Experimenting with Drugs and Alcohol
When a teen chooses to experiment with drugs and alcohol, it changes their perspective, direction, physical and mental development and opportunities. Drug and / or alcohol addiction effect changes across the spectrum of teenage development. It affects them in every possible way that includes the physical, emotional, behavioral and mental aspects. Even if the use is limited to weekend parties or rare occasions it can alter chemical functions of the brain affecting physical and social development. Teens being an impressionable phase of life, even a one-time experiment can result in disastrous consequences and addiction at that stage can set up your child with chronic disorders.
Signs Your Teen Needs Addiction Treatment
An average teen’s typical behavior and the initial signs of alcohol or drug abuse are similar. This makes it a challenging task for the parents to suspect or come to a conclusion that their teen is a victim of addiction and take necessary action. If you notice multiple behavioral changes at the same time then you may possibly conclude that it is the right time to take action.
You may also look for one or more of the following changes:
- Sudden weight swings, loss or gain.
- Oversleeping or insomnia.
- Chronic nosebleeds or sinusitis.
- Using perfume or mouth fresheners to hide smells related to drugs.
- Rolling papers, syringes and other drug paraphernalia.
- Possessing eye drops used to mask bloodshot eyes.
- Being suddenly hyperactive for long periods of time.
- Being extremely chatty.
Drug Treatment for Adolescents
Most parents believe that for their child, addiction is a phase and they tend to ignore it assuming that it will go away after a period of time. On the contrary ignoring will increase the chances of becoming an addict and subsequently recovery and reintegration into society will take a lot more time.
Best Types of Teen Rehab
An ideal teen rehab treatment should address eating, gambling and sex addiction along with just drug and alcohol addiction. The rehab should have live-in and outpatient treatment programs. On an average teen addiction treatment may take 45 to 90 days or longer as there are no quick fixes or instant solutions when it comes to teen addiction treatment.
Best Rehab For Your Teen
Based on severity of drug and alcohol addiction and the nature of your teen and his social environment a choice has to be made between residential and outpatient treatment. Since there are no instant solutions programs promising very short term treatment may not effectively address the addiction issue. The rehab center should provide your loved one with treatment and as well as keep them on track with school at the same time. Finally a rehab should offer aftercare programs such as follow-up counseling.