Drugs and alcohol pose serious danger to a teenager’s health, but the consequences of substance abuse during adolescence go well beyond a person’s physical wellbeing. Substance abuse during the teen years can also have detrimental effects on one’s mental health, academic performance, social relationships, and legal reputation. It can be both life-altering and life-threatening.  However, […]

For years, we have been fighting an opioid crisis in the United States, with an increasing number of deaths being attributed to opioid drugs each year. However, experts have recently ruled that phrases like “opioid overdose” actually over-simplify the tragedy we’re experiencing in our country. In truth, we are up against a polysubstance abuse and […]

It is normal to feel sad and moody at times, especially as a growing teen! However, when your sadness seems to last for weeks on end, or you are growing more irritable and tired as time goes on, this could be a symptom of depression. Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by feelings […]

For many, the holiday season is a time of cheer—filled with gift-giving, family gatherings, and endless food and drinks. However, it’s important to remember that not everyone has a happy holiday experience. The holidays tend to stir up many negative feelings, too, like grief, frustration, anxiety, and stress. In fact, most people will experience battles […]

Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 have a fatal crash rate that is three times higher than older drivers. While this is largely due […]

Adolescence is a formative period of development, in which our bodies and brains undergo a series of unique and dynamic changes – physically, emotionally, and socially. During this time, teenagers are inherently vulnerable to mental health problems like depression and anxiety. This is especially true today, as we come out on the other side of […]

It’s no secret that parents have a lot to worry about. Starting in infancy, we worry about our children’s safety and development. As parents, we do our best to protect them from sickness, injury, fear, and trauma. We even help them set boundaries and ensure they spend time with good, supportive people. Over the years, […]

On average in the United States, teenagers spend about nine hours per day watching (or using) screens. From gaming consoles to tablets, smartphone scrolling to TV binges, screens have become a prominent part of adolescents’ every day lives. And while screens provide great entertainment, and are often educational, research is now proving that there is […]

Recovery high schools are designed for teenagers who are recovering from a substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders. Keep reading to learn more about this care option for your teen.  Adolescence is a time of exploration, peer-bonding, and self-discovery. Unfortunately, it is also the time in which many teenagers will try drugs and alcohol. According […]

Matthew Perry was best-known for his role as the beloved Chandler Bing on Friends, but that is not how he wanted to be remembered. At least, not entirely. At the end of the day, Matthew Perry wanted to be remembered for his advocacy—for helping others. The actor’s legacy stretched far beyond the hit NBC series, […]