It’s a reality that many parents are faced with, but none look forward to: Realizing that a child needs help for substance abuse and addiction. If you are still unsure if your child is using alcohol or drugs to the extent that he/she needs a teen drug treatment program, the following guidelines may help. Signs of teen drug or alcohol use include:
Sudden, unfavorable changes in friends
Negative changes in schoolwork or truancy from school
Depression, withdrawal, or hostility; these may also be indicative of a mental health-related co-occuring disorder, which can also be addressed with the proper teen drug treatment program
Increasing secrecy about possessions and activities
Use of incense or other room deodorizers
Increased “coded” language with peers (beyond standard text message coding)
Excessively borrowing money or stealing
Drug paraphernalia (some teens may dismiss lighters or pipes as “keepsakes,” and nearly anything as a friends’ belonging)
Inhalant products, which includes many grooming and household chemical products
Eye drops, mouthwash, and other maskers
Of course, some adolescents may exhibit only a handful of these behaviors – but it’s important not to dismiss them if you strongly feel there is a problem. Also, bear in mind that any illicit drug use or teen alcohol use is unlawful, and your child should be reprimanded even if addiction is not yet an issue.
If you recognize any signs of substance abuse in your child, it’s best to find a reputable teen drug treatment program as soon as possible. Look for a rehabilitation facility that:
Incorporates traditional 12 step principles, as well as an experiential approach that addresses personal goals
Employs a faculty of licensed professionals specializing in substance abuse treatment, particularly teen drug treatment
Offers opportunities for family involvement, such as home communication and regular family workshops
Teen drug treatment is only successful when it leads to long-term sobriety; so, it also pays to inquire about the long-term success rate among program graduates of an adolescent drug rehab.
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