Trails Carolina
One of the most common reasons teens experiment with substances is that they view substance use as a fun social activity that has the power to change their mood, which is particularly appealing to teens who struggle with low mood and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. Teens are more likely to…
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The teenage years are full of hormonal changes, desire to fit in, and peer pressures. This is a common period in which one gets invited to participate in risky behaviors such as consuming alcohol. Help for teen alcohol use can begin at home. However, the first step of helping is acknowledging that there is a…
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While experimentation with substances is a common feature of identity exploration, it can become problematic when it interferes with daily functioning and relationships and can lead to later negative consequences and substance dependence. Teenagers who use drugs are more likely to get high out of curiosity or due to peer pressure and sensation seeking, but…
read moreIn the 21st century, hardly anyone would argue that cigarettes and tobacco are bad. A widely acknowledged fact, the dangers of smoking have led to tobacco regulation. Unfortunately, however, there is a new criminal on the streets: teen vaping. Unlike regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes have a rather “harmless” reputation. Since they do not contain tobacco, many…
read moreWhen is too much, in fact, too much? There are multiple strategies on discussing substance use with out of control teenagers. Some argue that honesty about your own experiences with substances (if such experiences exist) is an important step to connecting with your child. Others argue that discussing your own experiences sends the wrong message…
read more11% of all the alcohol consumed in the United States is consumed by those under 21 . The statistic isn’t based on college freshmen either: studies estimate that in the past month, 35% of high school students had some amount of alcohol – with 21% of the students binge drinking. If that wasn’t bad enough,…
read morePhoto Credit: flickr user – Steven S. High school is stressful. Your teen juggles assignments, homework, quizzes, exams, extracurricular activities, family, and a social life. All of that can take a toll on a teenage brain. When someone offers a way to overcome it all–study drugs–it can be hard for a stressed out teen to…
read moreDrugs and alcohol can tear apart a teen’s hopes of future success and happiness. Knowing how to help your teen work through their addiction can feel like an overwhelming task. Many therapeutic programs claim to help teens work through their addiction to drugs and alcohol, but only a few actually help. Seven Challenges is an…
read moreEvery year, millions of Americans are affected by some form of substance abuse. That’s why it’s so important to support National Recovery Month this September. Many young people dealing with substance abuse issues don’t understand that this is an issue that can stay with them for the rest of their lives. National Recovery Month recognizes…
read moreWhen a teen is struggling with alcohol and drug abuse, finding them the best treatment possible is crucial to their recovery process. One form of treatment used to help teens struggling with these issues is known as motivational interviewing. Motivational interviewing helps teens get back on the right track towards living a positive, healthy lifestyle.…
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