Teen Drug Abuse
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), teens are being introduced to substance use as early 13 years old. With this exposure, there is a likelihood that your child will feel pressured to partake in substance abuse and may at some point try alcohol and other substances (i.e. marijuana, opioids, hallucinogens, etc.) because their friends are doing it.
Many teens don’t recreationally use these substances expecting to develop a substance abuse problem, but there are negative affects of substance abuse that can cause addiction. In most cases, addicts are unable to distinguish the point where they went from “casual” or recreational drug use to full blown addiction. The sooner you are able to recognize your child is abusing alcohol and or other substances, the sooner you can seek help and resolve the problem.
Signs of Substance Abuse
One of the first signs of teen drug abuse are the effects on the addict. As the disease progresses, the individual beings to experience the aftereffects of using, known as a “hangover.” These aftereffects will prevail and worsen during sober time. In only a short period of time, the hangover turns into a constant feeling of unwellness or sickness. To aid these physical feelings, the individual will use more frequently and in higher dosages. Addiction is also known to cause a growing lack of drive and disinterest in activities or hobbies that the individual once found interesting or entertaining. Additionally, they may become antisocial and become less worried about their physical appearance and hygiene. Substances alter your neurochemical levels, so feelings of depression, sadness, emptiness, aggravation, and anxiety are common.
Because substance abuse alters behavior and other personal aspects, family, friend and intimate relationships are affected due to a general lack of disinterest. Addicts inadvertently become distant and will no longer actively participate in these relationships - loss of closeness. With this emotional distance comes dishonesty, poor choices, and desperation. An individual struggling with addiction will be dishonest about what he or she is doing, where they’re going, if they’re using, etc. On top of that, in times of desperation, an addict can and will do anything to get their next high - even if that means stealing.
Addiction is an all-consuming disease that causes the individual to act out of character. Other signs to look for are a decrease in grades at school, loss of job, and legal trouble.
Addiction Treatment for Teens
Once you’ve recognized that your teen is struggling with addiction, it’s time to consider the different types of treatment that are available and choose the most effective program for their individual needs. Determining the proper level of care and program begins with assessing your teen’s history of substance abuse: How long have they been using? Which substance are the dependant upon? Will this be their first time in treatment? Is there a history of substance abuse in the family?
Types of treatment include detox programs, inpatient rehab, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient, and outpatient care.
Read more about this levels of care here.
Below are stats on teen drug abuse based on NIDA’s Monitoring the Future 2015 press release study.