Every parent worries about their teen. But for parents of teenagers who struggle with substance abuse, it seems the worry never ends. Helping your teen make good decisions is a large part of responsible parenting. Therefore, if you think your child may have a problem with drugs or alcohol, it’s vital to sit down and talk it out. An important step to take is finding a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center nearby that offers treatment for teen addiction.
Signs of Teen Addiction
It’s usually more difficult to spot the signs of teen addiction because children in this age group are notoriously private. Additionally, they’re also in the throes of normal hormonal changes that can mimic the symptoms of drug abuse. You may have to look closely to separate normal teenage behavior from the signs of substance use disorder. But once you know what to look for, they become easier to detect. For instance, symptoms of drug abuse in teens may include:
- Red, irritated eyes
- Unusual tiredness
- Secretive behavior
- New friends who are unfamiliar to you
- Loss of interest in sports or academics
- Unexplained irritability or aggression
If you attempt to talk to your child about the changes you’re observing, they may react with dismissal or denial. It’s important to persevere, however, until you get to the root of the problem. Therefore, talk to your child with respect and without condemnation. Refrain from passing judgment, and let them know you’re there to support them through whatever is happening, especially if it pertains to drug or alcohol addiction.
Where to Find Help for Teen Addiction
If you discover your child is battling a substance use disorder, talk with their pediatrician or your family doctor first. This is the professional who will be best able to refer your teen to the right resources. In addition, you may also consider speaking with other professionals who affect your child’s life, such as a pastor or mentor, to engage their help and understanding. In general, the more people you have on your side fighting for your teen’s mental health, the stronger your support network. And having a solid foundation of support is vital for families who struggle with addiction.
Where to Find Help for Yourself
Once your child is in treatment for teen addiction, the next step is finding help for yourself and the remaining members of your family. Addiction is a family disease that affects everyone who cares about your child, including siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Therefore, it’s good to find a support group for yourself and for others who are struggling. Scour your local community resources. There are many groups and organizations dedicated to helping families impacted by addiction. They include:
- Families Anonymous
- CODA (Codependents Anonymous)
- Al-Anon
- Alateen
- Nar-Anon
- PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones)
These community organizations are slanted toward helping families impacted by substance abuse. As a participant, you’ll find others who are facing the same challenges. Additionally, you’ll discover helpful resources of which you may have otherwise been unaware. It’s important to care for yourself during this troublesome time. As a result, you’ll feel more equipped to help your teen throughout their recovery.
Treatment for Teen Addiction at Atlantic Recovery Center
Atlantic Recovery Center in South Florida offers addiction treatment for clients ages 18 and up. A smaller, more intimate facility, we’re family-oriented and well-situated to guide your child gently into recovery.
Families who choose Atlantic Recovery Center benefit from our personalized approach and compassionate staff. We’ll treat your loved one like family as they learn new, healthier coping skills and the recovery behaviors needed to secure a drug-free future. Visit Atlantic Recovery Center online today or call us at 1-866-824-5193 for more information on our treatment program for teen addiction.