TEEN ADDICTION STATISTICS

According to www.samhsa.gov, in 2008 22 .2 million teens, 12 - 17 years old, were classified with substance dependence (addiction) or substance abuse. Of these 22.2 million teens, 3.1 million were classified with addiction or abuse of both alcohol and illicit drugs. 3.9 million teens were addicted to or abused illicit drugs but NOT alcohol. 15.2 million teens were addicted ot or abused alcohol but NOT illicit drugs. The 2008 report further provides statistics indicating 60.6 percent of 12 - 17 year old teens, not only were addicted to or abuse drugs, but were the largest percentage of people addicted to or abusing drugs. In comparison, 37.4 percent of adults ages 18 -25 years old, were addicted to or abused drugs. What does this report convey to parents, teens, families, and professionals working with teens? It conveys to us that teens are the highest "risk" age group to become addicted to alcohol or drugs It is an alarming statistic. Imagine, a 12 year old playing baseball or cheerleading. Now imagine that same 12 year old, addicted to oxycontin and the chaos it causes for the teen and family. Teen lives are destroyed by the overwhelming availability of alcohol and prescription narcotic drugs and marijuana. It is imperative that we (as a society), become informed of the increasing availability of alcohol and drugs in the teen population. We need to recognize the peer pressure for teens to engage in alcohol and drug use, and the lack of teen coping skills, which often lead a teen to using alcohol and drugs and subsequently results in teen addiction. We must educate ourselves on the signs and symptoms of teen addiction and act quickly to restore a teen to a healthy life and preserve their future opportunities. If you are seeking information on teen drug abuse or teen addiction, education on teen drugs, or if you are ready to consider a teen addiction treatment center, for your teen, please go to: www.inspirationsteenrehab.com.