New Data Shows Teen Girls More Likely to Perceive Benefits in Drug and Alcohol Use

According to a new research analysis of the 2009 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS), sponsored by MetLife Foundation:

• Teen girls are more likely to perceive “self-medicating” benefits with drinking and getting high.
• More than two-thirds of teen girls responded positively to the question “using drugs helps kids deal with problems at home” (an 11 percent increase, up from 61 percent in 2008 to 68 percent in 2009).
• More than half reported that drugs help teens forget their troubles (a 10 percent increase, up from 48 percent in 2008 to 53 percent in 2009).

What Can Parents Do?
Take Immediate Action to Safeguard Kids from Drug and Alcohol Use.

Parents should seek the assistance of an adolescent addiction treatment for information and direction. Teen addiction treatment centers like Inspirations Teen Rehab, encourages parents of teens who are using drugs or alcohol to take action as soon as they suspect or know their child is using drugs or alcohol. Most addiction treatment centers found on an internet search will take you to a call center. At Inspirations Teen Rehab, you will speak directly with the owners or a professional who is on site, at the treatment center. Inspirations Teen Rehab’s website provides a variety of information. Parents should read as much information about specific drugs and the dangers of addiction, so they are informed.

Inspirations Teen Rehab is available to help children and families take the next steps. Inspirations offers step-by-step advice and sympathetic guidance from substance abuse experts, family therapists, interventionists and other professionals to help guide families through the process of understanding substance abuse, confronting a child, setting boundaries and seeking outside help.

Research consistently shows that kids who learn a lot about the dangers of drugs at home are up to 50 percent less likely to use than those who do not get that crucial message at home. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take charge of the communication with their families, have frequent, ongoing conversations with their pre-teens and teens about the dangers of drugs and alcohol use and to take early action if they think their child is using or might have a problem.

Karen C.

If you are a friend or family member of a teen struggling with alcohol abuse, call now for help at our toll free teen addiction treatment center helpline: 1-888-757-6237 or e-mail us. Inspirations for Youth and Families aka, Inspirations Teen Rehab is here to help your teen and your family through this difficult process.