When to Seek Teen Drug Treatment: Signs to Look For
By Robin
Jan 7, 2010 - 1:17:13 AM
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.
A
teen drug treatment program expert from V3Tucson.com,
a teen drug rehab center, wrote this article.
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