Substance use can lead to serious problems such as poor schoolwork, loss of friends, problems at home, and lasting legal problems. Alcohol and drug use is a leading cause of teen death or injury related to car crashes, suicides, violence, and drowning. Substance use can increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, because of unprotected sex. Even occasional alcohol use by a teen increases the risk for future alcohol and drug problems.

Even casual use of certain drugs can cause severe health problems, such as an overdose or brain damage. Many illegal drugs today are made in home labs, so they can vary greatly in strength. These drugs also may contain bacteria, dangerous chemicals, and other unsafe substances.

Sometimes it's hard to tell if your teen is using alcohol or drugs. Parents may worry that their teens are involved with drugs or alcohol if they become withdrawn or negative. But these behaviors are common for teens going through challenging times.

It's important not to accuse your teen unfairly. Try to find out why your teen's behavior has changed. Tell him or her that you are concerned.

Experts recommend that parents look for a pattern or a number of changes in appearance, behavior, and attitude, not just one or two of the changes listed here.

Change in Appearance

• Less attention paid to dressing and grooming
• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
• Red and glassy eyes and frequent use of eyedrops and breath mints

Change in Behavior

• Decreased attendance and performance at school
• Loss of interest in school, sports, or other activities
• Newly developed secrecy, or deceptive or sneaky behavior
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• New friends and reluctance to introduce them
• Lying or stealing

Change in Attitude

• Disrespectful behavior
• A mood or attitude that is getting worse
• Lack of concern about the future

Taking Action

Any use of alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs in childhood or the teen years is a problem, unless it turns out to be a one-time event. If you suspect or see signs that your teen is using substances, check it out. Don't wait for it to become a big problem.

How substance use affects teens' health

Substance use can lead to long-term social and health problems, injury, and even death. Growth and development can be affected by tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Teens who use these substances may have trouble finding their identity, building relationship skills, and becoming emotionally stable. They also may have trouble preparing for their future. Substance use can affect memory and learning, which can harm a teen's schoolwork.

And substance use can grow very quickly from experimenting or occasional use to frequent use and substance use disorder in teens at risk.

Tobacco

Nicotine is only one of the thousands of chemicals in tobacco, but it is the major component that acts on the brain. The lungs readily absorb nicotine from the smoke of cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. The tissues of the mouth can also absorb nicotine when a person smokes cigars or pipes or chews tobacco. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances. Some teens show early signs of tobacco use disorder within days to weeks after starting to smoke. Repeated tobacco use causes a need for increasingly larger amounts of nicotine to feel the same effect (tolerance). And repeated use causes withdrawal symptoms if the person tries to quit.

Alcohol

Alcohol affects all organs of the body but has its most serious effects on the liver. Alcohol decreases the quality of sleep, especially if a person is using it often to help him or her fall asleep. It can cause problems with brain development in teens. Some teens who drink alcohol regularly may not learn how to handle stressful situations without drinking alcohol. Alcohol is a sedative. So drinking alcohol makes it harder for a person to think and act quickly. It slows down thinking and moving, and it makes a person less alert. A car crash is more likely when a person drives after drinking alcohol. Drinking can lead teens to have unprotected sex. This raises the chance of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Marijuana

Marijuana can hinder memory, problem-solving, and learning. It can also cause mood swings, anxiety, and depression

Cocaine

Cocaine can cause abnormal heartbeats, sometimes causing a deadly heart attack, seizure, or stroke

Other Substances

• Inhalants (glues, aerosol sprays, gasoline, paints, and paint thinners). These are some of the substances most frequently misused by junior high students, because they don't cost much and are easy to get. They contain poisons that can cause brain damage or, in rare cases, even death with the first use.
• Club drugs like ecstasy (MDMA) and date rape drugs, such as flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). The number of teens using these drugs is small compared with those using cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana. But these club drugs can be dangerous, especially in overdose or when combined with alcohol or other drugs.
• Methamphetamine (commonly called meth, crank, or speed). Methamphetamine can cause seizures; stroke; serious mental problems, including paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions; and long-term health problems.
• Hallucinogens, including ketamine, LSD, and PCP (phencyclidine). Serious and lasting problems such as psychosis or hallucinogenic flashbacks can occur after a teen uses LSD.
• Opioids, such as codeine, heroin, and morphine. Teens who use these drugs may steal, prostitute themselves, or resort to other dangerous or illegal behavior to buy drugs.
• Prescription drugs, such as diazepam (for example, Valium), hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Norco), and oxycodone (OxyContin). Teens also use nonprescription medicines, such as cough syrups and cold pills.
• Anabolic steroids , which teens use to build muscle tissue and decrease body fat. Steroids can cause liver cancer and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Our Admission Process

The admission process is quite simple and begins with just one phone call to the Joshua Treatment Center. One of our representatives will gather information from the potential client then submit this information to the nurse. The nurse will then call back the potential client asking more detailed information. The nurse will then meet with the doctor to see if the potential client meets the criteria to receive our services. Most are accepted into our program. Our representative will then call the potential client back and schedule a time for them to come in. Once here, they will fill out the needed forms and begin their treatment program thus beginning their journey to recovery.

Paying For Treatment

Figuring out your insurance coverage and benefits for substance abuse treatment can be challenging. Let us help. Our experienced staff is skilled at working with all types of insurance plans and companies and can guide you in accessing the maximum benefits available.

Lima UMADAOP accepts most private insurance companies and Medicare/Medicaid.

When you call, our financial case managers will work with you and your insurance company to determine the best funding plan for you.

Call us at Phone:(419) 222-4474 ; Teléfono:1-866-712-4401 and a recovery expert will help you look into your insurance coverage options for alcohol or drug rehab.