Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unchecked alcohol consumption contributes to almost 90,000 deaths in the U.S. each year? More than 4,000 of those alcohol-related deaths are young, underage people. In fact, alcohol is the most commonly misused addictive substance among teens and young adults in America.…
How do professionals decide if a patient should consider getting admitted into an alcohol addiction treatment program? An alcohol screening test helps determine if someone is struggling with an alcohol use disorder. An emergency room can use a short alcohol screening test that makes a determination based on the first question. A mental health professional…
Overcoming addiction requires eliminating not only the physical dependence on the addictive substance but also addressing behavioral and psychological issues that have developed along with the substance use disorder. Simply quitting cold turkey at home isn’t enough to do the latter. Changing the way you behave, feel, and think is much easier with professional help…
Because it is legal and so common in our culture, alcohol poses a unique risk for both young people and adults. Alcohol abuse can come in many forms such as binge drinking. Once an individual develops a dependency or addiction, they’ll need professional help to heal and recover properly. If you’re facing an addiction to…
Many people seeking help for an alcohol use disorder often ask why they can’t undergo the process without attending an alcohol detox center. This option may be possible for a small number of individuals, but most of those seeking alcohol detox fare much better in a supervised program. Alcohol detox is one of the most…
If you’re worried about the signs of alcohol abuse and think you might be experiencing them, it’s time to reach out and get some help so you can live a better life. At Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge, we can help you get the support you deserve and the treatment you need to have a…
Many teens cannot fully understand the consequences of drinking. Not because they aren’t smart, but because their brains are still developing, including the capacity for self-reflection and awareness, decision-making, and risk assessment. Their very youth is one of the underlying risk factors for alcohol addiction in teens. If you suspect your teen is abusing alcohol,…
The dangers of binge drinking are significant and can include blackouts, reckless behaviors, overspending, liver damage, and other mental and physical health problems. Plus, they can sometimes put you in situations you would have otherwise avoided had alcohol not been a factor. When you find yourself sliding down the slippery slope of binge drinking, you…
Teen alcohol use is a significant problem in the United States. Nearly one-third of teens throughout the country have taken their first drink before the age of 15. More than 25% of American teenagers drink alcohol regularly, and about half of those drink heavily enough to be considered addicted to alcohol. While these statistics may…
The start of a new year is always a good time to begin working on your life goals, and a commitment to kicking an addiction is one of the best goals you can set for yourself. However, getting rid of an addiction is a lofty feat that can be challenging to reach without creating smaller stepping stone…