Teen Drug Abuse and Addiction

Whether you are a parent, grandparent or any other person who cares about a child's future, it is important that you be knowledge about how to prevent teen drug abuse. It's hard for us to imagine that a child we love could end up using drugs. But chances are, most children will be faced with, "Should I, or shouldn't I?" As parents we must teach our children to know that the answer is, "I shouldn't, and I won't."

Here are some facts about kids and drug use: Forty percent of U.S. teens say they expect to use a drug in the future. One out of every five kids in eighth grade has already tried marijuana. Use of substances such as marijuana and inhalants can result in social consequences (e.g., failing in school) and physical consequences such as reduced stamina and fitness or damage to the lungs and brain. Teens who smoke cigarettes are more likely to drink alcohol. Teens who smoke and drink are more likely to use marijuana. And those who use all three are more likely to use other illicit drugs. Long-term studies show that use of other illicit drugs among youth almost never occurs unless they have first used marijuana.

If you suspect your teen has been using drugs or drinking alcohol, it's important to act quickly: the longer your teen abuses substances, the more likely they are to become addicted. If you do find the problem is beyond your expertise, there are teen drug treatment programs that specialize in the special needs of this population.

Be especially scrutinizing as you determine the drug rehab program that meets your child's specific needs. Many of these teen programs also offer boarding school academics so they can continue to earn credits while recovering from their addiction.

This site has listings of teen drug rehab programs and teen treatment centers, teen alcohol rehabilitation programs, teen drug rehab, sober houses, teen drug detox and teen alcohol detox centers.

Please call (866) 762-3712 to find the right teen drug rehabilitation center.