If you have a child between the ages of 11 and 18, please take a moment to ask yourself the following questions:

The process of an adolescent becoming dependent on a substance is related to a number of factors including the addictive properties of the substance, family and peer influences, personality, and socio-cultural factors. This process, otherwise known as addiction, progresses from the use of a substance to the abuse of a substance and finally the physical and/or psychological dependence on the substance. Thus, the reason a child begins using drugs (e.g., experimentation, peer pressure, curiosity) is not the same reason that the child continues using drugs (e.g., dependence).

What may start out as “normal” risk taking adolescent behavior with a substance such as alcohol, nicotine or marijuana, can lead to abuse and dependence with devastating consequences not only on the present life of the teenager, but also on the developmental pathway that leads into adulthood. Without treatment, chemical abuse and dependence will quickly progress resulting in problems with physical and mental health, family and peers, school, the law, and even death.

The nature of chemical abuse and dependence prevents the individual from noticing that the negative changes in his or her life are the direct consequences of drug use. By definition of Chemical Abuse, the adolescent will continue use in spite of negative consequences while blaming others for his or her problems and becoming defensive about their “right” to use drugs and alcohol. Therefore, it is up to the family to get the child into treatment to prevent further damage to child’s emotional and physical well-being and other future negative developmental outcomes in adulthood.

At Anaga, we understand the process of becoming chemically dependent and the devastating affect this can have on the entire life of the teenager as well as the family. Therefore, we view the recovery process as one in which the individual, family, and the professional treatment team work together to heal the physical, emotional, and spiritual damage caused by chemical abuse and dependence and set the teen on a more positive life pathway.

If you answered yes to three or more of the above questions related to your child, it is possible that he or she has a drug or alcohol problem. To know for sure, a professional assessment is needed. At Anaga we provide this service along with a full continuum of treatment in the prevention and recovery from chemical abuse and dependence.

Following a thorough confidential assessment with a professional counselor, a treatment plan is tailored for the individual, based on specific treatment needs combining a variety of therapeutic services, such as:

Our staff will work with your family in a supportive environment to provide professional therapeutic services aimed at stopping your child from using drugs and improving communication and relationships within the family.

Throughout treatment, your child will learn about the process of addiction, the harmful effects of drugs, and how to manage drug cravings to prevent future use. The teen will also gain insight into his or her life by examining personal belief systems and values that support drug use. Through confrontation and self- exploration with peer and professional support, your child’s attitude toward drug use can begin to change increasing personal control and responsibility and turning them toward a positive life pathway.

If you would like more information about Anaga’s Positive Life Pathway Adolescent Substance Abuse Program, please contact our office.