Teen Drug Abuse/Alcohol Abuse
The Pinnacle Schools offers programs that specialize in the treatment of drug and alcohol abuse and addictions.
Facts from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- An estimated 19.9 million Americans aged 12 or older were current users of an illicit drug in 2007. This estimate represents 8.0 percent of the population.
- An estimated 70.9 million Americans reported being current users of a tobacco product in 2007, a prevalence rate of 28.6% of the population 12 years and older.
- Marijuana is the most widely used illicit substance in this country. In 2007, 14.4 million people were current users of marijuana.
- Vicodin is one of the drugs most commonly abused by adolescents. In 2008, 15.4% of 12th graders reporting using a prescription drug for non-medical purposes in the last year.
Negative Effects. Experimentation with alcohol and drugs during adolescence is common. Unfortunately, teenagers often don't see the link between their actions today and the consequences tomorrow. They also have a tendency to feel indestructible and immune to the problems that others experience.
Some teens will experiment and stop, or continue to use occasionally without significant problems. Others will develop a dependency, moving on to more dangerous drugs and causing significant harm to themselves and possibly others. Drug and alcohol abuse is often the symptom of another underlying problem.
Rehab centers provide treatment for teens with a chemical or drug dependency. The options are wide and diverse including short term, long term, residential and day programs. These centers do not usually provide a strong support system for parents or accredited academics.
Elk River Treatment is Different. There is a marked difference in the treatment environment of a rehab center and an outdoor, teen-friendly therapeutic program like Elk River Treatment Programs of The Pinnacle Schools. Hospital-based residential programs suggest illness as opposed to the structured daily therapies, emotional support and peace that can found in the outdoors. Elk River Treatment Programs provide both. Often described as a Hospital without Walls, we support the medical needs available in a traditional hospital, and the therapeutic environment provided by the outdoors. Results are achieved by utilizing both proven models and are accomplished through strong relationships with a professional, ethical and caring adult staff, including a Master's Level Addiction Professional.
Warning signs of teenage alcohol and drug abuse may include:
Physical: Fatigue, repeated health complaints, red and glazed eyes, and a lasting cough.
Emotional: Personality change, sudden mood changes, irritability, irresponsible behavior, low self-esteem, poor judgment, depression, and a general lack of interest.
Family: Starting arguments, breaking rules, or withdrawing from the family.
School: Decreased interest, negative attitude, drop in grades, many absences, truancy, and discipline problems.
Social problems: New friends who are less interested in standard home and school activities, problems with the law, and changes to less conventional styles in dress and music.
Source: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
