In the present day, teens are more susceptible to substance abuse than ever before. This could be due to marijuana legalization, sale of drugs on the internet, resurgence of heroin, easy availability of designer drugs, peer pressure, rising stress, and various other reasons. It is extremely hard, yet, indispensable for parents to deal with this complex issue so that their teen does not get trapped into the grim world of drugs and alcohol. And if the teen is already dealing with substance abuse, they are able to come out of it and recover completely.
We, at Adeona Healthcare, strongly believe that parents are not just the caretakers or providers for teens but are much more. We see them as partners in their teens’ lives and just as partners support one other, it is crucial that parents also do the same for their teens.
It is important for parents to understand how they play a critical role in preventing their children from addiction to drugs or alcohol. Showing open disapproval and talking effectively about substance abuse could be instrumental in shaping a child’s behavior and attitude which is why it’s important that parents remain involved in their child’s school, sports, and other routine activities. Other steps that can be taken by parents to help their teen resist the temptation or pressure are:
Parents must keep themselves updated with current drug trends and the risk factors associated with the use of these drugs. This will help parents make their adolescents understand how substance use can greatly affect one’s quality of life.
Some risk factors associated with substance abuse are:
Substance abuse can have lasting consequences on a teen’s life which can be:
Parents should indulge in supportive parenting, constantly monitoring their child might help in reducing the incidence of substance abuse. Parents can get involved by limiting the amount of time their teens spend out of home at nights, helping their child with their homework, making them do chores around the house, appreciating their efforts, and making them feel loved and motivated. They should also encourage their children to limit their screen time on their phones.
If a child looks lost or disoriented, the parent should approach them with caution and compassion, be a good listener, and offer their unconditional support. A child must be reassured that their parents trust them and would have their back regardless of the situation. Setting rules for certain activities, practicing moderate discipline, and greatly condemning substance abuse can help the child know the parents’ position in the matter.
Additionally, parents need to lead by example. If they have differences, they should try to talk it out amicably encouraging the children to look for solutions to situations. If they have behavioral issues, they should seek professional help and strive to always be available for their children.
There are multiple signs that can alert parents about substance abuse problems in their adolescents and teens. Some of these include:
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a debilitating condition which may have damaging consequences on an individual’s life and unfortunately, substance use early in life leaves lasting effects resulting in growth problems, cognitive deficiencies, relationship problems, and many more long-term problems. Once identified, the earlier professional help is received, the stronger the probability of reversing the disorder and recovering is possible.
If you know a teen addicted to drugs or alcohol, get in touch with Adeona Healthcare. We are a leader in drug addiction and mental health treatment for teens aged between 12 to 17, and we customize research-backed treatment interventions for each and every patient in our care. We understand that teenage years is a sensitive age and therefore offer delicate care in a safe and secure environment ensuring lasting recovery. For more information about our treatment modalities and how we can help your teen overcome addiction and mental disorders, call our 24/7 helpline (888) 379-9360 and speak to a member of our admissions team. You can also chat online with a representative for further assistance.