Recent research has indicated that when adolescent substance use goes unchecked, it can indicate adult drug use and abuse. As such, it is essential to seek out the best possible adolescent substance use treatment center. At Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center, we’re proud to offer exceptional substance use treatment for adolescent boys around the country. To learn more about treatment for ADHD as well as our amphetamine use treatment program, contact us today.
The Correlation Between Adolescent Substance Use And Adult Drug Use
In one edition of a peer-reviewed journal, a study was published which focused on the use of alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco in adolescents. Conclusively, the study found that a combination of weak working memory and impulsivity contribute to a heightened risk factor of substance use in adolescence.
Additionally, combining existing substance use with the previous two factors can lead to continued substance use throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Science Daily explains that “Working memory refers to the ability to concentrate on a task without being easily distracted.” Hyperactivity is often directed to ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A number of psychological, social, and environmental factors cause excitement and distractibility in adolescents. Everything from hormones to difficulties at home, bullying in school to the development of a mental illness like depression, can cause difficulty concentrating.
Furthermore, the article continues, “Youth with weak working memory tend to have problems controlling their impulses, and thus appear to be at greater risk of continuing drug use.” ADHD in adolescence is considered a heightened risk for substance use because of the associated impulsivity.
Problematically, many parents take their children to psychiatrists seeking a diagnosis and eagerly seeking a medication-based solution. However, not all psychiatrists conduct the necessary testing, which should include brain imaging, to conclusively diagnose ADHD.
Even more problematic is the fact that many popular brands of medications for ADHD and concentration difficulty are stimulant amphetamines. Brand names like Adderall are similar to cocaine as well as methamphetamine, or “meth”, according to various studies. Research has also found a connection between the early use of such medications and the development of substance use problems. If you are struggling with amphetamine addiction, contact our amphetamine use treatment program.
Contact Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center
Often, experimentation with substances at an early age is considered a primary factor in adulthood use. However, the study found that it wasn’t a key factor at all. As the article describes, “It was the progression in drug abuse along with weakness in working memory and impulse control difficulties that predicted substance use disorders at later ages.” Therefore, as a remedy, the researchers suggest early interventions outside of education and harm prevention regarding substance use. Outside-of-school activities that strengthen the memory and various cognitive functions can reduce the risk of impulsivity thereby reducing the risk of substance use.
One of the keys to adolescent substance use treatment is a treatment plan that the specialists tailor to the adolescent’s needs. In short, one-size-fits-all treatment is no longer the norm at most treatment centers around the country. Therefore, at Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center, we offer our teens individual treatment. Furthermore, their plan consists of a range of holistic and evidence-based treatment options. A combination of evidence-based and holistic treatments is the best possible choice for adolescents seeking long-term recovery. Some of our treatment options include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Music therapy
Many of our teens are past the point of experimentation. If your beloved adolescent is struggling with substance use, we can help them at our adolescent treatment program. Our program has a clinical foundation, and we use faith to strengthen it. Furthermore, we work to keep your child academically focused while healing their lives one step at a time. Contact Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center today at 662.373.2828 to learn more.
Stonewater Recovery Center is an adolescent boys’ substance abuse treatment center in Oxford, Mississippi. We offer residential addiction treatment, dual diagnosis treatment, addiction detox services, & more. Contact us today to learn more about our adolescent addiction treatment programs.
