Drugs and Substance Abuse in Adolescents | Cedar Ridge Academy
Drugs and substance abuse in adolescents is a continually, growing problem in today's teenagers. The health risks of drugs and substance abuse in adolescents are terrifying, dangerous, and can last a lifetime. Cedar Ridge Academy is a therapeutic boarding school located in northern Utah, offering top notch therapeutic services to troubled teens. Students attending our program not only increase their grade point averages, and promise for their future, they will learn self-control, and respect for themselves and others, through our mandatory Shotokan Karate program. Cedar Ridge Academy is the ideal, therapeutic catalyst for successful rehabilitation of your struggling child. Please call 866-471-6629 for more information.
Very often, teens experiment with a variety of activities and substances. Unfortunately, this experimentation can lead to addiction. Statistics show that substance abuse is a growing problem in today's teenagers. In addition to cocaine, Ecstasy and other club drugs, a recent Monitoring the Future study showed that the top six most abused drugs by teens are: marijuana, Vicodin, amphetamines, cough medicine, and sedatives. Without treatment, the effects of drug abuse on teens can lead to serious consequences now, and well into adulthood.
Signs of Drugs and Substance Abuse in Adolescents
Problems with the law, such as DUI, breaking curfew, stealing, etc.
Problems at school, such as excessive tardiness, poor grades, suspension, etc.
Withdrawal
Poor hygiene
Loss of interest in favorite activities
Drug paraphernalia
Severe and sudden mood swings
Unusual violent behavior
Unexplained depression
Missing money
Common Effects of Drug Abuse in Teens
Drugs and substance abuse at any age can cause serious health effects. Teens who abuse drugs are more likely to struggle with addiction later in life, and have permanent brain damage.
Emotional problems. Drug abuse can cause or mask emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, suicidal thoughts and schizophrenia.
Behavioral problems. Teens who abuse drugs have an increased risk of social problems, depression, suicidal thoughts and violence.
Addiction and dependence. Studies prove that the younger a person is when they begin using drugs, the more likely they are to develop an addiction problem.
High risk sex. Teens that use drugs are more likely to have unprotected sex with strangers. Causing a high risk of pregnancy, rape, and STD's.
Learning Disabilities. Drug abuse damages short-term and long-term memory.
Diseases. Teens who abuse drugs with needles increase their risk of bloodborne diseases like HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis B and C.