Teen Substance Abuse: Understanding the Challenges and Solutions
I'm on a mission to help educate people about particularly clinical professionals or parents, to help them understand the transformational process and what actually happens in a wilderness program.
Why do some teens think using pills isn't as bad as using heroin? This episode of Right Turn Radio dives into this and other critical issues surrounding teen substance abuse. Hosts Jon Cohan, Abby Dean, and Woody Giessmann are joined by Jessica Feinberg, LICSW, and Thomas Ahern to unpack the unique hurdles teenagers face when it comes to addiction.
Jessica Feinberg, the Director of Clinical Services at The Landing at McLean Hospital, and Thomas Ahern, the Director of Outdoor Groups at Aspen Education Group, bring their expertise to the table, offering valuable insights into the minds of struggling teens. One of the key points discussed is how teens often don't realize that popping a pill can be just as dangerous as injecting heroin. They explore how social media plays a significant role in promoting substance use among adolescents.
The conversation also covers how parents can spot warning signs of substance abuse in their children, such as isolation, mood swings, and withdrawal from usual activities. The guests emphasize the effectiveness of wilderness programs in helping teens overcome addiction. They explain the transformative process these programs offer and why having a therapist well-versed in both psychiatric issues and addiction is crucial for recovery.
If you're a parent, educator, or someone interested in teen mental health, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice and real-world solutions. Tune in to get a deeper understanding of the current treatment options available for teens grappling with substance abuse. This episode is not just informative but also provides a compassionate look at the complexities of teenage addiction.