People who start abusing alcohol and/or drugs at an early age have a greater risk of developing addiction and suffering from substance use disorder, which is a chronic disease affecting the brain. The first use of alcohol or drugs during adolescence and teen years does not lead to an addiction to the substance, but substance abuse early in life can lead to various problems later.
Teens dependent on substances, including alcohol, need a specialized treatment as per their needs. Treatment for substance abuse in adolescence must address a teen’s emotional, physical, social, family and peer environment. A comprehensive treatment for teen substance abuse at teen addiction treatment centers combines effective medication and behavioral approaches, family-based approaches, and recovery support services.
Substance abuse: Signs and Symptoms
According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), some of the signs and symptoms indicating alcohol or drug addiction are:
- Compulsive use of addictive substance
- Strong drug or alcohol cravings
- Loss of control over addictive substance
- Substance tolerance
- Physical dependence on addictive substance
- Continued usage despite harmful consequences
- Change in hygiene or physical appearance
- Neglect of important activities