The Need for Treatment for Substance Abuse

In America, youths aged 12 to 25 are among those most negatively impacted by substance abuse. This problem is indicated through Results from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings, presented by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Among this age group of 12 to 25 year olds, the percentage of those using marijuana, psychotherapeutic drugs, hallucinogens, inhalants, cocaine and heroin is staggering. Americans are starting to abuse drugs at younger ages than ever before, while less than 10% of those needing help with addiction enter treatment for substance abuse each year.

Substance Abuse Among Youth Aged 12 to 17

Sadly, 8.8% of American youth aged 12 to 17 are presently using illicit drugs. This is better than 2002 to 2012, although 2008 was only 0.4% higher than present statistics. Of all youth within this age range, drug use and their drug of choice are as follows:

• Marijuana: 7.1%
• Non-prescribed medications: 2.2%
• Hallucinogens: 0.6%
• Inhalants: 0.5%
• Cocaine: 0.2%
• Heroin: 0.1%

Among youth aged 12 to 13, more use non-prescribed medications than any other substance, including marijuana. Opioids are among the non-prescribed medications being abused by these children and are some of the most addictive drugs available. For these young people, treatment for substance abuse is critical to ensure they have the opportunity to grow into productive adulthood. In the 14- to 15-year-old bracket, marijuana use is twice as prevalent as other substances. Non-prescribed medication is second for this age range, with inhalants being third. By the time teens are 16-17, 14.2% are using marijuana. For this age group, inhalants drop to the bottom of the list with heroin and cocaine. By the time these youths reach age 18 to 25, marijuana use has increased to 19.1%. Of course, these are present-day numbers. So many 12 to 13 year olds are now using non-prescribed medications as their first experiences that one must wonder what types of drugs tomorrow's 12-year-olds will be exposed to. Without treatment for substance abuse, a downward spiral in those young lives is the most likely outcome.

Freedom From Substance Abuse at Any Age

Regardless of the age when an adolescent starts using drugs, treatment for substance abuse quickly becomes the only pathway to a bright future. During these formative years, so much learning and personal development can be lost to the illicit substance of choice. However young an individual is when starting drug use, and no matter the age when seeking treatment for substance abuse, Freedom From Addiction can help you realize that a quality treatment program is truly the answer.