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.

Teen Marijuana Addiction

Teen Marijuana Addiction is common and overlooked as a serious teen addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, regarding marijuana in 2007, teens are four times more likely to use marijuana as compared to adults. Marijuana alters mind and mood. It is addictive. Teens abusing marijuana demonstrate the same behaviors as teens abusing prescription narcotic drugs and non-prescription narcotic drugs. Behaviors include changes that interfere with the teens ability to fulfill the demands of his/her daily routine, mood changes, decline in school grade point average, change in friends, reduced time spent with family, change in body weight, and notable unpredictable behaviors. Statistics continue to report that marijuana is still the"gateway" drug. Teens using, abusing, or addicted to marijuana are more likely to seek additional narcotic drugs to continue the search for another "high", ultimately increasing a teen's probability for becoming a teen drug addict. If a parent or family member suspects or knows a teen is abusing or addicted to marijuana, it is advisable to intervene and seek the help of an adolescent addiction treatment center.