Substance Use Substance Use Legal and illegal substances can both do damage Not a Harmless Rite of Passage Drugs and alcohol use can go from casual to critical before you know it. And substances aren’t just for parties. Many teens use them to self-medicate, trying to deal with pain from trauma or manage the symptoms of undiagnosed mental health conditions. In young people, it may take parents, friends, or loved ones to realize that something doesn’t seem right. But admitting there’s an issue is the first step, and the sooner you reach out for help, the sooner the recovery process can begin. Alcohol MISUSE Alcohol may not be legal for teens, but it’s still widely consumed. Seen as harmless by many because it’s not a “hard” drug, alcohol abuse causes a host of health issues and lowers inhibitions, increasing the risk of being victimized. Drug MISUSE From borrowing a friend’s prescription to popping a pill to “take the edge off,” experimenting with friends during a night of partying, or using drugs to dull unwanted feelings, no one starts out thinking they’ll develop a full-blown addiction. Other Harmful Behaviors You can be addicted far more than just drugs or alcohol. An overuse or dependence on anything can turn unhealthy, whether it’s social media, video games, online porn, gambling, or other behaviors that are leading to negative consequences. Featured Article Why Hurting Teens Need Help More Than Ever The pressure on today’s teens is unprecedented. Social media, online bullying, school shootings, ever-present technology, a global pandemic, and epidemic levels of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, self-harm, and suicide make navigating adolescence more fraught than ever. These very adult issues are causing some very real trauma in our kids.Read Article The Future Starts Now Our admissions specialists are skilled at helping potential patients, loved ones, and referring professionals find the right treatment fit. A simple call can get the process started. Learn More
