Troubled Teen Issues

This teen drug treatment article discusses the signs of teen drug abuse, teen drug treatment options, and tips on preventing teen drug abuse. If you suspect your teenager may be using drugs or addicted to drugs you should keep reading for tips on teen drug treatment options.

One of the most heartbreaking problems is that of drug abuse and addiction. It can be especially difficult if your teenager is involved with drugs and alcohol. The lifelong effects of addiction can be devastating, and it can be hard to watch your child go down that path. The good news is that are teen drug treatment options, should you need them.

Signs of teen drug abuse

First, though, it is important to recognize the signs of teen drug abuse. Teen drug abuse can turn into addiction fairly quickly, and can initially be a little difficult to distinguish from normal rebellious teen behavior. But here are some signs that might indicate your teenager is becoming addicted to drugs:

• Falling grades in school.
• Occasional memory loss.
• Loss of motivations.
• Stops participating in extracurricular activities.
• May change friends.
• Large and sometimes violent mood swings.
• Clothes may smell like smoke or alcohol.
• Stops paying attention to image and/or hygiene.
• Red, bloodshot eyes.
• Changes to sleep patterns.
• Presence of drug paraphernalia.

If you notice that your teen displays these signs of drug abuse, it might be time to get help.

Teen drug treatment options

There are a number of teen drug treatment options. Some of them are based locally, and others are based far away. You should carefully consider your options, depending on how severe your teen’s addiction is, and the sort of treatment your teenager is likely to respond best to.

Local teen drug treatment options: Many people like to start out be trying local drug treatment options. This allows teenagers to be near their support system of family. Local teen drug treatment can include psychological counseling, to help the teen learn behavior modification and talk about his or her issues. Additionally, there are support groups that teenagers can join to help encourage them and help them stop using drugs. You can also check to see whether or not there is some drug treatment facility at the local hospital or clinic. You family doctor can usually help you with options.

Sending your teen away for teen drug treatment: There are some cases where the drug addiction is so severe, or other problems are so manifest, that a teenager does better being sent to a residential drug treatment facility. These are places where those with substance abuse problems live. The staff includes counselors and medical personnel that can help with teen drug treatment on a number of levels. These facilities often combine medical aspects of treating drug addiction with counseling and group therapy. These centers often succeed in getting your teenager away from the negative influences and habits that can make it difficult to get beyond drug addiction locally. Additionally, if your teenager is suicidal or has some other severe health problem, the professionals available at a residential drug treatment facility can be very helpful in keeping an eye on your teenager around the clock. Many of these teen drug treatment facilities also include an academic component so that your child does not fall behind in his or her studies while overcoming an addiction.

Preventing teen drug use

In some cases, it is very difficult to prevent teen drug use. Peer pressure can be a strong influence on teenagers. Another issue is that sometimes drug use happens so that teens can try to escape problems in their lives, or to enjoy parties more. Many don’t even realize that teen drug treatment is even necessary. They may not believe they are addicted. But there are some things you can do to reduce the likelihood that your teenager will become involved with substance abuse:

1. Talk to your child: One of the keys is good communication. You need to be available for your child to talk to, and you need to speak with your child, starting from he or she is young, about drugs and alcohol abuse.
2. Clear expectations: Many children thrive when they know what is expected of them. Have clear and reasonable expectations for behavior, use behavior contracts if necessary, and that can help.
3. Be supportive: You should be involved in your teen’s life, and supportive of him or her. Let your teenager know that you love him or her.
4. Encourage healthy habits and friends: Encourage your teenager to participate in healthy activities and have good friends. Pay attention to what they are doing and encourage activities they enjoy, as well as a job appropriate for teenagers.