Teens and Marijuana: Why Parents Should not Ignore

Daily marijuana use among young adults is at its highest levels since 1991. A national survey released in October shows that 17 million Americans — mostly teens or young adults — used pot in 2010. About 40% of those used it on 20 or more days in the past month, up from 36.7% in 2009.

The director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Nora Volkow, recently stated that “roughly one out of 10 people who try marijuana get addicted" and "young users were more vulnerable than older ones”. She also stated that because research hasn’t been able to identify the underlying reasons why some individuals become addicted and some don’t, it is safer to avoid the substance and its potential dangers. Furthermore, Volkow blames medicinal marijuana for undermining the serious side effects of marijuana by portraying it as beneficial to one’s health. Additionally, Volkow believes that “hearing about the medicinal benefits of marijuana makes people think it must not be harmful”.

Peter Delany of the Substance Abuse and Mental health Administration believes that marijuana has become the biggest drug problem in the United States considering how the number of its users has more than doubled in the past decade.

The media also plays an important role in decreasing the social stigma attached to marijuana by portraying it “cool” and “commonly used by every top athlete and celebrity”.

The widespread ignorance by teens (and some of  their parents) and  the media's general failure is to distinguish between adolescents and adults when they report on marijuana use and its dangers. When you're young and the body is still growing, marijuana actually has the potential of inflicting a long-lasting, negative impact on the developing brain. In addition, using marijuana at a young age can result in structural and functional deficits of the brain. This could develop weakened verbal and communication skills, lowered learning capabilities and a shortened attention span.

Parents concerned about their impressionable teenagers can get involved by monitoring their teen’s circle of friends and openly communicating about the dangerous side effects of marijuana that is rarely discussed in the media.

For more information on teen marijuana abuse and teen marijuana addiction treatment, visit Inspirations for Youth and Families.

Addiction and Behavior 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

How is Teen Marijuana Addiction Treated?

Marijuana Addiction Treatment programs focus on counseling and group support systems as there is no medications for treating marijuana addiction at this time.

There are many types of marijuana addiction treatment programs for teens. Inspirations Teen Rehab determines which treatment type is necessary by the adolescent's level of use and other mental health and medical issues.

Detoxification, short-term and long-term rehabilitation, intensive outpatient programs, 12-step programs and individual, family and group therapy are all forms of drug addiction treatment offered and provided by Inspirations Teen Rehab. Some types of treatment such as detoxification may last one week whereas other such as long-term, residential alcoholism treatment can last 30 days or longer.

Inspirations Teen Rehab includes parents in the teen's drug rehabilitation treatment which is critical to a successful recovery.

Specifically design for adolescents, Inspirations Teen Rehab offers mental health treatment in addiction to substance abuse treatment. Inspirations is well known for its additional premier services such as: educational program which helps your child in keeping their school credits while in treatment and a huge array of extra-curricular activities such as: sports (including teen building activities), art therapy, music therapy, special outings and our famous family workshop. At Inspirations monthly workshop, parents, family members, teens and therapists share their experiences, talk about the changes achieved so far, changes needed to be made, plans and hope for the future.

Reach out to us. Teen Recovery is just a phone call away. If the information you are looking for is not found here and you need immediate attention contact us:

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Addiction Identified as a Chronic Brain Disease

A recent statement released by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) on August 15, 2011, has shocked millions of Americans throughout the country. After two decades of successful advancements in neurology the ASAM has concluded that after years of extensive research, they believe addiction is “not solely related to problematic substance abuse” but more so a chronic disease that compels individuals to form addictive, detrimental habits.

Former president of ASAM, Dr. Michael Miller believes that “addiction isn't just a social problem or a moral problem or a criminal problem, but a brain problem whose behaviors manifest in all these other areas".

Dr. Miller believes “we have to stop moralizing, blaming, controlling or smirking at the person with the disease of addiction, and start creating opportunities for individuals and families to get help and providing assistance in choosing proper treatment”.

It is estimated that with addiction now being treated as a “chronic disease”, advanced addiction rehabilitation methods will be able to better assist those battling addiction by identifying and understanding their addictions on both a physical and mental scale, and while doing so, offer them the help they need in order to overcome their addiction, regain their self-esteem and function normally in society.

For more information on drug abuse, addiction treatment, and drug rehab programs visit Inspirations for Youth and Families, aka Inspirations Teen Rehab.

Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            1-888-757-6237      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            1-888-387-6237      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

Teen drug abuse is rampant say cops and counselors in Pleasanton, CA

With half of its student body confessing to smoking marijuana, the school administrators and parents of Hart Middle School, located in Pleasanton, California were shocked after a recent PTA meeting which discussed the dangerous trends amongst the schools’ students.

