Teensavers Teen Drug Rehab

The signs of teenage drug addiction are many and varied. Some of the signs are difficult to discern from normal, adolescent behavior, so just because a teen demonstrates some of the signs does not necessarily mean that teen is suffering from a drug addiction. Signs to watch for are in the home and family life, as well as in school, academia and social life.

In the home, there may arise a sudden discord between the teen and relatives. A hostility and withdrawal never before seen may indicate a teen drug addiction. Missing curfew, becoming physically or verbally abusive, demanding or even stealing money and lying about activities are also warning signs. Of course, parents or legal guardians should also watch out for physical evidence of drugs such as bags, needles, rolling papers, weed, etc.

In school, dropping grades, missing homework, verbal or physical abuse directed toward peers or teachers and unexplained tardiness or absences are all signs of a possible teen drug addiction. A vibrant, socially outgoing, responsible and dependable teenager who suddenly acts withdrawn and disinterested in communication and interaction with all their old friends and social activities is virtually inexplicable.

In teens, a drug addiction will cause increased lethargy, poor personal hygiene, depression, severe weight loss or gain, mood swings and hypersensitivity and hostility to criticisms. Any of these signs should be an indication that it may be time to talk to your teen about drugs, gauge their reaction and try to get professional intervention before the teen’s drug addiction proceeds further.

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To a certain extent, parents can influence the decisions their teen make in life by a few simple steps early on. Have honest conversations about drug use and teen drug addiction. Make it clear that drug addiction has very strong potential to overtake and ruin a life, hurting many others in the process. If parents do not discuss such things with children, they will get their drug education elsewhere – and it may not be what parents want them to hear. A little preventative education can go a long way.

To prevent drug addictions from developing, parents should also remain aware of their children’s social lives throughout junior high and high school. Who are their friends? Where are they going? When will they be home? Will there be chaperones? Set curfews and house rules. Get to know the parents of your children’s friends and exchange phone numbers in order to call and compare stories, ensuring your children are truly where they say they are.

Telltale signs of drug use can help a parent identify the problem early on and perhaps intervene before it develops into a full-blown drug addiction.

Signs of a potential developing drug addiction include:

• Appetite loss
• Weight loss
• Decreased interest in personal hygiene
• Decreased motivation
• Social withdrawal
• Depression
• Hostility
• Mood swings
• Evasiveness
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

Many of these symptoms are typical of adolescence, regardless of drug addiction. Thus it may be difficult to tell whether your child is developing a drug addiction. Ask questions frequently and compare notes with other parents. If a child is persistently answering evasively or breaking house rules, punish them accordingly by taking away privileges.

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Teenagers are susceptible to many different types of illegal drugs. They are commonly viewed as easy targets, easily swayed by their peers. Alcohol and marijuana are normally among the first mind-altering substances abused by teens. Marijuana proponents say it is not addictive and may even be legalized. Marijuana critics, however, say it is a “gateway drug” that leads users to explore other, harder drugs – particularly users who start early in their teen years.

First time drug use may be out of a desire to gain acceptance, popularity and credibility among peers – to fit into a crowd of people and make new friends. However, the substance’s effects can create an addictive pattern in the user. It will progress to the point where they will seek more intense and longer-lasting highs with harder, even more dangerous and addictive drugs.

There are a variety of treatment options available for teen drug addictions. However, one of the most effective methods is prevention. Parental involvement in children’s lives through active involvement, discussion, questioning about whereabouts and friends and getting to know those friends can go a long way toward preventing a drug addiction from ever forming in the first place. There have also been links established between overly indulgent parents and teen drug use. More than they need mom and dad to be friends, kids need their parents to be role models who set firm guidelines and keep behaviors in check. Though not foolproof, the temptations of drugs can be largely thwarted by that kind of discipline, along with frank discussion about smart choices in friends and the dangers of drug use.

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Teens typically respond very much to peer pressure, and alcohol and drugs are freely available in many junior high and high school social circles. The prevalent teen drug use escalates in American society as more teens feel pressured to try it “just once.” Of course, that one time makes it seem a little less harmful the next time, and the next time – until, before they even realize it, teens are well on their way to developing a full-blown addiction. It is a very easy trap to fall into.
Teen drug use is a problem for which there is no definite cause or solution. The causes could range from personal life and home issues to simply wanting a place of belonging and acceptance among peers. Teen drug use could even stem from a desire to rebel against authority.
There are a variety of treatment options available. The right one depends largely upon the type and severity of the addiction. Typically, the first step in recovery from teen drug abuse is admitting that a problem exists. If treatment is not sought, it could lead to a variety of health and quality of life issues.
Ongoing teen drug abuse dulls mental alertness and clarity, zaps enthusiasm and motivation and even transforms one’s personality into something completely unrecognizable and different from before. Recovery from teen drug abuse is a tough process for all involved. Support from family and friends will help sustain and encourage the teen through this difficult, critical time in their life.

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