The Most Commonly Used Drugs by Teens

Teenage drug abuse has become a significant problem. People who begin to abuse drugs during adolescence are more likely to become addicted than those who do during adulthood. The body is in a vital stage of development during the teenage years, and the brain is not yet fully mature – especially in the region of the brain associated with impulse control. This is partly why teens are more likely to experiment with drugs and other factors, including stress, peer pressure, and self-confidence issues. 

Parents, caregivers, and schoolteachers are growing increasingly concerned with the number of adolescents abusing drugs is rapidly increasing. If you suspect your teen is using drugs or battling addiction, you might want to know the most commonly used drugs by teens to help them better. 

Contact Adolescent Wellness Academy today to learn more about the best after-school recovery program in South Florida.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMONLY USED DRUGS BY TEENS?

There are several common teen drugs with different rates of use and effects.

Marijuana

Marijuana is easy for teens to obtain, which may be why it is so popular. Even though laws have passed legalizing recreational marijuana use in some states, marijuana use in adolescents has declined. Less than 6% of students in 12th grade use marijuana daily. Furthermore, data from the National Survey on Drug Use reveals that 0.7% of 8th graders use the substance daily, and 3.4% of 10th-grade students do. Some experts believe that because marijuana has been found to have a lower risk of use, some teens find it less interesting to try. 

Painkillers and Prescription Drugs

Painkillers and prescription drug abuse are also common among teens, including narcotics such as OxyContin and Vicodin. The National Survey on Drug Use found that 3.4% of 12th graders used some type of prescription drugs in the past year. 2.3% of 12th graders, 2.2% of 10th grade students, and 0.8% of 8th graders said they used OxyContin in the last year, while 1.7% of 12th grade students, 1.1% of 10th graders, and 0.6% of 8th graders were found to have used Vicodin in the last 12 months. Many teens combine these drugs with alcohol or other drugs, such as marijuana. 

Cocaine

Although cocaine is one of the most commonly used drugs by teens, teen cocaine use is not as common as other drugs, like marijuana. According to the National Survey on Drug Use, only about 2.3% of 12th-graders and 1.5% of 10th-grade students have used cocaine. Of students in 8th grade, 0.8% have reported using the substance in the past twelve months. It is suspected that cocaine use might be lower due to a limited availability compared to marijuana and some other drugs. Cocaine is often combined with alcohol, as teens have reported it allows them to drink more. It is easy to use at home and hide because it can be snorted rather than smoked. 

Stimulants

Stimulant drugs are another type of the most commonly used drugs by teens. Stimulant drugs also require a prescription and are used to treat conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall and Ritalin are two drugs that are commonly used by teens, with about 4.5% of students in 12th grade admitting to Adderall use in the past year without a prescription. Some experts have found teens to prefer stimulant drugs because it increases concentration and alertness, so they may be able to better boost academic performance. 

Spice or K2

Spice and K2 are other names for synthetic marijuana. It is made up of herbs that are sprayed with cannabinoid chemicals. Nearly 3.5% of high school seniors used spice in the last year, while 1.6% of 8th graders reported using it. The substance was legal and available for purchase in convenience stores and online until 2011, when many of the ingredients used in it became illegal. Some producers have changed the formation of chemicals in spice, however, making it possible for teens to access the drug.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK MY TEEN IS ON DRUGS?

If you suspect your teen is using drugs, it can be scary. Many parents become angry at their children for deciding to use drugs as a teen, but the best thing for you to do is try to remain calm and respond with love. 

It is also essential for you to educate them about the dangers of drug abuse and addiction in addition to teaching them about substance abuse treatment and how important it is. 

Also, know that you don’t need to help your teen on drugs alone. It can be overwhelming to help a teenager by yourself, so having a support system not only for your teen but for you can be helpful. You can find help through family, teachers or school counselors, and friends (including your child’s friends). Having a support system can make the challenges ahead seem more bearable.

Finally, contact a professional. Whether it be a family doctor or a behavioral health center specializing in teen substance use and addiction recovery, treatment from a professional is vital for a greater chance at recovery for your loved one.

HOW ADOLESCENT WELLNESS ACADEMY CAN HELP YOUR TEEN

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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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.

