Is the problem of illegal drug use and alcohol abuse among American teens improving? A new federal report seems to suggest as much. In an article for CBS News, HealthDay reporter Mary Elizabeth Dallas highlights some of the findings of a study done by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The report noted that rates of drug abuse, binge drinking on alcohol, and use of tobacco products have gone down from their alarming numbers in 2002.
The SAMHSA reported noted however, that almost 25 million young people aged 12 and older are current illegal drug users, or they had used drugs within the past month. Marijuana is the drug most commonly used by teens. In 2013 alone, almost 20 million (7.5 percent of Americans aged 12 and older) were marijuana users — a jump from about 6 percent in 2007.
Many Americans who need treatment for a substance abuse disorder are not getting the help they need. The report revealed that in 2013, almost 23 million Americans aged 12 and older needed treatment for an alcohol or drug abuse problem, but only 2.5 million got help in a facility designed for the treatment of substance use disorders.
Suffice to say, the substance abuse problems among teens still persist, and families with teens caught in a drug or alcohol problem need to be encouraged to seek appropriate treatment. These families can refer to specialist facilities for inpatient or outpatient treatments and counseling. An evidence-based alcohol and drug rehab in Missouri, for instance, can be the teenager’s refuge.
The situations that push the teen to the addiction and the problem’s presentations are all unique, which is why comprehensive programs are tailored to individuals. In attempting to improve the teen’s psychological and emotional state, the encountered stress and coping mechanisms of the young person will be thoroughly discussed. The detox will also rely on the substance that he/she has been dependent on.
If your child or ward is dealing with drug or alcohol addiction or if you recognize the signs of these problems, you can look for specialists to resolve your concern and treat the teenager. An established rehab facility, such as the Midwest Institute for Addiction, offers internationally accredited programs for abuse of drug and alcohol treatment in St. Louis. Using therapies grounded in research and adapting to the teen’s specific needs, the rehab center can initiate his/her recovery from substance abuse.
(Source: New stats on drug, alcohol and tobacco use by teens, CBS News, September 16, 2014)
