Tag Archives: drug abuse

Teenage Drug Abuse Statistics

Although the use of many drugs have recently declined among teenagers there are still a significant number using illegal drugs. In the National Institute on Drug Abuse 2005 Monitoring the Future survey researchers found that 50% of high school seniors report some use of an illicit drug during their life. Many parents do not realize the signs of drug abuse or realize the prevalence among teenagers. Alcohol is the most common substance used, with 75% of seniors having at least tried alcohol and 23% within the last month. Few teenagers truly understand the risks associated with drinking alcohol and often … Continue reading →

Signs of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse is a problem that many teens face, especially if the teen has frequent feelings of not fitting in, low self-esteem or depression, or if there is a family history of drug use. As parents we often don’t know exactly what our teenagers are involved in and it isn’t always easy to tell. If you are concerned that your teen might be involved in illegal drugs you need to look for some common signs. The sooner you can intervene the better. Focus Adolescent Services lists five areas that parents can evaluate. Physical Warning Signs fatigue repeated health complaints red … Continue reading →

The Difference Between Drug Abuse and Addiction

Although the use of illegal drugs among teens is dropping in the United States, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse 50% of high-school graduates have tried illegal drugs, 23% will have used them within the thirty days before the survey, and anywhere from 0.5 to 7% are using drugs on an almost daily basis. Most teens that use drugs are not addicted, although those 0.5 to 7% who use on a daily basis most likely are. But many teens are involved in drug abuse. In fact a 2004 survey conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services … Continue reading →

Could My Child Have Schizophrenia?

“Mommy, voices are talking to me…” What are the symptoms of childhood schizophrenia? One of the things that must be considered when determining whether a child might have the early signs of schizophrenia is whether his or her behaviors are age-appropriate. It’s not necessarily a concern, for example, if a four-year-old talks about imaginary friends, or even hearing “voices.” But a child who is seven years of age or older with these same behaviors should be evaluated. Fortunately, schizophrenia is quite rare in children, with approximately one in 40,000 children being diagnosed with the disorder. Yet unfortunately, schizophrenia comes on … Continue reading →