After interviewing the students of Hart middle school, counselor Tammy Schoonover estimated that 25% of the students drank alcohol and 50% smoked marijuana.

Officer Ryan Tujague, a member of the police department's special enforcement unit warned parents that even the brightest of students were succumbing to marijuana, OxyContin, heroin and other substances, often fooling their unsuspecting parents who could never imagine their daughter/son was purchasing and using illegal drugs to achieve dangerous highs.

Tujague also pointed out the growing crime rate correlated with the growing number of addicts, so often young teens, who are committing the pettiest of crimes in order to be able to purchase drugs and feed their addiction.

For information on teen drug abuse, recent trends on teen drug abuse, teen drug addiction problems, teen drug addiction treatment and teen rehabs with educational programs visit:

Teen Substance Abuse Help: 1-888-757-6237
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Young Adult and Adult Substance Abuse Help: 1-888-387-6237
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com/

Prescription drug abuse up among Valley Youths

Legal drug abuse has become quite popular with youths and the results are borderline devastating. In the last twenty years, the number of minors reporting the use of prescription drugs has steadily increased in areas such as Clovis and north Fresno where drugs like Vicodin and Oxycontin are sold for around forty dollars on the streets.

Even though officials claim prescription drug abuse has increased among teens, no local surveys have been conducted to prove such a statement until last year when the California Healthy Kids Survey also included questions regarding the abuse of prescription painkillers among teens. The questions were added because school administrators reported frequent drug use by the students. George Rodriguez, a social worker with the Clovis Police Department claimed that parental awareness has helped bring attention to the matter and the results have been positive so far.

Many drug agents claim that children trust doctors' prescriptions and don't really think of addiction as an issue, not knowing that most painkillers have the same ingredients of heroin.

Children abusing prescription drugs are usually from middle to upper class neighborhoods whose parents can afford healthcare, making access to prescription painkillers easy and frequent. Parents who use prescription drugs should take every measure to protect their prescription drugs from easy reach. Most importantly parents should educate themselves in how to communicate with their children about the life treating risks of prescription drugs that are take without doctors approval.

For more information on teen prescription drug abuse, teen prescription addiction treatment, and teen prescription drug rehab programs visit Inspirations for Youth and Families, aka Inspirations Teen Rehab.

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

Drug Addicted Child – Don’t Be an Enabler Get Professional Help

Dealing with a drug addicted child may be one of the hardest and painful journey parents can go through. Getting advice from friends and professionals is one thing but to put that advice into action and try to prevent the child from slipping deeper into addiction is a completely different process.

Parents of drug addicted children often watch the child's personality and demeanor change. A parent's love is not enough to prevent this as the child no longer sees the parent in the same way. The people they loved and cherished have vanished and the only thing they see now a source of income - another way to obtain the drugs they need. The relationship has changed, the child the parents once knew has gone and love is not what it used to be. Although the child may show attention and affection, it is usually a way to get what they need.

A drug addicted child needs money for drugs and a place to live. As long as these two are provided chances are they may never want to drop the drug abuse habit. They may even be able to convince the parents they have stopped, just to start the cycle again. Parents of drug addicted children need to know that love and affection must take a new form. There is no longer protection in the home as this may provide a feeding ground for the addiction. Anything that could trigger an overdose or fuel the drug abuse habit must be cut off if the child is still living at home, and the safest way to support and aid any type of recovery is by the means of professional help for both the family and the addicted child.

Parents and caretakers of drug addicted children must realize that this not a phase that will pass on its own. If required, parents must acquire the appropriate help themselves before they attempt to help their child. Not knowing what to do will only add tension to an already painful experience. No family is immune to such a situation and all measures must be taken to provide help as there is no pain greater for a parent than burying a child.

For more information on teen drug abuse, teen addiction treatment, and teen drug rehab programs visit Inspirations for Youth and Families, aka Inspirations Teen Rehab. 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

The need to implement effective prevention and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse for teens

In a study sponsored by MetLife Foundation, released on April 6, 2011, the trend in alcohol and drug abuse in teens was shown to be in need of immediate attention.

In a study sponsored by MetLife Foundation, released on April 6, 2011, the trend in alcohol and drug abuse in teens was shown to be in need of immediate attention.

The 2010 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study consists of two nationally projectable samples: a survey that measures attitudes and behaviors of parents with children ages 10 to 19 that relate to substance abuse and a teen sample for students in grades nine through 12.

New data from the study on alcohol use shows that drinking is often considered to be acceptable behavior among teens – less risky and more approved of than abuse of other substances. These beliefs are critically important: data from the University of Michigan’s annual “Monitoring the Future” survey of 8th, 10^th and 12^th grade high school students, going back to 1975, show that teens’ perceptions of the risk and social disapproval of drug use correlate very closely with drug taking behavior – more closely than demographic characteristics such as race / ethnicity, socio-economic status or geography.

