Know The Signs Of Teen Drug Abuse

As we all know, the teen years are volatile, unpredictable, and confusing at times. Puberty and peer relationship pressures make it difficult to navigate this time of life. When you add the possibility of substance abuse and addiction, additional stress comes into play. Would you be able to pinpoint the signs of teen drug abuse?

The Slippery Slope of Substance Abuse for Teens

Teens and young adults don’t wake up one morning with a desire to use. Instead, someone introduces them to the substance.

It may take the form of a dare. Peer acceptance is an extremely high priority for many teens. They simply want to fit in. When others dare them to take drugs, they may fear rejection from the peer group by refusing.

Strong teens can usually resist these situations. However, many teens have difficulty doing so for a wide variety of reasons. They may come from bad home environments. Their relatives may be taking drugs and serve as poor role models. In some cases, teens are simply bored, or their parent’s affluence means they have the ready means to purchase drugs.

Early Warning Signs of Teen Drug Abuse

Short of finding drugs and paraphernalia, there isn’t one definitive sign of teen drug abuse. Furthermore, all teens naturally withdraw from family members in their attempts to practice independence. Doing so makes it even harder for parents to recognize the signs. However, a combination of psychological and behavioral changes can point toward substance abuse.

Look for a sudden drop in grades that combines with a decline in school attendance. Your teen might drop out of sports that they previously loved. There may be reports of defiance at school that seem wildly out of character. At home, signs of teen drug abuse may include violation of curfew, hostility, and angry outbursts.

Teen moods turn on a dime. One moment they are loud and animated; the next, they withdraw and become quiet. Look for slurred or incoherent speech and negative changes to personal hygiene. There could also be changes to the teen’s sleep schedule as well.

Rehab Provides the Needed Intervention

Drug dependence isn’t a phase that your teen outgrows. Rather, it’s a disease that progresses. If you don’t intervene, there’s a good chance that it’ll continue throughout their teens and into their adult lives. Over time, substance abuse will adversely affect the teen’s mental and physical health.

He or she may drop out of high school or fail to do well in college. Relationships become problematic. Your teen may accelerate the abuse of one or more substances. Remember that teens who continue to abuse drugs grow up to become adults with addictions.

What Happens at Rehab?

Early intervention shows good results. An addiction specialist works with you and the teen to determine the necessary treatment. Because every person’s different, it’s vital to customize the care protocol accordingly. Moreover, teens and young adults need an approach to rehab that differs from a standard adult setting. Modalities include:

• Peer group sessions for support and joint learning
• Individual therapy that opens the door for pinpointed interventions
• Family therapy re-opens avenues of communication and heals relationships
• Behavioral health services for the recognition and change of destructive patterns
• Coping skills development that helps the teen handle peer pressure and stress

Therapists might also assess for a dual diagnosis. If your teen suffers from depression or anxiety, doing so is vital. In fact, successful recovery will depend on it. Dual diagnosis offers another avenue of healing that’ll do much to prevent a possible relapse. Often, teens aren’t aware that they struggle with any co-occurring disorders. As parents, you may suspect a mental health issue is occurring, but you aren’t sure. Therapists can confirm or deny this possibility.

Reach out for help at the first signs of teen drug abuse. Don’t wait until things go from bad to worse. Beaches Recovery addiction experts are ready to help your teen. Call 866.605.0532 now.