Addiction in Adolescents
Researchers estimate that between 50-90% of teens in treatment for substance-use disorders also have diagnosable mental disorders.
Most physicians, psychiatrists and scientists now believe that addiction is a brain disease, and addiction progresses much faster in adolescents for three basic reasons:
- The teens developing brain and other vital organs are extremely vulnerable to the toxic effects of alcohol and drugs;
- Teens start using drugs at an early age, often beginning in middle school or even elementary school; and
- Teens often combine multiple drugs, which dramatically increases their risk of brain damage and drug addiction.
At ROWI, we offer the highest quality mental health and addiction treatment for teens and their families. Learn more about the services we offer and the diagnoses we treat. Or contact us to learn how we can help your family.