Compass Recovery

Drug detoxification is variously the intervention in a case of physical dependence to a drug; the process and experience of a withdrawal syndrome; and any of various treatments for acute drug overdose.

Kids who start drinking alcohol before age 15 are 5 times more likely to develop alcohol abuse or dependence than people who first used alcohol at age 21 or older. A study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine showed that 47% of those who began drinking before age 15 experienced alcohol dependence at some point in their life, compared to 9% percent of those who began drinking at age 21 or older.

Research shows that the risk for developing alcoholism and drug addiction runs in families. But just because there is a genetic predisposition doesn’t mean that the child of an alcoholic or addicted parent will automatically become alcoholic or addicted. Not all children of alcoholic or addicted parents get into trouble with alcohol and drugs. And some people develop alcoholism and addiction even though no one in their family has a drinking or drug problem.

A standard alcohol drink contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol (0.6 ounces): 12-ounces of Beer or Cooler 8-ounces of Malt Liquor 5-ounces of Wine 1.5-ounces or “shot” of Distilled Spirits/Liquor (e.g., rum, gin, vodka, or whiskey). Note: These are approximate, as different brands and types of alcoholic beverages vary in their actual alcohol content.

Risk factors for becoming addicted to alcohol and drugs, like other conditions and diseases, vary from person to person. But, the common risk factors include: 1. Genetics–your family history; 2. Age when you start using alcohol or drugs; 3. Family (including abuse, neglect and traumatic experiences in childhood) and Social Environment (including access to alcohol and drugs), and 4. Types of drugs used.

YES. For most, addiction to alcohol and drugs is a process — not an event. Most people who use alcohol and drugs do so with an intention of only using once or “once in a while.” No one decides that they want to become addicted to alcohol and drugs. But, we are dealing with addictive drugs that directly affect the brain. It is easy for occasional use to change to frequent use or constant use — that is addiction. The only thing we know for sure: if you don’t drink alcohol and don’t do drugs, you definitely won’t become addicted.

One of the more difficult aspects for young people is the toxic overload of unhealthy distractions, be it through negative relationships, social media, and an overall sense of not meeting expectations or foreboding failure. The risks of teenage alcoholism and teen mental health today mirror the same dangers faced by the general population in the United States. Added pressures from online social interaction, unrealistic expectations of physical perfection, and growing familial dysfunction all play a role in what adolescents have to live with in their normal day-to-day. When at-risk young adults seek drugs or alcohol to help them cope, fit in, calm raging hormones, or quiet mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD, it’s only a matter of time before it all spirals out of control. Do we work with teens in detox...yes and no, it really depends on where they are in age. To find out more give us a call. If we can not, we will recommend a local facility that does.