Commonly Used Drugs Among Teens
Though teen drug use is trending downward, issues like peer pressure and a desire to ease the rocky road of adolescence remain. Teenagers may experiment with drugs because they are curious about the effects, or to self-medicate mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. The top drugs used by teens include the following. Adderall […]
Substance Use Trends Among Teens on the Spectrum
Autism is a form of neurodivergence that can present several challenges, including a heightened sensitivity to stimuli and difficulty picking up on social cues. Additionally, recent research suggests autism is a risk factor for developing a substance use disorder. As a parent of a teen with a confirmed or suspected autism diagnosis, here’s what you […]
Protect Teens. Safely Dispose of Unused Prescriptions.
Though your home should be a safe place for every member of your family, many parents don’t recognize the potential danger hiding inside their medicine cabinets. Prescription medications can be a tempting target for curious teenagers, and youthful experiments with drugs can quickly lead to addiction. Every year on April 22, the U.S. Drug Enforcement […]
Drug-Induced Psychosis in Teens
Psychosis represents a break from reality, which can include delusions or hallucinations. While psychotic episodes are characteristic of illnesses like schizophrenia, drug use can also cause psychosis. What are some symptoms of this condition, and what drugs might trigger it? Psychosis Warning Signs Usually, psychosis begins with small changes in thoughts and perception and gradually […]
Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome
Inhalant Abuse, Whippets and Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome The use of inhalants dates back to the 19th century when nitrous oxide was introduced as an intoxicant. Nitrous oxide was recognized for its euphoric mental and physical effects on those who inhaled it. This led to recreational use within upper-class society and later contributed to the […]
Marijuana Psychosis in Teens
Many adults and teenagers believe marijuana is an innocuous recreational drug. While pot might not be as dangerous as substances like cocaine or methamphetamines, it can still harm a young person’s brain and body. For example, a growing body of clinical evidence indicates that marijuana use during the teen years increases the risk of psychosis. With so […]
Accidentally Enabling During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time for family and friends to celebrate together. While most people look forward to the holidays all year, substance abuse can complicate things for everyone involved. Out of love and well-meaning intent, you might attempt to support someone with an active addiction, but instead, you could accidentally encourage them by […]
Stop Enabling Your Teenager
Most of us are familiar with the concept of a “lawnmower parent” – someone who clears the path in front of their child, shielding them from disappointments or adversity. While you may feel this parenting style is the best way to show how much you care about your teen and want them to succeed in […]
What Is the Number One Drug Used by Teens?
Teen drug abuse and addiction remain a prevalent problem in the U.S., despite growing awareness among parents, teachers, and coaches. Adolescents might experiment with drugs for many reasons, from simple curiosity to peer pressure to a desire to sweep problems under the rug. Teenagers can also turn to drugs if addiction and mental health issues […]
Your Teen’s Illness Is Not Your Fault
After the heartbreaking realization that your teenager has a problem with alcohol or drugs, your initial reaction might be to blame yourself. Seeing someone so young struggle with substance abuse can make you wonder, “How could this happen to our family?” The first thing you should know is that addiction is a disease, and the […]