What is the Number One Drug Used By Teens?

The teen years are challenging, and young people have a lot on their proverbial plate. From the explosive development in their brains and body to peer pressure and increased expectations from academics and family, day-to-day life can often feel overwhelming. It comes as no surprise that some teens turn to drugs and alcohol as a means to cope with their stress. While teens may start to use drugs as a means to lessen stress, any amount of substance can quickly develop into addiction. Why do teen abuse drugs? What is the number one drug abused by teens? What are common drugs abused by teens? This article will give you answers to those questions. Additionally, you will learn where you can find specialized help for your teen if they are struggling with substance abuse. Adolescent Wellness Academy is one of the top South Florida teen treatment centers. Our evidence-based programs and fusion of traditional and emerging therapies will help your teen overcome addiction. Call us today to learn more!

Why Do Teens Abuse Drugs?

Teen addiction continues to be a significant health and social issue in the United States. Statistics show that just over 2 million teens aged 12-17 reported using drugs in the past month. Also, nearly 13% of those aged 12-17 have tried marijuana in the past month. Additionally, 90% of those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol started during their teen years. Shockingly, underage drinking is the leading cause of unintentional injury, homicide, and suicide among those aged 12-20. Why is teen addiction such a major and persistent issue? The most obvious reason for teen drug abuse is peer pressure and the desire to “fit in.” If a teen’s friends use drugs and alcohol, it can be very hard to turn down—especially if they want to feel accepted. Another major reason for teen addiction is a family history of substance abuse.

What is the Number One Drug Abused by Teens?

While teenagers have access to many substances, alcohol is still the drug of choice for young people. Information from the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 2019 states that 29% of high school students drank alcohol in the last 30 days, with 14% reporting binge drinking. Of those who reported binge drinking, female high school students were more likely to drink alcohol and binge drink when compared to male students. Among other popular teenage drugs includes marijuana. According to information provided by the CDC, 43% of young adults reported using the drug in the past year. While the legal drinking age in the United States is 21, the availability within the home and relative societal acceptance (compared to other illicit substances) make alcohol the most common substance to be abused by teens. Another one of the most common drugs for teens to abuse are prescription medications. Common prescription drugs abused by teens are “study drugs” such as Adderall and Ritalin. These stimulant-based drugs help young people focus and stay awake for longer study times. Prescription medications are, like alcohol, often readily available within the home, either through the teen having their own prescription or a family member’s prescription.

How to Find Teen Treatment Programs in South Florida

If your teen son or daughter is struggling with substance abuse, it is imperative to find professional help. While you need to find treatment as soon as possible, you must find treatment programs specifically designed for the unique and specific needs of teenagers. The programs offered in teen programs need to be evidence-based and administered by counselors and clinicians with years of proven experience dealing with teen addiction issues. Most importantly, teen treatment programs need to offer multiple levels of care that can fit each teen’s needs. As one of the best after-school recovery programs in South Florida, Adolescent Wellness Academy has a proven track record of helping teens recover from substance abuse and mental illness. Our unique programs fuse traditional and holistic therapies specifically designed for a teen’s needs. With a patient-to-counselor ratio of 6 to 1, our experienced staff can give your teen the attention they need throughout the treatment process.

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.

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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.