Today’s teenagers face an entirely different upbringing than in the past, now more than ever there are different societal and peer pressures which can cause a young person to feel overwhelmed, out of place, misunderstood and lost. Normal teenage angst, struggling to conform to a certain peer group and trying to maintain a certain “image,” can all lead to self-esteem and confidence issues, which can be impossible to deal with. Because a teen is going through a vulnerable and impressionable time in life, many will seek relief from the pressures and stresses being experienced and for some; this escape may come in the form of drugs and alcohol.
Illegal drug and alcohol use among teenagers is a very serious problem all across America and statistics show some of the most common substances being abused are inhalants, marijuana, ecstasy, alcohol, cocaine and amphetamines in the forms of Ritalin, Adderal, Concerta and other medications used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Because the needs of teenaged substance abusers, addiction patterns and behaviors differ from those of adults, however, there are many excellent teen treatment centers located all over the country to help with the unique and fragile needs of a teenage addict.
How does a teenager become addicted to drugs or alcohol? Addiction can happen simply enough, a teenager may be feeling alone, misunderstood, isolated and desperately trying to fit in with peers and will find using drugs and alcohol is a common activity that makes them feel accepted. However, for a teen, the ability to make healthy decisions is compromised, and this coupled with a lack of self-control, means these emotions can be compromised by feelings of inferiority and infallibility, which means it, is much easier to dismiss the dangers of drinking or using drugs. When a teen begins to use drugs or alcohol to fit in and uses these substances in social situations and with increased frequency, it is then that serious problems can develop and an addiction may occur.
For a teenager, abusing drugs and alcohol could have started as a diversion to dealing with reality and with time and progression, nothing else matters except using or drinking. A teen with a drug or alcohol problem will become moody, sullen, depressed, act out in aggressive or questionable ways, lose interest in social life and school, sleep more and may experience a drop in grades, give up on trying and there could also be a decline in hygiene. While these are not the only signs that belie an addiction to drugs or alcohol, it is just a few examples of some of the most common and because each teen is different, there are other things which a parent may notice and be concerned about.
Even though a teen might deny the existence of a drug or alcohol problem, if the signs and symptoms of addiction are apparent, it is time for something to be done. As a parent, you cannot sit idly by and do nothing while your child descends into the madness of addiction, but do you know what to do or where to turn for help? If the answer is no, then contacting a teen treatment center is the answer. As a parent you want only the best for your child, so when an addiction to drugs or alcohol has become a problem, do not hesitate to contact a treatment program which is licensed, experienced and knows how to treat teen addiction. There are caring, experienced professionals waiting to help your teen regain sobriety and find the path back to a stable, healthy, happy future again.
