Our Special Issue on Adolescents and Young Adults

According to the Office of Mental Health, less than half of adolescents who need mental health services receive them. Since one in five has a diagnosable mental health disorder, we have a lot of work to do to meet the needs of this underserved population. Add to this the facts that 40% of high school seniors reported drinking alcohol, 15% acknowledged using marijuana and about half abused illicit drugs (including prescription drugs) by the twelfth grade. As we know, teenagers are at particular risk of alcoholism and drug addiction, more so than adults in their early twenties are, because the frontal lobes of teens’ brains are not yet fully developed.

Adolescents differ from adults both physiologically and emotionally and require treatment adapted to their needs. The onset of substance use is occurring at younger ages, resulting in more adolescents and young adults entering treatment for substance use disorders than in the past. Statistics show that teens age 12–17 had the highest rate of abuse or addiction at 60.6% compared to 37.4% of young adults age 18–25, and 24.3% for those older than 26.

To treat addiction in adolescents and young adults effectively, treatment providers must target various components—including cognitive, emotional, physical and social development, while also addressing the family and peer environment. Therefore, the youth of today present a unique challenge to treatment professionals.

This special issue of Counselor is devoted to providing you with useful information and current trends for the treatment of addiction and other behavioral problems adolescents and young adults face. Our youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow and we need an extensive toolbox of resources to help them embrace recovery and live joyous and happy lives free from the throes of addiction.

We are hopeful this issue of Counselor will both enlighten and engage you. To learn more about this important population of adolescents and young adults through compelling keynote sessions and valuable workshops attend U.S. Journal Training’s 11^th National Conference on Adolescents and Young Adults (April 11–13, 2013 Las Vegas, Nevada). For more information visit usjt.com.

Ann Gossy

Executive Editor

About Me

Larry Hearn

Supervising Editor at Counselor Magazine ~ More Posts

Larry Hearn is a seasoned SUD counselor, licensed Religious Science Practitioner, and a committed advocate for healing and personal transformation. Armed with a Social Model Studies Certificate from the CCAPP Academy (formerly known as the CAARR Institute), education from Modesto Junior College, and certification from CCAPP, Larry boasts a robust 24-year background in addiction counseling. As a member of the California Coalition of Certifying Organizations (CCCO), he played an active role in shaping the California Code of Ethics and Sanctions Matrix.

Larry currently serves as Supervising Editor for Counselor Magazine and Media & Infrastructure Manager for the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP), where he combines his clinical insight with media and educational strategy to uplift the profession and support the workforce.

His passion extends to facilitating treatment and education groups, grief circles, and individual counseling, creating a secure and supportive environment for individuals to navigate recovery, grief, and emotional trauma. He enjoys training and mentoring SUD counselors. In his capacity as a licensed Religious Science Practitioner, he seamlessly integrates therapeutic and spiritual modalities, guiding individuals on a journey toward enduring recovery and inner peace. Beyond addiction counseling, Larry underscores the significance of grief healing and personal growth in his compassionate approach.