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Today, stress is the primary cause of substance use in teenagers. Overall, the landscape of teenage substance use disorders has shifted dramatically. Rather than using drugs to party or experiment, many teenagers now turn to substances as a means of self-medication. Indeed, there has been a shift in the party mentality. Instead of wanting to party all night long, teenagers look for a means of survival in a challenging world.

Faced with untreated anxiety disorders, depression, and the overwhelming pressures of modern life, adolescents need help. Hence, they increasingly turn to drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms. This troubling trend highlights the need for comprehensive treatment programs. Moreover, these treatment programs must address both substance use disorders and the underlying mental health issues driving these behaviors.

The Shifting Tides of Substance Use in Teenagers

According to mental health professionals, untreated stress and anxiety are the primary reasons behind teen substance abuse. Whether it’s the academic pressure to excel, the emotional toll of social media, or the trauma of personal or family issues, many teens feel overwhelmed. Without proper coping strategies, they may resort to drugs or alcohol to numb their pain or escape their stressors, ultimately worsening their mental health.

In a recent study published in the journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), researchers found, “One half of adolescents reported using substances while alone. Of particular concern, more than one half of respondents who reported past–30-day prescription drug misuse reported using the drugs alone. Prescription drug misuse while alone presents a significant risk for fatal overdose, especially given the proliferation of counterfeit pills resembling prescription drugs and containing illegal drugs (e.g., illegally manufactured fentanyl).”

Indeed, when substance use in teenagers becomes solitary, the party is over. Thus, teens using drugs in isolation require access to help. Such help means the ability to address co-occurring disorders and root causes of disorders.

Substance Use in Teenagers and TTC

This is where Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) steps in. Recognizing that substance abuse is often a symptom of deeper mental health issues, TTC offers a holistic approach to treatment for teens and adolescents. Our programs address co-occurring disorders, providing both substance use disorder treatment and mental health services for adolescents. Indeed, TTC’s Youth and Family Services Program focuses on treating the whole person rather than just the addiction.

At TTC, trained professionals work closely with teenagers to uncover the root causes of their substance use. Through therapy, counseling, and other evidence-based practices, teens are guided to understand and address their anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. By helping teens develop healthier coping mechanisms, TTC empowers them to manage stress without the use of drugs or alcohol.

What sets Tarzana Treatment Centers apart is our family-centered approach to care. Recognizing that substance use and mental health issues often affect the entire family, TTC provides support and resources to parents and guardians. Thus, we foster an environment where substance youth in teenagers becomes a distant memory. The goal is to strengthen family bonds and create a support system for long-term recovery.

Please Contact Us for Professional Support

With personalized treatment plans, ongoing support, and a focus on holistic well-being, TTC helps teens regain control of their lives. Therefore, we promote happiness, success, and the promise of a healthier tomorrow. To learn more about our programs, please contact us today.