The average age of first use among teens is 14 years old. One quarter had their first drink by the age of 12 and by age 15 six out of 10 teens have had their first drink. Age of first use is critically important: research has shown that more than 40 percent of those who start drinking at age 14 or younger developed alcohol dependence, compared with 10 percent of those who began drinking at age 20 or older.

Underlying this abuse of alcohol among teens is a low sense of risk in use. Almost half of teens do not see a “great risk” in heavy daily drinking. In addition only one in three strongly disapprove of “getting drunk” which means that seven out of 10 do not strongly disapprove of the behavior.

Teens believe that alcohol is drunk by kids because it is fun, makes parties more fun, and helps them fit in with their peers and not feel left out. Teens who have drunk alcohol in the past year say the primarily reason why they do it is because it is fun. At the same time, while having fun and social motivations are the most frequently endorsed reasons for use, over a third of teens are drinking to cope with problems. Drinking alcohol for coping reasons in adolescence is a predictor of later problem use.

About one in seven teens feels they may have a problem with alcohol – either reporting they are worried about their drinking or they drink because it is a habit. Again, heavy alcohol use at an early age, when teens’ brains are still developing, can alter reward pathways in the brain and foreshadow later problem use.

Parents concede that they think most teens will try beer occasionally; however, the majority doesn’t believe their child has drunk alcohol at all.

Additionally, based on this study, a disturbing trend confirmed the significant increases in adolescent abuse of marijuana and Ecstasy.

All measures of marijuana use (ever tried, past year, past month) continue last year’s significant increases versus 2008.

Past year and past month Ecstasy use continue last year’s significant increases versus 2008.

The 2010 data also indicated that downward trends in LSD and cigarette use, which began flattening out in 2007, may be poised for an increase.

This study provides a significant support to the argument that families need to take action in identification and treatment of alcohol and drug abuse amongst teens. If there is any hope in stopping the destructive effects of addictions in society, specifically the lives of the most impressionable members of the society, that hope is to implement effective prevention and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse now.

If you would like more information on teen drug and alcohol abuse visit Inspirations for Youth and Families, aka Inspirations Teen Rehab an addiction treatment facility specialized in teens struggling with alcohol and/or drug addiction, which may include mental health issues, more commonly known as dual-diagnosis.

At Inspirations Teen Rehab we understand your concern for your teenager and the changing behaviors causing heartbreak and fear for your teen’s safety and future. Inspirations’ teen addiction treatment programs focuses on all aspects of teen behavioral issues. Family is the cornerstone of Inspirations’ teen addiction treatment center. Teens attending Inspirations’ are using or abusing drugs, often beginning with marijuana. Often, marijuana is the only drug or substance used by a teen. However, drug use becomes drug abuse and eventually leads to drug addiction. Marijuana historically leads to other drugs. Drugs combined with behaviors that demonstrate disrespect for parents, home rules, boundaries, and lack of accountability for actions, are typically an explosive combination that leads to significant and sometimes irreversible consequences.

For more information on our therapies and programs please visit us on the web.

Recovery from addiction is just a click or a phone call away.
Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237

http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

Addiction Treatment for Adults and Young Adults: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.covercenterforrecovery.com
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Teen Marijuana Abuse the Gateway to Other Drugs

The most used illegal drug in the United States among teens is marijuana. Marijuana has maintained its popularity for decades as the number one illicit drug in America. Marijuana is often considered "safe," and is also considered a "gateway drug" because of the teens’ perception that it is mostly harmless. However, marijuana is mind altering substance, and it does have very real and lasting effects on the body.

Rumors about marijuana been better for your health than smoking tobacco is actually just that, a myth. In reality, marijuana smoke can have between 50 and 70 percent more harmful carcinogens than is found in tobacco smoke.

The Center for Behavioral Health Statistics, Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Treatment Episode Data Set, estimated 321,648 admissions in 2008. So it is important to note that marijuana use can cause problems, despite being considered "safe" by many.

Long-term studies of high school students and their patterns of drug use show that very few young people use other drugs without first trying marijuana. Though few young people use cocaine, for example, the risk of doing so is much greater for youth who have tried marijuana than for those who have never tried it. Although research has not fully explained this association, growing evidence suggests a combination of biological, social, and psychological factors are involved.

If you suspect your child is marijuana, 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 and seek help for your child. The earlier you act upon your child’s addiction problems the better off your child will be.

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

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

Teen Drug Abuse on the Rise

New research sheds new light on the increasing rate of teen drug abuse. As our youths and teens increasingly participate in the rise of teen drug abuse, so do the overdoses and the deaths of these teens. The study reported that the rate of overdoses today is ten times higher than the rate in the late 1960s.

