Protecting our Teens from Drug Abuse

At first glance, the question may be fairly easy to answer, especially if you have children, but the underlying truth of the matter is that in this day and age, more and more kids are becoming victims of drug abuse and they are not receiving the help they should be receiving.

In a study aimed at high school students, 60% were reportedly aware of drug use at their schools and 10% of children between 12 and 17 years of age are current substance abusers.

Parents can be the number one help in their children's lives when it comes to drug abuse, simply because they have the means to prevent it. Prevention is believed by experts to be far more effective than any other way to protect kids from drug abuse.

Some parents make numerous mistakes that allow their children to get caught in the web of drugs. Mistakes such as believing that experimenting with drugs is a normal rite of passage, allowing easy access to medication in households and simply not spending enough time with their children are all factors that children may take advantage of in order to pursue drugs and other illegal substances.

The message here is that most children when they are busy with events such as positive after school programs, church events, hobbies, sports, etc., they are less likely to turn to drugs and alcohol for recreation, and parents play a huge part in this process that could save lives.

For information on teen substance abuse, recent trends on teen drug abuse, teen drug and alcohol addiction problems and teen addiction treatment programs please visit Inspirations for Youth and Families websites:

Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237

http://www.inspirationsyouth.com

http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237

http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

Juvenile Court Judge Demchick-Alloy stresses accountability

It's every parent's nightmare to see their child standing before a judge, but when the judge is juvenile court judge Wendy Demchick-Alloy, tough love may be what is needed.

Judge Demchick-Alloy's attention to police and psychologists’ reports helps her to pass justice for the many young boys and girls that engage in unlawful acts. With tough but fair reactions, the juvenile detainees both respect the judge and fear her. Recently, a 17 year old girl was brought back into court after being caught with marijuana while she was awaiting trial for another drug related charge. Judge Demchick-Alloy felt responsible to not only make sure the young girl understood her mistakes but also was given enough incentive to make her want to change her course of life.

Counts like these seem overwhelming, but for the judge who also spends a lot of time visiting various youth detention centers and programs across the state. Young offenders line up to discuss problems with her, many suffering from various problems such as psychological, substance, alcohol or physical abuse.

Those who have succeeded in straightening out their mistakes stop by to thank her.

"Each kid is an individual,” she says. “It could be any of our kids, How would I want my kids to be treated if they were in here? How would I want the judge to behave? That’s how I do my job. This is someone’s child." Outstanding judge or not, one can only hope that young individuals stay out of trouble and out of juvenile detention halls.

Are you a parent looking for solutions for your troubled teen?

We at Inspirations Teen Rehab understand that occasionally, teens who are struggling with behavior issues, oppositional defiance, or substance use or abuse issues, act out in ways that cause them to encounter problems with the legal system.

Inspirations provides a teen addiction treatment program and services in response to a teens and families needs to adhere to specific court orders, juvenile probation, or a juvenile diversion program. Court orders must not involve circumstances or charges, in which a teen was violent or a threat to others.

The mission of Inspirations Teen Rehab Juvenile Services Program, is to assist in the prevention of juvenile delinquent conduct, prevention of continued disruptive behavior, and the prevention of adolescent drug abuse, and to provide for the care and rehabilitation of teens.

Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237

http://www.inspirationsyouth.com

http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237

http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

Signs of Teen Marijuana Use - Teens Smoking Pot

It can be difficult to identify marijuana use if you don't see your child after he or she has smoked, when they are still experiencing the effects of the drug. But below are a few signs you should watch for:

• Blood shot eyes
• Clothing and hair frequently smell like smoke
• Drug paraphernalia in the room, or carried about (most notably a bong)
• Memory seems to be deteriorating
• Starts to lose interest in outside activities, including work, family and school
• Dramatic changes in weight and/or sleeping habits

If you suspect your child is smoking pot, seek professional help as marijuana may lead to other drugs. The earlier you act upon your child’s addiction problems the better off your child will be.

When choosing a teen marijuana rehab treatment program, it's important to ensure that the program is specifically for teens due to their developmental needs. Also, if the teen has mental health issues, the facility should be able to treat them at the same time. Some adolescent teen rehabs provide alongside addiction treatment an educational program which will help your child in keeping their school credits while away from home in a treatment center.

Some specialized addiction treatment facilities for teens offer extra-curricular activities such as sports and special outings. These types of activities will help teens complete the treatment and will positively influence teen’s social behavior like team play skills, trust in others, sense of responsibility and self confidence.

Inspirations for Youth and FamiliesAddiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

Cove Center for Recovery Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

Kids Do Not Perceive Drugs as Dangerous or Addictive

Kids who begin to use drugs think they will not become addicted. But addiction is a disease characterized by a compulsive drug-seeking behavior regardless of the consequences. Research conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse clearly shows that virtually all drugs that are abused have a profound effect on the child’s brain. Prolonged use of many drugs including cocaine, heroin, marijuana and amphetamines can change the brain in fundamental and long-lasting ways, resulting in drug craving and addiction.

If and when a child drug abuser becomes addicted depends on the individual. Research shows that children who use alcohol and tobacco are more likely to use marijuana than children who do not use these substances. Children who use marijuana are more likely to use other addictive drugs. Certain genetic, social, and environmental risk factors make it more likely that certain individuals will become addicted to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. These include:

• children of alcoholics who, according to several studies, may have inherited genes that make them more prone to addiction, and who may have had more stressful upbringings;
• sensation-seekers who may like the novelty of feeling drunk or high;

• children with psychological problems, such as conduct disorders, who self-medicate to feel better;
• children with learning disabilities, and others who find it difficult to fit in or become frustrated learning;

• children of poverty who lack access to opportunities to succeed and to resources when they're in trouble.

The more risk factors children have, the greater their vulnerability.

Regardless of how "cool" drugs may look, there is nothing glamorous about the reality of addiction, a miserable experience for the addict and everyone around him. Addiction causes an all-consuming craving for drugs, leading a caring person to destroy relationships, work, and family life and many times getting caught up with the criminal system.

If you suspect your child is using illegal drugs, abusing alcohol or prescription drugs, seek professional help and remember these three C's: that 'you didn't Cause, can't Control and can't Cure' your child's problems. But you can and must take charge if you find your child involved with drugs and alcohol. The earlier you act upon your child’s addiction problems the better will be the outcome for your child.

Don’t let your child become a statistic. Reach out to us.

Inspirations for Youth and FamiliesAddiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

Cove Center for Recovery Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237

http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com