Uptick in drug abuse among teens and young adult straining state resources for addiction treatmen

The increasing abuse of prescription medication and other drugs among teens and young adults has put a strain on many drug treatment centers. Substance abuse not only affects individuals, families and friends, but also institutions aimed at helping them.

For instance, officials from Erie County, New York recently announced that they are unable to meet the need for addiction services, the Buffalo News reports.

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services recently updated its "Service Need Profile" for each county. Officials found that only 16 percent of local needs were met for residential drug treatment compared to 67 percent for the rest of the state.

Adolescents who struggle with substance abuse may wish to enroll in boot camps for troubled teens. These programs assist them in making positive choices toward a healthier future.

According to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 22 million Americans age 12 and older used illicit drugs in the month prior to the survey.