Addiction in adolescents is a continuous problem in the United States.  Whether alcohol or substance abuse, teens across the state are harming their futures.  Rehabilitation and educational prevention are key to reducing this statistic across the country.

Did you know?

In a recent study, 9.8 percent of adolescents in Nebraska had used an illicit drug in the past month¹.

Drug use in adolescents continues to be a steady problem throughout the country. Without proper education and preventative measures, kids may continue down this dangerous road. Overcoming addiction is this week’s Issue At Hand.

What is the first step to overcoming addiction? 

Admitting you need help is an important step to recovery. 

The majority of people across the U.S. who need treatment don’t seek the help they need.  In a 2009 study, only 10.4% of the 23 million who needed treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction admitted themselves to a rehab program².  It’s important to remember that help is always available for those who need it.

Where can adolescents and adults in need of treatment seek help?

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Omaha provides addiction treatment programs for adults at their Campus for Hope and for adolescents at their Journeys residential center.

Their United Way funded addiction recovery programs provide outpatient, day and residential treatment options. By providing a supporting environment, they give hope to hundreds each year that addictions can be overcome.

How can drug abuse be prevented? 

Juvenile prevention is a key component to preventing drug abuse. 

Youth in gangs are more likely to abuse drugs which can lead to drug trafficking and violent crime³.  Character and leadership building activities help promote positive behavior in at-risk youth, and educational activities show them what the future can hold.  By identifying the root causes of addiction and violent behavior, United Way funded agencies are able to educate kids before drug abuse becomes a part of their lives. 

¹Adolescent Behavioral Health In Brief: Nebraska. Rep. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Sept. 2009. Web. 13 Jan. 2012. <http://www.samhsa.gov/data/StatesInBrief/2k9/OASTeenReportNE.pdf>.
²Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction. Rep. National Institute on Drug Abuse, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Sept. 2009. Web. 19 Jan. 2012. <http://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/if_treatment_approaches_2009_to_nida_92209.pdf>.
³Howell, James C., and Scott H. Decker. The Youth Gangs, Drugs, and Violence Connection. Rep. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Jan. 1999. Web. 19 Jan. 2012. <https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/93920.pdf>.