You probably remember your teen years, particularly your time in high school. While much of what you experienced still holds true, today, there is a much greater risk of your teen succumbing to the pressure of using drugs. If you suspect that your teen may have a dependency there are ways to make an accurate determination.
Why Teens Use Drugs
Teens feel more pressure to fit in than they did in prior generations. While technology is a great tool that helps people make their daily lives easier, it can also have a negative impact on your teen. For instance, when you were a teen you were able to escape the influence of your peers after school, over the weekend, and during your summer vacation. It was time you were free to enjoy spending with your family. Today, with a camera and social media apps on their phones, teens have no escape from the pressure. To fit in and become part of the popular group or escape the embarrassment of a video or photo that goes viral, many teens abuse drugs.
Signs Your Teen is Using Drugs
The good news is that if you suspect that your teen is abusing drugs, there are tell-tale signs. They may suddenly have an altered personality and seem overly talkative. Or, they may turn the other way, and once a happy and social person, now seem down in the dumps or act reclusive. If their grades seem a bit lower than the norm and your teen is making excuses that may also be a sign that they are abusing drugs. Thankfully, there is no longer a stigma attached to drug abuse recovery and rehabilitation. So, if you live in say, Ohio, you can look up an Ohio drug rehab center and get them the help they need to kick the habit.
What Can I Do To Prevent Drug Abuse?
Unfortunately, peer pressure and hormones create the perfect storm for enticing teens to use drugs. However, a strong family bond and a nurturing environment can often thwart the temptations they receive outside of the home. Spending quality time with your children helps to keep them entertained and secure. It's also important to talk with your teens regularly, especially if you feel that something is troubling them.
How Can I Help My Teen Recover From a Drug Addiction?
Any addiction is hard to quit. On a positive note, if you express your concerns in a calm manner and offer continued support, you can help them beat their drug addiction. However, you may also need to monitor who they hang out with and where they go until they kick the habit. Additionally, having them see a therapist while recovering will allow them to express their inner thoughts and frustrations and engage in conversation with an unbiased individual, there to listen.
Consequences of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction can destroy your life. It can make you do things you wouldn't otherwise think to do, like partaking in risky behavior which can lead to self-mutilation, a sexually transmitted disease or even produce thoughts of suicide. Additionally, in an undeveloped body, such as that of a teenager, it can cause long-lasting damage to the brain.
Drug addiction at any age is dangerous. Developing a dependency on them can forever change your life. Once addicted, many people will do just about anything to acquire more. And often, as a result, they have difficulty with relationships, holding a job and even maintaining a family bond. The good news is that there are ways to prevent your teen from becoming addicted to drugs. If, however, they are already using them, get them the help they need as soon as possible, as a full recovery is possible.
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