Early use of drugs by adolescence and teens increases a person's chances of more serious drug abuse and addiction.
Early use of drugs increases a person's chances of more serious adolescence and teen drug abuse and addiction. Remember, drugs change brains and this can lead to addiction and other serious problems. So preventing early use of drugs and/or alcohol may reduce the risk of progressing abuse and addiction later in life.
In early adolescence, when children advance from elementary through middle school, they face new and challenging social and academic situations. Often during this period, children are exposed to abusable substances such as cigarettes and alcohol for the first time. When they enter high school, teens may encounter greater availability of drugs, drug abuse by older teens, and social activities where drugs are used.
Drug and alcohol abuse can disrupt brain function in areas critical to motivation, memory, learning, judgment, and behavior control. So, it is not surprising that teens who abuse alcohol and other drugs often have family and school problems, poor academic performance, health-related problems (including mental health), and involvement with the juvenile justice system.
Scientists have developed a broad range of programs for adolescents and teens that positively alter the balance between risk and protective factors for drug abuse in families, schools, and communities. Their research has shown they can significantly reduce early use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Other programs reduce drug abuse among youngsters who have already begun abusing drugs and alcohol.
Teens face several challenges that they must overcome if they are to succeed in treatment. Developmentally they are in the process of separating from their parents. Additionally they are trying to establish their own identities, values, and beliefs. Unfortunately, this natural developmental dilemma makes it very difficult for teens to talk openly with their parents about their substance use or it's underpinnings. Thus, it is often times an outside person that can provide a perspective that helps them honestly look at problems and become willing to do something about them.
Weyland Consultation Services provides an Intensive Outpatient Program, at their Walnut Creek California offices in the Greater San Francisco Bay area. Weyland's IOP is a program specifically geared toward the needs of adolescents who are abusing alcohol or drugs. They utilize a Cognitive Behavioral approach that is based on the belief that substance use and abuse is an outgrowth of social learning. They use support, kindness and respect to engage and help a teen through this difficult time. Ongoing engagement is the cornerstone of their treatment approach.
If you want more information about Weyland Consultation Services' Adolescent Drug Treatment Programs and reside in the Northern California, San Francisco Bay Area - Oakland, Berkley, Danville, Concord and Walnut Creek areas - visit their website www.WeylandDetoxServices.com/ or call (925) 945-7816 ext. 41.
