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Teen Addiction Rates on the Rise 

Addiction and drug abuse are tragic situations that affect people of all demographics from all kinds of backgrounds. But while much of modern research and addiction treatment developments are focused on adults, increasing studies are showing that focus should be turned towards younger individuals. Adolescents and substance abuse are nothing new, but many may be shocked that teen addiction rates are rising. 

Adolescent Wellness Academy offers teen addiction treatment in South Florida. Contact us today to learn more about our after-school recovery program in Davie, FL.

WHY IS SUBSTANCE ABUSE RISING AMONG TEENS?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, today’s adolescents are more willing to experiment with drug abuse thanks to products like vape pens and relaxing societal norms around certain substances (like marijuana). The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics goes further to report that 47 percent of teens will have used an illicit (illegal) substance by the time they graduate from high school, and an estimated 863,000 adolescents are in need of substance abuse treatment but do not receive it.

Drinking among teens is also very common, with the CDC reporting that teens account for 11 percent of all alcohol consumed in the United States. Even more concerning is the fact that more than 90 percent of this alcohol is consumed in the form of binge drinking.  

In addition to drug prevalence and relaxing attitudes, there are a lot of reasons today’s adolescents may engage in substance abuse:

  • Experimentation: Many view it as just “experimenting,” even if the user has crossed over from occasional to frequent.
  • School Pressure: Pressures on teens to perform well academically or athletically are often intense. Not only can drug abuse be an outlet, but some see using stimulants or prescription pills as a means of getting ahead. 
  • Self-medicate: A lot of teens do not yet know how to express their feelings effectively or when to ask for help. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders often affect adolescents just as they do adults, but those who are younger may find turning to substance abuse easier than trying actually to get help. Many may not even be aware that they are suffering from a mental health disorder.
  • To Fit In: Being a teen comes with the natural desire to want to fit in with classmates and “be cool.” When others around them are engaging in substance abuse, it can be challenging for teens to turn the other way. Some may even go out of their way to introduce a new substance to their friends to achieve a better status. 

SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION IN TEENS

It can be very stressful when you think your teen may be engaging in drug abuse. However, the earlier you recognize the problem, the faster you can do something about it. Even though they may say otherwise, your teen needs you to be an active participant and caregiver. Here are some signs of drug abuse and addiction in teens that you should be aware of:

  • Changes in behavior (being overly excited or jittery, acting depressed, etc.)
  • Frequent irritability or violent outbursts
  • Disappearing often / spending long periods away from home without saying where they are going
  • Frequent sweating, red eyes, runny nose, etc.
  • Changes in physical appearance (no longer taking care of personal appearance)
  • Slipping grades
  • Disinterest in activities they used to enjoy
  • Acting secretive / suddenly demanding privacy
  • Suddenly hanging out with new people
  • Criminal behavior / new disregard for authority

WHAT PARENTS AND SCHOOLS CAN DO TO HELP

Parents and schools are the first line of defense against teen addiction and drug abuse. It is important for adolescents to feel supported, and with this comes the responsibility to help curb substance abuse rates among today’s youth. The good news is that there are a lot of things parents and schools can do to spread awareness and teach teens to stay away from drugs and alcohol:

  • Teach teens the importance of good mental health: Mental health is just as important as physical health. Disorders like anxiety and depression have long been linked to drug abuse, but early recognition and treatment can help prevent this. 
  • Take an interest in teens’ lives: Parents do not need to be overbearing, but maintaining a healthy interest in their child’s life is crucial. 
  • Spread truth, not fear: Many adolescents do not respond well to fear tactics or exaggerations about the effects of drugs and alcohol. It is best to be honest with them and show that certain (not all) substances may be okay in moderation once they are of legal age. Finding and sharing real-life stories about the dangers will also show real consequences.
  • Keep teens active: Participation in clubs and sports is often good for teens. Part-time jobs and volunteer service are great alternative options (just make sure they are not taking on too much and becoming stressed).
  • Talk one-on-one with teens: Sometimes, the best method of all is for parents to sit down with their teens and have a heart-to-heart.
  • Lead by example: Teens should always be able to come home to a healthy, safe household. They will also be more likely to listen to adults who practice what they preach. 

Teen Mental Health Treatment in South Florida – AWA

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, a teen mental health treatment center located in South Florida, we understand the complexities and challenges of guiding our loved ones, especially adolescents, towards recovery from mental health challenges. 

Recognizing the delicate nature of this journey, we are committed to offering compassionate, specialized care even in situations where individuals may be hesitant to seek help.

We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth through our tailored programs:

  • Day Therapeutic Program: A structured daytime treatment offering therapeutic support and education that integrates seamlessly with the adolescent’s daily life.
  • After-School Program: An innovative approach that provides therapeutic activities and supports post-school hours, allowing teens to continue their education while receiving the care they need.

When you join our therapy or afterschool programs, you enter a caring and non-judgmental community. This support network involves teens, their families, peers, and our team.

Our team of clinicians, alumni, and other parents are here to offer invaluable assistance. Parent Support Groups (PSG) and assessments ensure that the support is tailored to each family’s needs. Contact us today for more information about teen mental health at 1-866-548-8677 or visit our locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.

About the Author

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Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.