As a leading drug and alcohol addiction treatment center in Topeka, Gold Bridge Treatment Center has seen an increase of drug and alcohol use in teenagers in recent years. Many experts attribute this to the rise of social media, but how common is substance abuse in teenagers? Are the numbers as high as we think they are? Or is the topic just glorified in movies and tv shows?
What Do the Numbers Say?
Agencies like the CDC and the National Institute of Drug Abuse conduct frequent studies on teenagers and substance abuse. They have found that:
- 1 in 5 teenagers have abused prescription drugs
- About 21% of high school seniors smoked marijuana within the past month
- About 40% of high school seniors drank alcohol within the past month
Studies also found that 1 in 3 parents felt like they couldn’t do anything to help their children. If your child suffers from substance abuse, contact a rehab facility immediately for alcohol and drug addiction help in Topeka.
What Are the Most Common Substances Used by Teens?
Teenagers use a lot of the same drugs adults use, but they often use them for different reasons and in larger amounts. Some of the most common reasons teens use substances are to fit in with their peers, manage anxiety, or to chase a euphoric feeling.
Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance by teenagers because it’s easily accessible. Society has seemed to have adopted underage drinking as a “rite of passage,” which leads to binge drinking and alcohol dependence. If your child is suffering from an alcohol addiction, there are alcohol rehab facilities in Topeka that are ready to help.
Marijuana use is also common with teenagers. Over 20 percent of teenagers have tried marijuana before. Most teenagers think that marijuana is harmless and doesn’t carry any risk. However, it has been proven that marijuana can be a gateway drug. This means that a teenager smoking marijuana could end up using more dangerous drugs later on in their life.
By smoking marijuana as a teenager, a person significantly raises their chances of becoming addicted to substances.
Prescription medications can be easy to gain access to, especially if you know someone who has been prescribed specific drug. Many prescription drugs are addictive, including OxyContin and Xanax, which both produce a euphoric high that is addictive, especially for teenagers. These two drugs can also lead to potential overdosing; so, If you think your teenager is addicted to these substances, get drug addiction help in Topeka immediately, it could save their lives.
What Are Some Common Signs of Teenage Drug Use?
There are multiple signs that someone is abusing drugs and not everyone will show the same symptoms. Here are some of the most common signs to look for:
- A drop in their grades
- Loss of interest in activities
- Poor hygiene
- Avoiding eye contact
- Secretive behavior
If you think your child is suffering from substance abuse, it’s best to approach them kindly and calmly. Listen to them and their struggles and offer your support. Let them know that help is available.
How Can You Help Your Child That is Suffering from Substance Abuse?
The best way to help your child overcome their addiction is by supporting them and letting them know that you love and care for them. Reassure them that are there to help and assist in researching alcohol rehab facilities in Topeka for them to attend. Parental involvement is one of the best ways to help stop your child’s addiction.
Are You Looking for the Best Substance Abuse Treatment Center in Topeka?
If you or someone you love is battling substance abuse in Topeka, please reach out to our staff at Gold Bridge Treatment Center. You can call us at (913) 837-4653 or contact us online. We are experts in drug and alcohol addiction help in Topeka and specialize in helping individuals make changes for a happier, healthier life. We offer group counseling, individual counseling, and inpatient treatment services to help guide our residents on a successful path to beating addiction.
At Gold Bridge Treatment Center, we strive to be one of the best drug and alcohol treatment centers in the Topeka area. We are located in Louisburg, KS, just a short drive from Topeka, and look forward to helping you on your road to beating substance addiction.