Teens are at a higher risk for developing an addiction to drugs and alcohol due to brain development. The adolescent brain is still under construction and won’t be complete until about twenty-five years of age.
Consequently, teens are more likely to have problems with substance abuse and addiction than older adults because of their lack of impulse control and reasoning.
Prefrontal cortex
The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for impulse control, reasoning, decision making, and judgment. This is the last part of the brain to mature.
The prefrontal cortex is responsible for focusing, paying attention, predicting consequences of actions, and carrying out executive functions. The delayed brain development makes teens prone to unhealthy behaviors, which can influence drug use and other risky behaviors.
When acting upon the developing adolescent brain, drugs may rewire its chemistry, causing long-lasting cognitive impairment.
Power of Peers
In adolescence, peer groups are more influential than family, teachers, or other adults. With the combination of an immature prefrontal cortex and the power of peer influence, teens are more likely to ignore the possible consequences of drug use. The short-term behavior of drug use can lead to long-lasting unhealthy habits.
Co-occurring conditions
Undiagnosed psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and other illnesses may occur with addiction. To cope with these underlying issues, adolescents often turn to drugs.
Dual diagnosis centers help treat both mental health disorders and addiction. Seeking help from a treatment center that is knowledgeable about mental health disorders and addiction is essential in helping your teen recover and lead a healthy life.
At Alta Loma Transformational Living, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. Alta Loma uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, where you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan.
We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 866-457-3843.
