this reason that parents of substance abusing teens need to seek immediate treatment for their son or daughter.
Fortunately for parents, there is a multitude and increasing number of options to choose from in terms of rehabilitation. Furthermore, parents of substance abusing teens need to seek treatment for their teens promptly. .
When it comes to teens, it is important to see the early signs of substance abuse problems. Why they are doing it and how can a parent help their teen with this.
Some parents will ask themselves “why would my teen or any teen experiment with drugs or alcohol?”.
Why Teens Experiment with Illegal Substances
Teens will use drugs or alcohol for many reasons, they may want to do it because it is the “cool thing” and think they have to do it to fit in with their friends. They may also take a drug or drink alcohol because they like the way it makes them feel. Many teens feel like drinking or using drugs makes them grown up.
Teens tend to try new things and take the high risks, and they may take drugs or drink alcohol because they are looking for there next high. It could also be as simple as its exciting to them.
Those with family members who have problems with alcohol or other drugs are more likely to have serious substance abuse problems. Also, teens who feel like they are disconnected or not valued by their parents are at the greater risk. Teens may have poor self-esteem or emotional or mental health
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Mental health
Mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”1 It is estimated that only about 17% of U.S adults are considered to be in a state of optimal mental health.
The mental health in teenage boys and girls is a crucial issue and concern for parents. Teens, for a variety of reasons, tend to struggle with mental health more than adults or children who have not yet reached their teens. This is because of the turbulent time that comes with adolescence and the individual teen’s inability to cope with said turbulence.
Parents of troubled teens who struggle with mental health issues, actually have a plethora of treatment options to choose from. The type of treatment option that best fits the individual teen, greatly depends on the individual teens mental health issues. problems, such as depression
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Depression
Depression
/de·pres·sion/
Depression is defined as a mental condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency and dejection, typically also with feelings of inadequacy and guilt, often accompanied by lack of energy and disturbance of appetite and sleep.
Statistics has shown that diagnosis of depression is growing at a very dangerous rate. Globally, depression affects over 350 million people of all ages. Depression has been linked to other negative health outcomes, such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke. Compared to those not affected by depression those who face it are more likely to be unemployed and have a higher chance of divorce.
Most people that suffer from depression do not seek care or attention. Since this is a global issue, many efforts are made to help those who are suffering depression. It is important for those that face depression to find help so that they can overcome this plague that millions of people face. , that is also greater risks.
Symptoms of substance use problems can manifest in different ways. Your teens may be dependent physically, psychologically, or both.
Becoming tolerant to substances is a sign of physical dependence. This means as a substance is taken, more of it is needed to achieve the same effect. When someone stops abruptly, they can go through withdrawal. Effects vary from shaking, to headaches, and behavioral changes.
Psychologically, problems stems from teens needing substances to function and feel good. This is the ‘high’ that they may be chasing. Psychological dependence can make your teen crave for it, often going through great lengths to get it. This can be dangerous as it may involve dealing with illegal substances.
Teens may also suffer social consequences
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Consequences
n. noun
con·se·quences
The Merriam- Webster dictionary provides the following definitions for consequences:
1.the effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier:
The accident was the consequence of reckless driving.
2.an act or instance of following something as an effect, result, or outcome.
Consequences is a prevalent issue in the life of a troubled teen. Troubled adolescents who suffer from negative consequences, do so because of their poor decision making. Whatever choice a teenage boy or girl decides to make, a consequence of that decision will soon follow. If a teen chooses to make productive choices in life, he/she will reap the benefits of positive consequences. However, if a teen makes poor choices such as, abuse drugs and alcohol, skipping class, hanging out with the wrong crowd or disobeying parents and authority, that teen will reap negative consequences. Negative consequences such as, legal troubles, being grounded from parents, or getting kicked out of school due to inactivity or rebelliousness, are all viable and likely negative consequences a teen will experience if he or she is making poor choices. related to substance abuse. And if left unchecked, may cause more issues in the future.
When your teen seems less and less involved with school, and family, it maybe time to have a talk with them. To keep your child from experimenting with drugs or alcohol be sure to talk openly and honestly with one another, keeping a healthy home life may prevent your teen from experimenting.