Teen Depression and Substance Abuse

Everyone feels down once in a while. You might have broken up with your boyfriend, failed your geometry test, been cut from the soccer team, or any other embarrassing/disappointing/mildly heartbreaking event that is part of teenage life. And now you feel like crap. This is a perfectly acceptable response to any of these scenarios, and while you might wallow in self-pity for a day or two, eventually you get over it and move one. For some teens, however, this feeling doesn't go away and they continue to feel down and depressed.

These teens who continue to feel depressed for a length of time could be suffering with depression. Some of the signs of teen depression include low energy, irritability, a drop in grades, feelings of worthlessness, a drop in social activities, and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms of depression can last for weeks to months.

Teenage depression is more than just normal teen angst. Teens who are suffering with depression are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol than teens who are not depressed. I've already talked about the dangers of teen drug and alcohol abuse at considerable length. In addition to the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse alone, combining substance abuse and depression can result in additional, life-threatening consequences. You cannot cure your depression by turning to drugs and alcohol. Being drunk or high might make you feel better temporarily, but in the long run, you could be making your problem worse.

Teens who are suffering with depression, often use drugs and alcohol to relieve the stress and frustration caused by depression. Unfortunately, by turning to drugs and alcohol, they are making their depression worse, not better. In some cases, drug and alcohol abuse can even cause depression in teens. Because teenage depression can have serious consequences like drug and alcohol abuse, even thoughts of suicide, it is important for teens suffering with depression to get help. If you or someone you care about has a problem with depression and/or substance abuse, ask for help so that they can get the help that they need.

Labels: teen-addiction, teen-alcohol-abuse, teen-depression, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse

posted by beth @ 4:07 PM