Renowned Addiction Treatment Center, Gatehouse Academy: Helping Teens Recover from Misuse of Prescription Drugs

Scottsdale, AZ September 15, 2009 -- Though marijuana is the number one drug of choice for young adults, a report created by the SAMHA National Survey on Drug Use and Health claims that more than 2.1 million teenagers are now abusing prescription drugs. Additionally, these drugs are becoming the first choice of 12 to 13 year olds because they are both available and legal. Consuming pain relievers such as Oxycontin and Vicodin is most common, as many children have parents with prescriptions to these meds.

Used in combination with alcohol or other drugs, these painkillers can produce fatal results. Because most prescription drugs are said to have fewer side effects than those sold on the street, kids think they are safer. Additionally, because they are not illegal, they feel that they are not doing anything dangerous, especially since their parents are taking them too. And because these drugs are readily available in homes where they have been proscribed, they can become irresistible temptations, especially in the light of peer pressure.

Gatehouse Academy has been long prepared for this type of addiction, maintaining its reputation as one of the foremost drug abuse centers in the United States. Working with young people who cannot control their dependency on prescription and illegal drugs, the center focuses on providing residents with a program that gets them clean, educates them, provides them with constructive activities, and provides them with tools for a healthy return to a normal life.

With the obvious caveat to parents that they must keep their medical prescriptions in a safe place away from children, the first place to prevent addiction is in the home. If children are procuring these meds from other sources, it is essential that parents and teachers recognize the warning signs to prevent impending addiction. Prescription painkillers are addictive, especially when clearly defined doses and medical supervision are ignored. Once a young person reaches the point where he or she cannot break away from the drugs, intervention becomes essential. Gatehouse Academy, with a staff trained in medical and psychological counseling, provides residents with a solid program to help teens overcome addiction, develop sound coping skills, and become shining examples of success and stability.

About Gatehouse Academy:
Gatehouse Academy is a co-educational long-term residential program exclusively for young adults age 17 to 25 with chemical dependency and co-occurring disorders. Their centers proved the necessary clinical, residential, educational, recreational, and family communication support system for everyone admitted. Their mission is: “We absolutely insist on guiding young adults towards a life of excellence, leadership and service.” Gatehouse Academy operates its main campus in Wickenburg, Arizona. Other Arizona campuses include the Hassayampa River Ranch, Mesquite Canyon Ranch, Jefferson House and Gatehouse College Campus. It also has two extended campuses in Thunder Bay, Ontario and Saratoga Springs, New York.
For more information about Gatehouse Academy call toll free 1-(888) 730.0906 or visit their website at http://www.gatehouseacademy.com.

Contact Information

Michael Baldassare

Director of Marketing

Gatehouse Academy

Contact via E-mail