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:
Call 1-800-EINSTEIN
Questions or comments about this site?
©2011 Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia, PA.
Einstein Healthcare Network is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Read Our Disclaimer. By using this web site, you accept these Terms of Use. Please read our Privacy Statement.