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When teens struggle with substance use, there’s a deeper story beneath the surface—often one of pain, trauma, and an attempt to cope with overwhelming emotions. Examining how substance use, addiction, and trauma are interconnected is the first step toward helping teens find healing. For many parents, recognizing this connection can be eye-opening, paving the way […]

It’s difficult, painful, and often frightening to watch your teen struggle with substance use or mental health issues. While you may feel eager to start your teen’s recovery as soon as possible, your teen’s readiness and willingness to seek help is a critical part of a successful recovery journey. This quiz can help you understand […]

Mental health challenges and substance use rarely exist in isolation during adolescence: Up to 75% of teens with substance use disorders also experience mental health challenges. While these challenges manifest differently for each individual, some turn to substances to cope, creating a cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break. What begins as an attempt to […]

Substance use is one of the top risk factors for suicide in teens. Teens may also turn to substances as a way to cope with profound mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and trauma—all of which further increase the risk of suicidal ideation and related behaviors.  When teens turn to substance use as a […]

Many parents feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn when their teen needs help. Thankfully, different types of programs exist to support teens and their families through behavioral health challenges.  Inpatient treatment—think psychiatric hospital—for teens offers a short-term intervention for acute crises, while residential treatment—think group home with clinical staff—is designed for longer-term care, […]

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10–24, resulting in thousands of deaths each year. As recently as 2021: Source: CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey Teen suicide facts can help parents understand this issue. We’ve gathered the most recent data on the topic to better equip parents to support their […]

Youth suicides and suicide attempts have steadily increased over the last several years, meaning more teens are at risk now. Assessing the intensity of suicidal thoughts is essential for determining the appropriate level of care for teens. A suicidal ideation scale is one tool clinicians use. Learn more about these scales and how they guide […]

In the United States, 18% of people under the age of 18 have thought about suicide. While parents may be aware of the rising rates of teen suicide, many have not heard of passive suicidal ideation. Learn about the condition, how it differs from active suicidal ideation, and how it presents in teens.  What Is […]

As kids explore and shape their identities, parents may encounter new concepts that spark curiosity. One concept that has come into focus, especially in online spaces, is gender envy. What Is Gender Envy?  Gender envy isn’t a clinical term and can mean different things to different people. However, gender envy is a term that many […]

For parents searching for teenage behavioral healthcare treatment, whether it be for mental health issues, substance use, or both (dual-diagnosis treatment), the options can be a bit overwhelming. At Muir Wood, we’ve helped countless families navigate the process. Here are answers to the most common questions about how to select teen residential treatment. Note that […]