The scourge of drug abuse and addiction can affect anyone, regardless of gender, social status, education or age. Teens are no exception, to the point where opioid drug overdose deaths among teenagers 15 to 19 years-old increased by 15% for males from 2014 to 2015 and an astonishing 35% for females from 2013 to 2015 according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in 2013, an estimate of 24.6 million Americans aged 12 or older -9.4% of the population – had used an illicit drug in the past month.

The most commonly used illicit drug among teenagers continues to be marijuana, which studies shows is the “first step” drug, even before alcohol and cigarettes. Consumption of marijuana can start as early as 11 or 12 years of age, a situation which is also associated with an increased number of behavior problems, as well as psychotic episodes that end up with hospitalized patients’ due to delirium, hallucinations or depression.

“The use of heroin and heroin contaminated by fentanyl are a huge problem among younger people”, said Dr. Ciccarone a professor at the University of California, San Francisco who studies drug use.

Another part of the problem is that teens gain access to prescription drugs from friends and relatives which make the situation hard to control, initially,  experimentation plays a big role, some teens try drugs but don’t become addicted, while others end up abusing drugs and others develop an addiction.

“Prevention is always key, it has been proven that parents who talk to their children about the risks of drug use are 50% less likely to try drugs; however, there are a number of factors that can trigger the use of drugs and eventually a drug addiction; parents need to seek professional help for their children as this is an illness difficult to control without the proper tools and help”, explained Jim Dopp founder of Costa Rica Recovery.

According to Costa Rica Recovery, some of the signs of teen drug abuse include secretive behavior, lack of interest in activities that he/she used to like, avoiding eye contact, unusual tiredness or irritability, bad grades, poor hygiene, spending more money than usual or taking money without consent.

Seeking help for the treatment of drug addiction for a teenager in Costa Rica is a good alternative, the country has many attractions that can be of interest to a teen, and taking him/her away from their circle of friends and comfort zone usually helps in the recovery process.

Costa Rica Recovery offers different, affordable and personalized treatment models that take into consideration each patient’s personal story and needs.

If a teenager in your family is suffering from a drug addiction, get professional help immediately.

To contact Costa Rica Recovery call toll-free 866-804-1793 or local phone line: 8348-6369.