This rate increase is not just from the baby boomers and hippies as some would be led to believe, but the rate is higher amongst all age groups, including teens and youths. The rate is especially high for white Americans, with this trend on the rise and no signs of the rate of teen drug abuse leveling off any time soon.

This increase or rise of drug abuse among all age groups including the teens are said to be accredited to the trend of abusing prescription drugs. Before in the 1960s, the rate of deaths due to drug abuse was 1 in every 100,000 people. In 2007, 15 white women out of every 100,000 died from drug abuse. For black women the rate was 17 out of every 100,000. The rates for black and white men were even larger jumps.

The abuse of prescription drugs is evident in playing a major role in the rise of these deaths. Abusing prescription medications include painkillers and Vicodin, which are the most commonly abused prescription drugs. With almost half of Americans taking prescription drugs, the opportunities for these drugs to be abused is increased, which leads to the increase of addiction, all scenarios that come with serious, if not deadly, consequences.

Do not wait! Death from prescription drugs are becoming very common. After the death of a 17 year old teenager who ingested a pain killer pill at a party, many people started to pay attention. Teens are not just abusing prescription pain killers but also, anti-anxiety medication, and over the counter cough medications.

If your teenager or someone you know is abusing prescription drugs or struggling with any other addiction or any other destructive behaviors, please call Inspirations Teen Rehab. The one of a kind program which is very successful and well known; featured on the Dr. Phill Show.

Reach out to us. Recovery from addiction is just a click or a phone call away.

Teen Addiction Help: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/Teen-Prescription-Drug-Addiction-Treatment.asp

Addiction Treatment for Young Adults and Adults : 1-888-387-6237 http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

Teen Marijuana Addiction and Facilities That Provide Effective Treatment

Teens use drugs and get addicted to many different types of drugs in the process. One common teen drug addiction is marijuana addiction. There are no medications for treating marijuana addiction at this time. However, different types of marijuana addiction treatment programs are available that effectively deal with teen marijuana addiction. All marijuana addiction treatment programs focus on counseling and group support system. The treatment type chosen for a teen is determined by the adolescent's level of use and his or her mental health and medical issues. Treatments vary in length. Excluding detoxification, which as discussed above is not one of the options for marijuana, all treatments last more than a few weeks. some treatment, such as long-term residential treatment can last 30 days or longer.

Effective treatment of marijuana addiction, like all drug addictions, requires personalized treatment plan that not only addresses the specific drug involved but the addicted person's personality and circumstances of use.

Psychology plays a bigger role in the addicted teens than other groups of addicts. Inclusion of family, especially in the teen's drug rehabilitation treatment, is critical to the success of the treatment. This is the reason that rehab facilities include parents and family members in their addiction therapy programs.

Choosing a teen marijuana rehab treatment facility, involves the understanding of the facility’s personalized teen oriented rehabilitation program and how it takes into account the developmental needs of the teens. It is not uncommon for teens with drug or alcohol problems to be dealing with some type of mental issues too. The facility of choice should be able to treat those mental health issues as well.

Another important part of teen’s addiction treatment is addressing his or her educational needs. It is crucial to minimize the impact of treatment on the child’s education and his chance of graduating from high school, while away from home in the treatment center. For this reason, specialized adolescent teen rehab facilities, provide educational program alongside the addiction treatment.

Additionally, addiction treatment facilities specializing in teen's addictions, offer extra-curricular activities such as sports and educational outings. These types of activities help teens complete the treatment to start with and will positively influence teen’s social behaviors such as team play skills, trust in others, sense of responsibility and self-confidence. Before choosing a treatment facility for your teen, talk to the facility’s counselor or therapist, ask questions about the staff, the facility and the addiction treatment programs they offer.

As everyone agrees, choosing the right treatment facility is the most important step in choosing the right treatment.Most parents recognize when their child needs help. If you find out that your teen is struggling with marijuana use or substance abuse in general, seeking help early can prevent a tragic outcome and stop your loved one from becoming another statistics.

One such specialized treatment center that you should include in your choices, is Inspirations Teen Rehab. Inspirations Teen Rehab, an Adolescent Addiction Treatment Center will help you navigate the path of finding the right rehab center and point you, at least, in the right direction.

All treatment programs at Inspirations Teen Rehab are specifically put together to deal with teens addictions. They offer outpatient, inpatient and residential addiction treatment programs with extracurricular activities and continuing educational programs. Their programs are geared toward treatment and relapse prevention through sports, education, counseling and group and famiy therapies.

You can contact one of their licensed therapists by calling 1-888-757-6237, or get information about their facility by visiting their website at:
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

They also have a separate facility offering addiction treatment for young adults and adults. Contact their adult facility by calling 1-888-387-6237 or visit their website at http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com