Watch video

Listen to what our clients say about The Canyon.

Contact Us

If you prefer, fill out the following form and a counselor will get back to you.





All information is considered
private and confidential.

877.714.1319

Success Stories

The generosity of the staff and peacefulness of the surroundings has given me a serenity and safety I had never experienced before." - Don

More Success Stories

Photo Gallery

Click here to see more photos

Rehab and Addiction Blog

Drug Rehab For Multiple Addictions
For some people, drug addiction may not mean just one addiction. Many people with addictions have a dependence on more than one drug at a time. [...]
Read More
Sobriety Means Changes For Social Life
When a person gets sober, they make a lot of big changes in their life. They change the way they spend time, the way they handle stress, and the way they view the world. [...]
Read More
Life After Drug Rehab – The Role Of Aftercare
When you finish up with drug rehab, your recovery experience isn't over. It's just beginning. You've only been through one of the first critical steps of a sober life. [...]
Read More
Benefits Of A Private Drug Rehab Program
Celebrities seek the benefits of private drug rehab programs. Why shouldn't you? You may sometimes pay a bit more for this kind of privacy, [...]
Read More

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Effects on Teens

Close to 20 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 20 years old are binge drinkers. The dangers of heavy drinking, whether chronically or intermittently, are higher for individuals in this age range compared to mature adults. Unfortunately, because the lethal effects of alcohol abuse manifest slowly over time, most young people are not aware of the risks associated with its use.

The Canyon at Peace Park is Malibu's premiere sober living environment, where teens can take refuge from the pressures of adolescence and discover the truth about alcohol and drug abuse in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.

Teenagers and Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Many teenagers mistakenly believe that being young provides them with immunity from the damage of drinking alcohol, when in fact the reverse is true:

  • Disturbed sleep cycles affect hormone distribution essential for growth and maturity
  • Vocabulary, memory, learning, and information recall drops by around 10 percent, causing teenage drinkers to fall behind in school and grades
  • Neuropsychological impairments are more prominent - social problems, violence, depression, and suicidal thoughts
  • Risk of stroke (brain damage) rises as use increases, no matter what your age

Additionally, adolescents are found to suffer the same negative effects of alcohol and drug abuse as adults by using only half the amount.

The Development of the Brain During Adolescence

The brain is working overtime during the second decade of a person's life in much the same way as it did during the first few months outside the womb. Neural connections and the frontal lobe undergo major development starting about age 16, with final maturation not occurring until around age 25. The intoxicating effects of alcohol inhibit proper functioning and growth of these essential neural (brain) cells. Damage can be permanent.

Effects of Drugs and Alcohol on the Teenage Brain

The frontal lobes contribute heavily to one's personality, disposition, and what some would call conscience (choosing between good and bad, predicting consequences, etc.). Social norms, risk taking, and related emotional memories are also regulated here.

The hippocampus manages short-term, newly created memories of experiences, facts, and navigation.

Damage to these two areas in the brain is significant among teens who abuse alcohol, resulting in:

  • Shrinkage or wasting of affected areas (atrophy)
  • Impaired information storage and retrieval (learning)
  • Amnesia (inability to create or preserve memories)
  • Inflexible cognitions (reasoning, perception, intuition)
  • Excessive or limited talking and socialization
  • Decline of sexual curiosity/ interest in bizarre sexual rituals

Long-Term Effects of Drugs and Alcohol on the Teenage Brain

It's not just the teenage years that are affected. Research shows young adults age 18-24 who continue abusing alcohol experience difficulty earning a college degree, finding gainful employment, achieving financial independence, and maintaining meaningful relationships. Failing at life's goals causes enormous stress and pressure that again fuels the cycle of dependence and drug addiction.

Teen Drug and Alcohol Rehab at The Canyon

Drinking may seem like a harmless pastime, but the reality is much different. The Canyon is devoted to helping young people excel in their goals and life ambitions. Detox and rehab have proven success rates for maintaining sobriety - the only thing you need to add is commitment.

If you know there's something wrong, but you're not quite sure what to do about it, call The Canyon's 24-hour help line at .

Call 877.714.1319
If The Canyon isn't right for you, we'll find the place that is.