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Teenage addiction is a major problem that public health officials, school guidance counselors, and parents are working together to solve on both a national and granular level. The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics estimates that around 47 percent of teens will use illicit substances before graduating from high school, and around 863,000 adolescents in the United States are in need of addiction and substance use treatment but won’t receive it.
This is certainly a large-scale problem in the United States, and indeed, these trends exist beyond U.S. borders as well, prompting global leaders to work toward greater transparency and access in the world of mental health treatment and substance use issues in particular. One thing that many advocates are working toward is a minimization of the stigmas attached to mental health needs and substance issues. With the social image of these areas taking a back seat, many people who might otherwise skip out on treatment are seeking it out, allowing them to move past troubles that have plagued their pasts and start fresh with all that life has to offer standing ahead of them.
There are many considerations to make in the teenage addiction space. Whether you’re seeking guidance on getting help for your child or you’re someone who is passionate about this issue and wants to launch a career in the treatment side of things here, this article is the perfect place to start. Continue reading for more information on teenage mental health and addiction needs.
A career in teenage mental health can give you a lifelong sense of purpose and fulfillment.
An addiction counseling degree is the first step in the path to a career that can literally save lives. Teens aren’t fully capable of seeing the bigger picture, and this is particularly evident in the sometimes destructive behaviors that typical adolescents engage in on a routine basis. Some teens make silly mistakes that don’t amount to much in the way of severity; however, millions will use illicit substances and engage in other risk-infused behaviors as they grow and learn through this transition period in life. Mental health professionals, and particularly those who work in addiction counseling, have their hands full working to encourage young people to make smart decisions, and when they don’t, these professionals are there to help them pick up the pieces when things inevitably fall apart.
Addiction counseling is a career that will place you into direct contact with those people who need your help and support the most. It’s a fulfilling role that will give you a lifetime of pride and the sense of a job well done.
Teenage treatment options are crucial for young people looking to get back on track toward their goals.
Substance use often starts out in an “experimentation phase.” It might seem like the cool thing to do, but this can quickly spiral into a habit that won’t let go of a person. Whether you’re in your teenage years or an elderly adult, substance use issues hit home with a distinct potency. Getting treatment for these troubles is the best course of action for anyone who’s dealing with an addiction that they can’t shake on their own. A teenage residential treatment center is a fantastic option for a teen and their family seeking help to shake a nagging addiction. Getting away from the settings and circumstances that prompt drug or alcohol use can be a powerful change, and with guided treatment plans that bring in mental health professionals, getting back on track is often achieved quickly and effectively through this course of action.
In today’s world, there is a considerably larger number of stressors that young people have to deal with. From SATs and applications to college to the ongoing strain that the coronavirus pandemic has placed on us all, teenagers often find themselves caught in the middle of many different challenges.
Consider these approaches to teenage addiction for a more comprehensive understanding of this serious issue.