Teenage is undoubtedly one of the most crucial periods of one’s life. It is the stage of uncertainty that bridges the gap between childhood and adolescence. Many crucial decisions in life are taken during the teenage years, some of which can be life-changing. Similarly, a wrong decision at this time can have a long-lasting impact. Drug addiction is one thing that may sound very ominous but is increasingly common as well.
It is more frequently seen in boys and girls who may be suffering from depression for many reasons, ranging from personal to professional. If someone falls into the abyss of drug addiction during their teenage years, immediate help and proper counseling is the best way of dealing with it. This article intends to look at a few critical aspects related to it.
Harmful consequences of teenage substance abuse
The first thing that needs to be understood is that it is not easy to overcome drug addiction. The consequences associated with it can be equally devastating as well.
Substance abuse
Considerable evidence and examples of people using drugs also resorting to substance abuse. This is because they want an immediate respite from the current situation to numb whatever they are feeling. During these moments of weakness, more potent and harmful substances become an option. Since teenagers do not develop a perfect sense of judgment, substance abuse becomes more common. If your teenager is addicted to opioids, a popular treatment option comes in methadone clinics that use methadone (a drug) to help addicts come off with more serious drugs such as cocaine or heroin.
Depression and anxiety
The relation between depression and drug use is purely coincidental. Teenagers who have some tricky situations in life tend to go into depression rapidly or suffer from anxiety attacks. Similarly, depression as a mental health disorder can lead to drug abuse more frequently. If your teenager suffers from mental health and drug addiction issues, a dual diagnosis treatment center may be the ideal option for receiving treatment.
Problems making friends and feeling isolated
If you look at teenagers on drugs, it has been noticed that they tend to lose their ability to socialize normally with others their age. They seem to be in a state of daze. Others also avoid them as and when they can. This has dire consequences; they can feel that no one wants to talk to them or be their friends. This can cause them to increase their reliance on drugs even more.
Poor or declining health
Besides the psychological aspects of drug abuse, an individual’s physical health also goes for a toss. The teenage body is growing and needs all the nutrition possible for optimal development. Drug use at this age can compromise that and result in a continuous decline in health at an alarming rate.
What options do parents have?
There is no denying that coming out of drug addiction can be very challenging. Relationships can sour quickly during this situation, especially between teenagers and their parents. Here are a few ways of dealing with it as parents.
Teach children about living a drug-free life.
Catch them young and impart the correct type of education at the right time. Tell them about the consequences of drug abuse and the kind of life they can lead if they stay away from it. Give them good examples. Most importantly, be with and around them as they need the parents the most for guidance and direction.
Explain the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse
The consequences are never good. Therefore, you have it working in your favor as far as explaining is concerned. Tell them about drug abuse’s mental and physical implications and how it can ruin everything that may seem perfect. Educate them on how to lead a sober life, free from intoxication.
Help your teen find something to replace the drug.
Sometimes, your teenage child might be going through a challenging phase in life. You may not fully understand it. It is, however, vital that you acknowledge it instead of just reprimanding it. The best way to deal with drug abuse is to find a distraction or a hobby to keep the mind occupied. Therefore, find an alternative, like playing a musical instrument or learning a new language, to channel their minds. A local detox center may be the first necessary step to help your teenager get rid of drugs still in their system.
Seek professional help
In case you become aware of your teenage child’s drug habits, seeking professional help at teen rehab centers is the best course of action. They will be well accustomed to dealing with the situation and bringing your child back on the right path.
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Find out the recovery options.
As a parent, you must understand that recovering from drug use as a teenager is possible. Several recovery options are available these days that integrate pharmacological and psychological approaches. It who will help if you keep your hopes up at all times.
Teen drug addiction is a real problem. Knowing how to deal with it as a parent can go a long way in imparting a positive attitude among teenagers. Seeking professional help from drug and alcohol rehabs for teenagers may be the last resort, but all parents should consider it.
