If you observe the following behaviors, your teenager could be abusing drugs and alcohol. Rapid and frequent mood changes A sudden drop in grades A recent change in friends followed by an overall change in attitude Increase in “keeping secrets” Red or glassy eyes...
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the summer months are when the highest proportion of teenagers try alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana for the first time. This often occurs because teenagers have more unstructured free...
Life can be challenging for teenagers. Their brains are still developing, their bodies are changing, and their hormones are fluctuating. During this stage of life, teenagers struggle to establish meaningful relationships outside of the family and try to find the group...
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States, and it can affect people of all ages. Teens are especially vulnerable to depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 teens will experience depression before...
"Snap out of it." "Cheer up!" "What's wrong with you?" "Stop being so dramatic." "Get over it already." Hearing these phrases while struggling to maintain positive mental health is detrimental. Our words have power, and the language we choose stems from deep-rooted...
Every person is unique, and the treatment that works best for you may not work best for someone else. Thankfully, there are numerous evidence-based treatment options available for treating depression. Psychotherapy, medication, or some combination of the two can...
Most teenagers have days where their energy is low and they feel down or have the “blahs." These moments usually coincide with life stressors that a teenager is facing and typically are short-lived. Some teenagers, however, experience depression, which is a much...
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a severe mental health condition. If you live with bipolar disorder, it is imperative to be aware of your specific symptoms and the various treatments available. Support systems are also invaluable for...
The overall goal of the adolescent substance abuse program is to help teenagers and their families develop the skills they need to resolve problems and manage feelings and behaviors effectively without using drugs or alcohol. The programs are designed to be intensive...
Oppositional Defiant Disorder is characterized by a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior, and/or vindictiveness. Teenagers with Oppositional Defiant Disorder may show the disruptive behavior only at home or may show the behavior in...
