Substance Abuse Archives

The Consequences of Teen Drug Abuse

Teen drug abuse is rising, and parents need to understand the dangers. Teens who abuse drugs may be at an increased risk of developing an addiction as adults. Knowing the difference between drug abuse and addiction is essential, as many teens experiment with drugs but aren’t necessarily addicted. Additionally, teen drug abuse can have long-term cognitive and behavioral effects since the teenage brain is still developing. Let’s take a closer look at the consequences of adolescent drug abuse. The Effects of...

The Importance of Screening for Substance Use in Adolescents

Parents play a critical role in their children’s lives. As their children grow to pre-teens and teens, parents worry about new risks they may experience. One such risk is the use of substances, such as alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other drugs. Parents can help by talking to their teen’s pediatrician about screening for substance use. Substance use by teens can have a big impact on their health and well-being. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), through a cooperative agreement with the...