Addiction is a chronic and recurring disorder that leads to compulsive drug seeking and drug use behavior despite negative outcomes. It is a brain disorder as it affects the brain circuits associated with stress, reward, and self-control. Addiction can lead to functional changes in the brain via these brain circuits, which may be visible in the long run even after the drug consumption has stopped. Like any other physical ailment, addiction affects the organs and if left untreated can last a lifetime leading to fatal consequences.
An individual starts abusing drugs like alcohol, tobacco, and illegal and prescription drugs during adolescence and young adulthood. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 70 percent high school students try alcohol by the time they are seniors while 40 percent have smoked a cigarette. Additionally, 20 percent have used a prescription drug for nonmedical reasons.
Teens resort to drug and alcohol use to:
While every person may experience diverse symptoms of addiction, there are a few symptoms which are common to all drug users. These include:
Some of the risk factors associated with teen addiction or substance use are:
Substance abuse whether short- or long-term can lead to grave consequences like:
Addiction affects men, women and teens differently. In the case of teens, they need a specialized treatment intervention plan that not only treats their addiction, but also addresses their emotional, physical, social, family and social environment. The medical team at ADEONA Healthcare designs teen treatment plans to comprise effective medication and behavioral approach, individual, group and family therapies and recovery support services.
To know more about how ADEONA Healthcare can help your teen recover from their addiction to drugs, alcohol or any other substance, call our 24/7 helpline (888) 379-9360 or chat with an online representative today.