Dangers And Risks From Addiction

I have some scary information to share with you today. The average girl in America has her first alcoholic drink at age 13 and scarier still, for boys it’s age 11!! ELEVEN! Those are some scary numbers. Young people that drink before age 21 are more likely to be in alcohol related traffic accidents, to attempt suicide, to develop violent behaviors later in life.

Since kids are experimenting with alcohol earlier in their lives researchers think that teens are more vulnerable to addiction. The pleasure center of the brain mature faster than the section of the brain that is responsible for impulse control and executive decision making.  Leaving teens with a mature pleasure center of the brain and the sound decision making, well, not so much!

There are several signs to look for, from declining grades to getting in trouble at school.  Other symptoms are harder to see, because for the most part, teens are withdrawn, isolated and silent! Watch for teens that give up activities they use to love, hobbies or sports. Look for decreased motivation. Watch for unexplained change in personality. Sudden mood changes, angry outbursts or laughing at nothing at all.

If your child’s personality is changing and not for the good, it’s time to do some research. There are some great websites out there. A Time To Act, has a ton of great information, including a checklist to help you talk to your child and what to expect from that talk.

Once you have identified there is a problem, it’s time to get help. There are several places to go for help, for instance the New Jersey alcohol treatment center is a place to start. Advanced Health and Education Center has partial care, intensive outpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol treatment programs that are designed for three groups of people: adults, adolescents, and professionals.

Recovery is a long road. It’s not a quick fix. It’s not a yell at the behavior and it goes away. Advance Health and Education knows this and realizes that it takes constant work and new strategies to prevent relapse.  When you are ready, find out more about treatment programs, and take a positive step.