As the parent of a teen, have you found yourself looking at your child, wondering “Why would you do that?” From mood swings to risk taking, “normal” teenage behavior can be confusing and exasperating. Research reveals that patterns of brain development during these formative years play a significant[…]
Read More
Most experts believe anyone can become addicted to alcohol or other drugs. Some substances, like nicotine and heroin, are so highly addictive that using them excessively or on a daily basis can lead to addiction in anyone. However, most people who try substances do not progress to heavy[…]
Read More
A number of recent national surveys have helped shed light on the relationship between alcohol and other drug use and suicidal behavior. A review of minimum-age drinking laws and suicides among youths age 18 to 20 found that lower minimum-age drinking laws was associated with higher youth suicide[…]
Read More
Both drug abuse and drug addiction can lead to many health problems. These problems vary, depending on the type of drug abused. In general, these are the effects: Drug abuse weakens your immune system. This makes it harder to fight off infection. People who abuse drugs often engage[…]
Read More
Addiction is commonly associated with substance abuse, but behavioral addictions like gambling, social media, food, and pornography are just as serious. Addiction is when a person is unable to consistently abstain from a behavior or substance. This is typically at the cost of their mental and physical health.[…]
Read More
PART A. During the PAST 12 MONTHS, on how many days did you: Drink more than a few sips of beer, wine, or any drink containing alcohol? Put “0” if none. Use any marijuana (pot, weed, hash, or in foods) or “synthetic marijuana” (like “K2” or “Spice”)? Put[…]
Read More
Substance abuse means using drugs and/or alcohol for non-medical reasons. Substances can be either legal or illegal and they don’t have to be illegal to be abused. If you abuse drugs/alcohol, you can become dependent on them physically and mentally. Substance abuse and addiction can lead to many[…]
Read More
We explore in this video the intriguing similarities between the processes of brain development and computer programming. The analogy helps us understand why toxic environmental factors like drugs, bullying, or lack of sleep can have such a long-lasting impact on a teenager’s life and can be used to[…]
Read More
Scientists used to assume that the rush of dopamine alone caused the feeling of euphoria (happiness) during drug use, but they now know it is more complicated than that. Many drugs—nicotine, cocaine, marijuana, and others—affect the brain’s “reward” circuit, which is part of the limbic system. Normally, the[…]
Read More
Parents are the #1 influence in a teen’s decision not to drink. Eat dinner together regularly. Be caring and supportive. Maintain open lines of communication. Set no-drinking rules and consequences. Be consistent with them. Surround your child with positive role models. Teens need parent to be parents, not[…]
Read More- 1
- 2
- NEWER POSTS