Monday, March 22 to Sunday, March 28, 2021, is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW). The goal of NDAFW is to create awareness among teenagers to combat the myths about drugs and alcohol that they are faced with daily from friends, music, TV, social media, movies, and the internet.
Started in 2010 by scientists at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® is designed to encourage educational events throughout communities to provide the opportunity for teens to become informed about what science can teach them about drug use and addiction. In 2016, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) partnered with NIDA to include alcohol abuse as a topic of focus. NIDA and NIAAA are both a part of the National Institutes of Health, our nation’s medical research agency.
At Westwind Recovery® in Los Angeles, California, we champion the efforts of NIDA and NIAAA in educating our nation’s youth on the effects of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. If you have a teenager who needs drug or alcohol addiction treatment, call us today at 855.340.8832 to learn about the luxury rehab treatments we can offer.
Teenagers And Substance Abuse
Adolescence is a challenging time. Teens are experiencing rapid growth physically, mentally, and socially. Their bodies and brains are changing and maturing at incredible rates. Socially, they meet new peers, become more independent from their parents, and forge their identities as individuals. With all of these changes comes emotional instability, confusion, and questioning, which can lead to these feelings commonly reported by teenagers:
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anger
- Apathy
- Moodiness
While many teens will navigate the ups and downs of adolescence without turning to experimentation with drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, many others will not. Curiosity and peer pressure are two factors that weigh heavily upon a teenager’s decision about whether or not to engage in these behaviors. Parents also play a critical role. Teenagers whose parents have talked openly with them about the effects of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use are less likely to abuse these substances. Teens who are not informed and especially those who witness substance abuse at home, are more likely to experiment with or abuse substances, leading to later addictions. Westwind Recovery® is an alcohol and drug addiction treatment center that can work with teens and their families to successfully treat substance abuse and addiction.
Substance Abuse Treatment For Teens
It is important to understand that substance abuse and addiction are different. Many teenagers who experiment with or abuse substances are not addicted. However, studies show that the earlier a teen is introduced to substance use, the more likely they are to continue to use, leading to a higher risk for addiction down the road.
We know that the human brain isn’t fully developed until age 25. Substance abuse during adolescence can have significant negative impacts on a teen’s health and well-being, especially on cognitive and behavioral functioning. Parents often believe that there is little they can do to prevent their teens from experimenting with or abusing drugs. However, much of the evidence shows just the opposite: parental involvement is the key to prevention.
Our Drug Addiction Treatment Center in California
If you suspect that your teen is using drugs, the best course is to be direct with him or her about your concerns and to remember not to overreact. Some of the warning signs to look for include:
- Declining grades
- Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Diminished personal appearance
- Poor hygiene
- Avoiding eye-contact
- Secrecy
At Westwind Recovery®, we believe in educating parents and families about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and how they can find a drug addiction treatment center in California.
If you have determined that your teen is abusing drugs or alcohol, it is important that you seek professional help. Speak to a qualified addiction treatment specialist today at 855.340.8832 to learn more about the programs we offer to help you and your teen navigate the path to recovery.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