Allyson Timmons - Assistant Clinical Director (Davie)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Allyson Timmons is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the Assistant Clinical Director of our Davie location.  She is Florida born and raised, and has her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in Counselor Education with a focus in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida International University. She has been working in the mental health field for over fifteen years in various capacities. She is a Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida and enjoys helping clients and supervisees alike. Allyson works with adolescents and adults that struggle with mental health issues, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders. Treatment modalities and evidence-based techniques Allyson utilizes eclectic approaches and tailors treatment plans to clients based on their needs. She takes a more direct, supportive, honest, and solution-focused approach. Some of these modalities include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Techniques, and Humanistic approaches. Allyson empowers her clients to make change for themselves.

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.

Melanie Medrano – Therapist

Melanie has a profound commitment to guiding individuals on their paths to self-discovery and healing. Equipped with a diverse skill set, Melanie has received specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing. 

At the heart of Melanie’s therapeutic approach is a desire to provide clients with a safe, nurturing space where they can empower themselves with the tools necessary to navigate life’s complexities. Melanie finds joy in witnessing clients emerge from challenging circumstances, stepping into the light from what once felt like a dark place.  

Cristina Arango – Clinical Supervisor

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Benjamin Ziegler LMFT – Therapist

With a heart for guiding families through challenges and fostering connections, Benjamin is committed to creating a therapeutic space where each family member feels heard, understood, and supported. His genuine enthusiasm for helping families thrive is a driving force in his approach.

Benjamin is highly qualified professional with a Master’s Degree and credentials as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). He also has a certification in narrative therapy, where he skillfully utilizes storytelling to empower individuals and families on their mental health journey, guiding them to reshape their narratives and discover fresh perspectives.  

Celanie Chenet – Therapist

Celanie is a mental health professional with a Master’s Degree and licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Celanie is dedicated to providing supportive care through various modalities and has a robust background in trauma-informed care, Living in Balance, and Protective Action Response.

Celanie’s primary modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with a specialization in Trauma Focused-CBT (TF-CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, and Brief Solution-focused therapy (BSF). With a commitment to helping individuals navigate challenges and achieve positive outcomes, Celanie brings a wealth of expertise and a caring approach to the therapeutic process.   

Michael Panzeca – Program Manager

With over 40 years of dedicated experience in the field of mental health and addiction, Michael has established himself as a pivotal figure in the development of transformative treatment programs. His expertise has been instrumental in shaping various nationally recognized treatment centers across the United States. Michael’s visionary approach also led to the creation of the Adolescent Wellness Academy, a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing the mental well-being of young people.Michael’s unique blend of professionalism and creativity sets him apart in his field. Drawing from his side profession as a stand-up comedian, he infuses humor and originality into program design, making therapeutic processes more engaging and effective. His ability to connect with parents and teens on a deeper level—balancing candor with compassion—has made him a sought-after counselor and mentor.Certified by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium as an Addiction Counselor, Michael’s credentials are further bolstered by his training in Gestalt Therapy from The Cincinnati Gestalt Institute. His extensive training and hands-on experience equip him with the skills to address complex mental health and addiction issues, providing holistic and empathetic support to his clients.Michael is particularly passionate about working with families, helping parents and teens navigate the challenges of addiction and mental health with a blend of honesty, humor, and heartfelt understanding. His approach not only facilitates healing but also empowers individuals to thrive in their personal journeys.

Dr. Carlos Satulovsky – Medical Director

Dr. Carlos Satulovsky is a board-certified psychiatrist and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Facultad De Ciencias Medicas/Universidad Nacional. He is affiliated with medical facilities North Shore Medical Center.  

Jenn Jacoby LMHC – Clinical Director

Jenn is a highly qualified mental health professional with a Master’s Degree and credentials as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Jenn is not only a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) but also holds certification in Child and Family Studies.

Jenn’s extensive training includes being a Certified Trainer by DJJ for Trauma Responsive and Caring Environment, expertise in Aggression Replacement Training (ART), Impact of Crime, Thinking for a Change, Living in Balance, Cannabis Youth Treatment, Coping with Stress: A CBT Program for Teens with Trauma, Adolescents Coping with Depression, Motivational Interviewing, Protective Action Response, and being a Certified Peer Reviewer for Monitoring and Quality Improvement (MQI).

 In terms of modalities, Jenn is proficient in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Solution-focused therapy, Strength-based therapy, Narrative therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. With Jenn’s diverse skill set and commitment to professional development, she brings a comprehensive and compassionate approach to mental health counseling.