Alternative Therapeutic School For Kids Suffering from Addiction

Therapeutic School for Children with Substance Use Disorders & Other Addictions

Addictions

Addiction is a complex brain disease that may include substance abuse, excessive gambling, video games, porn and food

Addiction is a brain disease that is more likely to affect individuals exposed to toxic stress during vulnerable periods of their life. Periods of greatest vulnerability include early years and adolescence. When the brain's reward system does not function properly, people are at increased risk of moving from use to abuse of substances and maladaptive behaviors.

We believe that adolescents and teenagers are often mislabeled as "troubled" when in actuality, they are struggling with a mental health issue. Substance use is often a symptom of a deeper, underlying problem in the child's life.

Addiction is typically a gradual process and involves many distinct, but interdependent factors, including the timing of various experiences. Although facing negative consequences, individuals struggling with addiction have difficulty making rational decisions and controlling their behavior.

Research clearly shows that most adults with addictions first developed these problems during adolescence or young adulthood. This finding makes sense from a developmental perspective, since teenagers have greater access to alcohol, drugs, and other potentially addictive experiences as they gain more independence from their parents. From a biological perspective, adolescence is a time in which the parts of the brain responsible for impulsivity, decision-making, and executive control are undergoing considerable change and are not yet fully mature. Exposure to experiences that can alter brain architecture in these same areas may increase the likelihood of developing an addiction.

ADHD increases risk of addiction. Research now shows that children with poor impulse control, such as those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), may be at a higher risk for addiction. These children may engage in risky behaviors at earlier ages and more frequently than other children. In one study, according to WebMD, 14% of children ages 15 - 17 with a diagnosis of ADHD had problems with alcohol abuse or dependence as adults, compared to those without the diagnosis.

From a prevention perspective, understanding the factors that contribute to developing an addiction is crucial.