Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is the use of chemical substances, including drugs and alcohol, such that it interferes with economic, social, legal and physical functioning. Drug abuse may be a pattern, as in daily use, or a single episode, such as binges or overdose, yet is generally a series of events that form a pattern. It does not necessarily lead to addiction.
Adolescent substance use and abuse are on the rise. Our youth are now experimenting with drugs in grammar school and junior high school. The most commonly abused substances are marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, and tobacco. Recent studies indicate a rise in adolescent heroin abuse. Teen substance abuse is more dangerous than adult abuse because their bodily systems have yet to fully develop, making them vulnerable to developmental problems and brain damage.
Some signs and symptoms of substance use or abuse are:
- Erratic mood changes
- Indifference or apathy
- Chronic lying about whereabouts
- Truancy from school
- Drug using peer group
- Extensive knowledge of drug terminology
- Bloodshot eyes
- Slurred speech
- Lethargy
- Sniffing
- Missing valuables or money in the home
- Discovery of drugs or drug paraphernalia in room, car or on person
- Legal problems, especially DUI or drug related charges
Aspen Achievement Academy is an outstanding program for adolescents with substance abuse problems. All students receive drug and alcohol education. Those with substance abuse problems also participate in drug and alcohol groups, twelve step meetings, and must complete written assignments. Staff members thoroughly search all new students coming into the field for alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia. To prevent any substance use during their program stay. Tobacco, alcohol, and drugs (other than prescription medications) are not allowed in the field. The wilderness environment at Aspen makes it nearly impossible to sneak substances into the program. Therefore, students have no access to drugs and alcohol, and may be free from substances for the first time since use began. The Aspen Achievement Academy program provides a healthy lifestyle alternative to substance abuse, teaching new coping strategies and behaviors that support the ongoing recovery process.
