Substance abuse - defined as the misuse of both legal and illegal drugs - is a growing problem among many young people. Today, nearly one million eighth graders admit getting drunk and another 1.2 million twelfth graders are considered binge drinkers. Heroin use by young adults has doubled from 1991 to 1996 and teenage compulsive gambling is on the rise.

Alcohol alone kills 10,000 young adults each year. Drug and alcohol abuse can also lead to other risky behaviors, such as drunk driving, unprotected sex, date rape, suicide and violence. The key to prevention lies with the family. The most important step a parent can take is to talk to their kids about drugs and alcohol. Statistics show that teenagers are a lot less likely to abuse substances if their parents discussed it with them first.

So, what do you do if you think your child has a chemical dependency? Get them professional help. Contact Belmont Behavioral Health at 1-800-EINSTEIN or (215) 877-2000.

Here are some signs of teenage substance abuse:

• Confusion or memory loss
• Lying to try and hide the substance use
• Feeling irritable or angry
• Being late or missing school
• Risk taking
• Constant runny nose
• Spending time with people not normally socialized with

Treatment for Substance Abuse