teen drug treatment

teen drug treatment More than 1,000,000 teens (ages 12-17) in the U.S. have a history of regular and chronic drug use, meaning they meet the diagnostic criteria for drug dependency or addiction. Almost a million more are similarly dependent on alcohol.

These aren't kids who are experimenting with marijuana, Ecstasy, cocaine, heroin or prescription medications. They aren't young people who sneak a drink out of the parent's liquor cabinet or bring a case of beer to a party. While teenagers in this category may be headed for trouble in the future, they're not addicted—yet.

But nearly two million young people are already hard-core addicts and alcoholics, before they reach 18 years of age. For them, using drugs and alcohol isn't a sign of rebelling against authority. It's something they simply can't function without. They've reached a stage where their bodies are literally dependent on the substance they abuse. Without it, they will experience potentially life-threatening symptoms of withdrawal. And because they've reached this level of dependency, they will do whatever is necessary to get it.

adolescent drug treatment Young addicts and alcoholics often become involved in criminal activities, only as a means to an end. Without an income to support their “habit,” they steal from their parents, or pawn the family's TV, DVD player or sound system. They steal from others, burglarizing homes or cars.

While no parent wants to see any loved one (especially a child) go through the pain, humiliation and health complications that addiction causes, the good news is that treatment at the earliest stages of the disease can prevent a lifetime of lost potential.

adolescent drug treatment

Intervene Teen specializes in reaching teenaged addicts and alcoholics, helping them realize the severity of their disease and connecting them with appropriate treatment resources.

If you are the parent of a teenager or adolescent with a drug or alcohol problem, we urge you to call now to help your son or daughter get the help they need to break the cycle of addiction. Call (888) 774-7274 and an understanding, patient and caring counselor will answer your questions and explain how Intervene Teen can help.