Teen Nicotine Addiction Treatment
Teen Nicotine Addiction Treatment
Nicotine abuse is a common addiction, particularly due to the fact that nicotine is very easily obtained. Many nicotine users begin with nicotine, but then move on to the use and abuse of other hard drugs and alcohol.
Nicotine Sources
- Flavored cigars – sweet candy fruity flavored cigars with tobacco and nicotine.
- Hookahs – hookah smoking at bars is attractive to teens.
- Chewing tobacco and snuff – tobacco and snuff are sniffed, chewed, and rubbed on gums for a high
What is Nicotine Addiction?
Nicotine is abused in the form of cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco based products. Nicotine hazards are always described on the product’s packages. Initially, many teens begin smoking cigarettes socially, due to peer pressure or just for fun. Nicotine may not appear as harmful as other drugs but it is still hazardous to a teenager’s health. The National Institute of Health (NIH) warns about tobacco’s multiple unhealthy ingredients. There are hundreds of added chemicals, out of which 19 are carcinogenic. There are many serious health conditions reported due to nicotine use and addiction. They include:
- Lung cancer
- Pulmonary issues
- Heart related diseases
- Osteoporosis
- Sexual dysfunctions
- Stained teeth
- Poor complexion
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Oral cancer
Why is Nicotine Dangerous?
Nicotine addiction has long-term effects because of its highly addictive properties. Scientists have discovered that nicotine and cocaine attack the same area of the brain. Some studies suggest that youth are more tolerant to the effects of nicotine than adults.
Nicotine’s Withdrawal Symptoms
While nicotine withdrawal may not be as extreme as withdrawal from other drugs, it is still a difficult task to drop this habit. Nicotine addicts may relapse over and over again and experience the following withdrawal symptoms when attempting to detox:
- Severe cravings
- Anxiety and depression
- Irritable behavior
- Constant headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of concentration
Nicotine’s Side Effects
Nicotine’s side effects are dangerous and include the following:
- The risks of heart attacks, strokes, and cardio-vascular disease
- Shortness of breath, gasping, and wheezing
- Stomach ailments, diarrhea, nausea and pains
- Dizziness and numbness of mind
- Tremors in limbs
- Fatigue and depression
- Anxiety
- Lack of normal teen’s athletic activities
Treatment of Teen Nicotine addiction
Many hardened smokers admit that giving up nicotine is one of the most difficult things that they encounter. The following treatment modalities may assist your teenager to successfully detox and sustain the detox for longer periods of time without relapsing.
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Peer Group Counseling (PGC)
- Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
Hillcrest for Rehabilitation
Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center (Hillcrest) is uniquely situated and designed to provide and nurture healing on all levels. As an elegant green rehabilitation oasis in the Agoura foothills, Hillcrest aims to cater to each client’s physical, emotional, mental, psychological and nutritional needs, specifically through individualized and diverse treatment plans. Hillcrest focuses on the key principles of mind-body health and provides wholesome healing in a mostly unplugged and small group environment.
Upon admission, each client is provided with the opportunity to undergo a series of professional evaluations in order to understand the root of the client’s struggle. Guided by dedicated doctoral-level practitioners, the best resources are then gathered to pave a clear treatment path for each client using bespoke, multi-disciplined therapeutic treatment plans. Hillcrest aims to provide the highest level of professional care and provide the client with an excellent, well-balanced and well-rounded experience while being treated at the facility, as well as the adequate tools to function independently and responsibly post treatment. At Hillcrest, you are your loved one are supported every step of the way on this journey to long-lasting and sustained healing.
