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Disclaimer: The contents of this site and all the pages herein are intended for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice at any time. None of the information in this site is intended to be taken as medical direction or advice, therapeutic, legal, or otherwise. This is not a replacement for professional services. At no time does use of this site nor communication through this site constitute a therapeutic relationship between the user and therapist. Keri M. Zwerner, MA, LMFT and LifeHealingHeart assume no liability for the content of this site or damages that may result from use, reference to, reliance on, or decisions resulting from its use. Use of this site establishes your consent to the provisions of this disclaimer. Copyright 2006. All rights reserved
As we probably all know, the best way to avoid
alcohol or drug abuse is to not use them at all.
Almost all of us are aware that alcohol and other drug use is against the law, and most of us are aware of the negative effects that alcohol and other drug use will have on our bodies and minds.
Despite knowing this, some teenagers use alcohol and other drugs anyway.
Many have said their use of alcohol and other drugs is not a problem in their lives, they just do it to relax; to have fun; because everyone else is doing it; or because there's nothing else to do.
Does that sound familiar?
What may not sound so familiar is that the line between use and abuse is very fine. Many teens, and this includes more and more middle school kids, who think they don't have a problem with alcohol or other drugs actually do. In fact, many teens have serious problems with alcohol and other drugs, but don't recognize it. If they do recognize the problems, some are afraid to get help.
There are many warning signs that alcohol and other drug use has crossed that fine line. If alcohol and other drugs cause problems with parents, friends, relationships, school or the law, there is a definite problem.
According to some recent studies, high-risk "binge" drinking on college campuses is increasing (14 percent increase since 1993). Teens who binge drink consume lots of alcohol, five or more drinks in one sitting, on a regular basis.
Drinking often leads to car crashes, fights, violence, unwanted or unplanned sex, and poor grades in school. Cocaine use is linked with eating disorders, disability and death from heart attacks and strokes. Marijuana can damage your lungs. Hallucinogens can affect brain chemistry and cause problems with learning new information and with memory.
If you have any doubts about using alcohol and drugs, seek out more information or talk with your parents about seeing a counselor.
alcohol or drug abuse is to not use them at all.
Almost all of us are aware that alcohol and other drug use is against the law, and most of us are aware of the negative effects that alcohol and other drug use will have on our bodies and minds.
Despite knowing this, some teenagers use alcohol and other drugs anyway.
Many have said their use of alcohol and other drugs is not a problem in their lives, they just do it to relax; to have fun; because everyone else is doing it; or because there's nothing else to do.
Does that sound familiar?
What may not sound so familiar is that the line between use and abuse is very fine. Many teens, and this includes more and more middle school kids, who think they don't have a problem with alcohol or other drugs actually do. In fact, many teens have serious problems with alcohol and other drugs, but don't recognize it. If they do recognize the problems, some are afraid to get help.
There are many warning signs that alcohol and other drug use has crossed that fine line. If alcohol and other drugs cause problems with parents, friends, relationships, school or the law, there is a definite problem.
According to some recent studies, high-risk "binge" drinking on college campuses is increasing (14 percent increase since 1993). Teens who binge drink consume lots of alcohol, five or more drinks in one sitting, on a regular basis.
Drinking often leads to car crashes, fights, violence, unwanted or unplanned sex, and poor grades in school. Cocaine use is linked with eating disorders, disability and death from heart attacks and strokes. Marijuana can damage your lungs. Hallucinogens can affect brain chemistry and cause problems with learning new information and with memory.
If you have any doubts about using alcohol and drugs, seek out more information or talk with your parents about seeing a counselor.