About 591,000 teenagers from the ages of 12 to 17 used an illegal drug in the last month alone, the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics says. That’s other than marijuana. When you include the report on drug use in the last month, though, you’ll see that there were around 2.08 million or 8.33 percent of 12-to-17-year-old users were present nationwide. If your teenager is showing signs of drug abuse, here’s what you need to know so that you can help your loved one.
Why Do Teens Use Drugs?
Whether teens take drugs or drink alcohol and end up addicted to these substances, most of their reasons are the same: they use the drugs to have fun, to feel good. Many of them haven’t been exposed to the long-term effects of addiction yet, so they don't fear what could happen to them. It’s in the future, so it’s none of their concern.
What Motivates Them?
In many cases, teens operate under the assumption that once they’ve been caught using illegal drugs and sent to a drug rehab in Arizona, it’s usually because of their parents, the school, or the police. That makes them think that their parents, schools, and the police were at fault. They usually think that they will get better if everyone will only leaves them alone. However, that’s not how treatment works. Parents and counselors know that rehab is a must.
What Happens to Teen Brains?
Adults and teens have different reward-seeking systems. That's because, for teens, their inhibitory system isn’t fully developed. That’s why teens tend to engage in risky behavior. They go binge drinking, party late, and slide behind the wheel of a car drunk. The inhibitory system of adults, on the other hand, is fully developed. It’s what makes them go: “I could lose my job if I’m late.” That's why it’s crucial to understand how drugs affect the teen brain. Just knowing that substance use further stunts the growth of the prefrontal cortex gives doctors an idea about treatment.
What Reverses the Effects?
Marijuana, alcohol, and all the other possible drugs that teens might use impact neurological brain function. There are ways to address the problem, though. That’s where treatment programs come in. Teens must find sobriety attractive, so they’ll fully commit to the process. A good rehab program can do that. Also, the treatment must have a spiritual component. Some brain scan studies show that praying leads to increased activity in the prefrontal cortex. That’s why many of the activities in the treatment program incorporate this activity.
What Else Helps?
Aside from activities that stimulate the prefrontal cortex, support from loved ones and peers is a huge factor in a patient’s progress. Support has a positive impact on the pace of their recovery.
What About Fear or Punishment?
Fear of punishment isn’t the answer. Trying to use both to treat a teenager with addiction problems won’t lead to anything good. Fear or the threat of punishment will only distance them away from you. Start looking for rehab if your loved one needs help.
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