Reading the Signs of Teen Addiction

June 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Let’s face facts.

Almost everyone, by the time they have become young adults, has been exposed to some serious drugs and alcohol.

True, some teens cruise through the drug scene without succumbing to peer pressure, but most teen-agers have at least had experience with recreational drugs and some partying. There are teens who can move on without developing any serious habits, but many teens become drawn into the drug scene, and are hooked before they even realize it.

As a parent, keeping an eye out for problems with substance abuse has to be a high priority. The average kid does not set out to become an addict but statistics show that many start down that path because of a few friends and what is thought of as innocent fun. The problem is that what was at first fun can become a life of fear and misery.

No one wants a beloved family member to suffer the pain of addiction, so what are some things a parent should lbe aware of that might be signaling drug addiction?

Things to look for are:

· Abrupt attitude change; has your child’s attitude become sullen or angry?

· Failing in school.

· Losing old friends; questionable new friends.

· Emotional swings that do not seem to be hormonal.

· Lying; depression.

If you believe that your child is into drugs, act immediately; get your child into a drug rehab program that will work for him/her and see it through to the end. And always act in love and without judgment.

Remember:

Being a teenager is tough enough; being a teen addict can be unbearable, especially once the addiction has set in and can no longer be denied. Your job is to help and to love.

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Seeking Help for Teenage Substance Abusers

October 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Source: A Public Health Approach to Drug Contr...
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If you feel that your teenager may be involved with drugs, there are few behavioral changes to look for.

1. Friendship changes.
2. Increased hostility, irritability, defensiveness, and evasiveness.
3. Changes in appearance.
4. Skipping school and avoiding school activities.

If your loved one shows any of the above behaviors, chances are he/she has a substance abuse problem. You shouldn’t be alarmed, but keep in mind that early detection is the key to helping your teen with substance abuse problems. It’s important for you to get help as soon as you can.

Since drugs provide an alternative way to assimilate with the rest of the crowd, teens aren’t necessarily motivated to stop using them. It may sound trite or oversimplified, but once teens start using drugs, it’s very hard for them to stop. Teens don’t feel that drugs pose a problem because they feel invincible, especially when they ingest drugs into their system.

In order to get help for your teen, it’s essential that you get involved and encouraging them to get help as soon as possible. Without support, it is unlikely that teens will do it on their own.

Seeking Help

There are many drug treatment programs for adolescents in your community. The following are a few options to consider:

Teens who need safe and supervised relief from withdrawal systems can enter Detoxification centers anywhere in the country. These centers are available for teens and others who need abstain from drugs and receive medical attention.

Rehabilitation is also available within the teen’s residence or home. This type of treatment helps teens that need constant supervision (24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week). The types of teens seeking constant supervision simply cannot quit independently. They continue to use drugs and don’t care about the risks involved. These individuals may have attempted to stop using before, but have failed in those attempts.

All of the above programs offer therapy, twelve-step programs, relapse prevention, and more.

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Filed Under: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, Rehab, Substance Abuse Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Warning Signs For Teenage Substance Abuse

October 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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Being a teenager in today’s society is a lot more stressful than days past. Expectations are very high for adolescents. They’re expected to have excellent grades and keep up with the other kids in sports, school clubs, and other social events. Sometimes the stress becomes unbearable, and teenagers turn to drugs to help deal with it. If you’re concerned that your teen might be using drugs, there are several warning signs to look for in your adolescent’s behavior that could be indicators.

The following are some of the warning signs or indications of substance abuse:

Evidence of drugs or paraphernalia. Teens often feel you’re invading their privacy when you search through their personal belongings, but it never hurts to look for blatant physical signs of drugs or paraphernalia around the house. For example, marijuana smoke has a very strong and distinct odor. It doesn’t smell anything like cigarette smoke at all. If your teen comes home wreaking of marijuana smoke, don’t be afraid to confront him/her with some questions about what they’ve been doing that evening.

Behavioral problems. If your teen suddenly seems disinterested in school and other activities like sports and social events, ask them about it. A major deterrent from drug use of any kind is simple, honest communication with your teen. We’re not recommending that you become nosey or intrusive, but it’s always a good idea to take a genuine interest in your teen’s welfare. Let him/her know that you care about their well-being. A simple question like, “How is school going,” is always a good opening to a good conversation with your son or daughter.

Emotional distance, depression, or fatigue. Young teenagers should be full of vitality and energy. They really shouldn’t act listless or apathetic in any way. After all, they’re young, and have a whole life ahead of them. If your teenage suddenly seems disinterested or depressed, ask them about it. Again, you don’t want to appear nosey, but a little bit of care and interest will go a long way. Sometimes teens just need a little push to get them going in the right direction.

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Filed Under: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, Rehab, Substance Abuse Tagged With: , , , , , , ,