National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month

September is National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month, so I thought I would post some information provided to me by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Two websites which may be helpful for more information are www.samhsa.gov and www.recoverymonth.gov

"Teens begin using alcohol and drugs for different reasons than adults. For example, peer pressure may affect adolescents more than other age groups. Adolescent substance use impairs their cognitive, physical, and emotional development."

In 2006:
*average age of first-time inhalants was nearly 16
*an estimated 2.8 million people aged 12 or older used an illicit drug for the first time within the past 12 month
*average age of first use of pain relievers is 21.9 yrs
*average age use of marijuana is 17.4

Emerging trends in substance abuse is prescription drugs, this is a growing concern for teens. Be informed, keep your eyes open and gather information. Parents can be the first step to stopping abuse and misuse in teens and young adults.