drug-forged “reward” channel has subsumed former pleasure pathways (1). Furthermore, the drug-dependent can only achieve former levels of enjoyment when primed with the particular substance (1). In most cases, dependence is an outgrowth of tolerance, which results from continued exposure of nerve cells to a particular substance (2).There are many treatments and approaches to substance abuse. As with most mental illness, a combination of medical treatment and psychological counseling is usually most effective. Medical treatments may alter the body’s reaction to a substance, reduce cravings, or change a substance’s effect (3). “Because substance abuse is likely to coexist with another mental disorder, particularly depression or anxiety, psychoactive medications are often prescribed” (3). Although drugs may help people break away from a substance, psychotherapy or supportive counseling is usually essential in minimizing relapses (3).In conclusion, teenage drinking is a serious problem that not only effects the teen, but those around them. But, it is not so large a problem that with a combined effort of community leaders, parents, and other teens, solutions can be found and effectively put into practice. Where there is a will, there is a way....
