Adolescence and young adulthood are life stages notorious for risk-taking behavior. In fact, the human brain is wired for this. While adolescent and young adult brains have very active reward and emotion centers, the brain regions responsible for higher level cognitive functioning, decision-making and impulse control are still immature. Research has taught us that the brain connections between regions that sense rewards and consequences and those involved in reasoning and memory do not fully mature until the mid-20s.¹

Prevention is key, but for patients struggling with substance use or abuse, Dr. Fridy will bring empathy, specialty medical skills, and professional resources to the table in order to get you well.

A common yet especially concerning risk taken among adolescents and young adults is the use of substances, including alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other drugs. Ranging from occasional experimentation, to abuse, to addiction, the health, psychosocial, and legal ramifications of substance use in this age group can be extremely serious. There are many physical risks to the growing heart, lungs and other parts of the adolescent and young adult body, including the developing brain, which is especially vulnerable to toxins that might cause lifelong damage.

Dr. Fridy’s specialty training in adolescent and young-adult medicine makes her uniquely qualified to medically manage patients in this age group who engage in substance use. Her concierge practice, Tribeca Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine, provides patients with personalized, highly attentive, and comprehensive medical, as well as emotional, care. Often times, for patients struggling with substance use or abuse, a multidisciplinary care approach is optimal. Dr. Fridy collaborates closely with an extensive network of expert substance abuse professionals, including psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, other specialized consultants throughout New York City and the surrounding areas, as well as country wide. Furthermore, Dr. Fridy has established relationships with numerous treatment programs across the United States should a higher level of care be deemed appropriate, including residential programs.

Dr. Fridy believes prevention is key and promotes this in her practice. But for patients struggling with substance use or abuse, she will bring empathy, skills and resources to the table in order to get you well.

¹Fusar-Poli, P. Integrated Mental Health Services for the Developmental Period (0 to 25 Years): A Critical Review of the Evidence. Front Psychiatry. 2019; 10: 355.