Teen Drug Abuse and Its Impact

Drug abuse is found in every socioeconomic group and people from all walks of life. It devastates the lives of users, their families, and the community at large. While the ravages of substance abuse are felt by all groups of people, the impact it has on teens is especially devastating. No matter how, when, or why teens use substances, it can severely impact their physical and mental health now and in the long run. This article will focus on teen drug abuse and its impacts on their lives. This article will also focus on the reasons why teens use or misuse drugs and the importance of finding teen addiction treatment. If you suspect your teenager is struggling with drug abuse, now is the time to act. Adolescent Wellness Academy (AWA) offers a unique and dynamic afterschool outpatient program for teens dealing with substance abuse and mental illness. Our evidence-based programs and expert care give your teen the tools and confidence they need to become healthy and happy. Call AWA today to learn more about our teen treatment program in South Florida.

The Scope of Teen Drug Abuse

Teen drug abuse is a major health and social issue in the United States. The following statistics paint both a shocking and sobering picture and how widespread the problem is throughout the country: Drug abuse in teens is especially dangerous given the back they experience explosive growth in both the body and brain. If teens abuse drugs and alcohol during this crucial period of growth, it will significantly arrest development and cause a wide array of developmental and cognitive issues that can persist well into adulthood.

What Are the Signs of Teen Drug Abuse?

Identifying the signs of drug abuse in teens can be very difficult. Teens who use substances are very secretive and will go to great lengths to hide their use from parents and others. In some cases, the signs of abuse can mirror other physical and mental ailments that make it hard to spot substance abuse. As a parent, you must be vigilant in spotting the signs of abuse as early as possible. Early detection allows you to get your son or daughter into teen drug and alcohol rehab. The common physical signs of teen substance abuse include the following:
  • Poor hygiene
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Frequent runny nose or nosebleeds
  • Changes in mood or attitude
  • Difficulty staying focused
  • Small track marks on arms or legs
  • Extremely tired or extremely hyperactive
  • Sudden weight gain or weight loss
Behavioral signs of drug abuse in teens include:
  • Acting irresponsibly and engaging in high-risk behavior
  • Frequently asking for money
  • Stealing
  • Isolating from family and friends
  • Making excuses or lying about their behavior
  • Missing school or work
  • Losing interest in hobbies or activities
  • Abandoning long-time friends

The Importance of Teen Addiction Treatment

If your teenager is dealing with a substance abuse issue, you must find professional treatment as soon as possible. To give your child the best chance at long-term recovery, you must find a treatment facility with programs and services specifically designed for teenagers. The staff at teen drug and alcohol rehabs must have years of proven experience in working with the teenage population. The best teen drug and alcohol rehab centers should feature the following components:
  • Individual, group, and family therapy
  • 12-step group support
  • Life and coping skills development and training
  • Medication management (if necessary)
  • Aftercare support

Adolescent Wellness Academy Can Help Your Teen Recover

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.

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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.

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.

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.