Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Marijuana is still the "gateway" drug.

For years we have been told that Marijuana is the "gateway" drug for teens who are more likely to struggle with drug abuse or addiction. Recent studies now demonstrate the truth in Marijuana as a "gateway" drug. According to SAMHSA (www.samhsa.gov), in 2008, the specific drug categories with the largest number of recent initiates (first time drug users) among persons aged 12 or older were marijuana use (2.2 million) and use of pain relievers (2.2 million), followed by use of tranquilizers (1.1 million), Ecstasy (0.9 million), inhalants (0.7 million), cocaine (0.7 million), and stimulants (0.6 million).
In summary, marijuana was the illicit drug with the highest rate of past year dependence or abuse in 2008, followed by pain relievers and cocaine.
Most parents who call Inspirations Teen Addiction Treatment Center, with reports of marijuana addiction, are very well aware of the addictive behaviors associated with use of marijuana. Most parents or loved ones reporting a teen addiction, also report a beginning use of marijuana, leading to marijuana abuse and then other drugs and a "preferred drug of choice. If you suspect or know a teen in your family is abusing or addicted to drugs (including marijuana), get help immediately. Teen Addiction Treatment Centers are instrumental in the recovery process of Teen Drug Abuse and Addiction.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

New Jersey Teen Addiction

Teen drug abuse and teen addiction is being taken seriously in the state of New Jersey. A recent article in a Cape May County newspaper, addressed the issue of teen drinking, by providing the following information: "According to the New Jersey Prevention Network, the average age of first use of alcohol is now 11 years old and the research further indicates that young people in New Jersey appear to be experimenting with alcohol at a rate above that reported nationally. Approximately 407,000 underage youth in the state drink each year." "According to a report in the Journal of Substance Abuse, more than 40% of individuals who start drinking before the age of 13 will develop alcohol abuse problems later in life. "Teens need to realize their brains are still developing until they are in their mid 20s and alcohol abuse could have long term consequences."
Prevention is the first step in addressing teen addiction. Preventing teen alcohol addiction begins with good communication between parents and teens. Teens who feel comfortable approaching their parents with challenging situations, peer pressure, and teen problems, are more likely to reach out to their parents, when help is needed.
Teen alcohol addiction and teen drug addiction are national problems, surfacing in every city throughout the United States. New Jersey has been a state which faces problems head-on and seeks to find resolution quickly. It is comforting to read and know, the residents of New Jersey are openly discussing teen addiction and seeking solutions for their youth.