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Drink and drug abuse 'can affect teen brain development'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 19/06/2012.
Tags: Parenting Kids HealthConcerns have been raised about drink and drug abuse by teenagers, as this can have an impact on brain development, according to one expert.
Dr Fiona Weldon, clinical director of the Rutland Centre in Dublin, told the Irish Times that studies have found the memory part of the brain is considerably smaller in adolescent binge drinkers, than their teetotal counterparts.
In addition, the specialist described how cross addiction to drugs and alcohol is becoming increasingly commonplace at a younger age.
Dr Weldon suggested this is often due to self-esteem issues, a lack of confidence and depression, with teenagers self-medicating through prescription drugs and other substances.
Parents were advised to have an "open conversation" about alcohol with their children and discuss the risks associated with being drunk.
"Placing some responsibility on young persons for their health is a positive way to approach it," Dr Weldon remarked.
The expert's comments come after the latest European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs survey revealed 50 per cent of 15 to 16-year-olds had drank alcohol in the 30 days prior to being questioned.
Written by Donal Walsh
the mommy psychologist
(20-06-2012 16:57)
I've spent time this week addressing how to help teenagers deal with depression. As a psychologist, I point out that trying to help teenagers deal with depression by focusing on it as a temporary state does not actually help. This may seem counterintuitive, but teenagers have not developed the thinking skills to be able to see or think about the future in a meaningful way. It is one of the reasons we see so much risk taking behavior as well. In their world, the present day is the only day that exists so we have to address their problems from that angle. I talk more about this here:
http://www.themommypsychologist.com/2012/05/03/how-do-you-help-a-depressed-teenager/