Unfortunately, teen substance use is a common problem. Peer pressure can influence teenagers to try drugs or alcohol initially. Over time, recreational use can turn into an addiction. Once someone has a substance use problem, rehab programs at a teen and adolescent substance use treatment center are crucial.
The Warning Signs of Teen Substance Use
There are many signs of teen substance use to watch out for. With teen substance use, parents may notice behavior changes like problems at school. The child may suddenly be hostile, defiant or uninterested in their favorite activities.
Other than missing curfew or poor academic performance, the teenager may suddenly demand more privacy. He or she may avoid eye contact and become deliberately isolated. Parents and loved ones may also notice that the teenager seems to have different friends than they did before.
Teen Substance Use: Physical and Mental Signs
Family members may also notice physical, mental and health signs of teen substance use. If someone uses drugs, they may have an appetite or sleep changes. They can have side effects like sweating, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or tremors. In severe cases, the individual may even have seizures.
Parents may notice that their child suddenly gains or loses a lot of weight. They may suddenly stop caring about their personal hygiene or appearance. The teenager may have burns on their fingers or bruises from falling. Parents may notice bloodshot eyes or unusual odors.
Teen substance use can cause mental and emotional changes as well. Loved ones may notice that the teenager has extreme emotional highs and lows. They may seem deceitful or manipulative. As the teen goes through withdrawal symptoms, loved ones may also notice emotional instability or depression.
If a teenager has a substance use problem, they might have poor concentration or memory issues. Parents may notice decreased motivation, slurred speech, paranoia, or unusually fast speech. Any unexplained changes in the teen’s personality or behavior could be a sign of a problem.
Getting Help and Staging an Intervention
When parents realize that their teenager has a problem, the hardest part is figuring out the best way to help. There are many different rehabs and treatment centers available. By finding the right substance use treatment center, parents can prepare their child for a successful recovery.
At the treatment center, parents can talk to an addiction counselor or specialist about the various options and programs available. Teenagers can find gender-specific programs as well as 12-step options. These treatment centers for teen substance use focus on helping the teen’s specific addiction history, mental disorders, and challenges.
Teens and their parents can find treatment options such as:
- Gardening
- Experiential, organic, and clinical eco-therapy
- Dual diagnosis program
- Outdoor wilderness therapy
- Trauma-informed clinical teams
- Gender-specific campuses
An addiction is a chronic illness, but no one has to manage their illness alone. At a high-quality treatment center, clients can find the focused, intensive treatment they need to recover. To learn more about Red Oak Recovery® and how we can help with your treatment process, call us today at 866-457-7590.
