Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) Imelda Moya-Magana helps parents and care-givers handle a common presence in our children's lives - drugs and alcohol. Abuse can damage their bodies and brains, and may cause addiction, health problems and behavioral concerns.

 

She shares a couple of facts:

• 40% of high-school students in 2023 stopped regular activities because of feelings of sadness and helplessness

• Teens between the ages of 12 to 17 who had a major depressive episode in the past year were more likely to use drugs

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While parents or care-givers may be familiar with alcohol, Imelda ensures they are aware of common illegal drugs:

• Cannabinoids - Marijunana

• Inhalants - Paint or Cleaning Supplies

• Benzodiazepines - Valium

• Stimulant - Cocaine

• Opioids - Oxycodine, Heroine, Fentanyl

• Hallucinogenics - LSD

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Addictions in adolescents impacts their decision making due to incomplete brain development, increased risk taking behavior, early exposure disrupts brain growth and development, and disrupts critical brain functions like motivation and memory.

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Addiction impacts your families, often experiencing guilts, shame and blame where the cycle can be broken through education and family therapy, and faith-based community involvement where trust and relationships can be created and nourished.

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Imelda then takes time to share how parents and care-givers can take action to help their children through this difficult life situation.