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Solutions for Teen Drug Abuse

Drug addiction can take a heavy toll on every part of a teenager's life and lead to further problems down the road like long-term health problems. Understanding the problem and knowing where to go for help can help you and your teen make informed decisions. Some types of substance abuse programs work better for some people than they do for others. Knowing how these programs work and what they offer can make your choices easier.

  1. Understanding the Problem

    • Teenagers often begin using drugs for many reasons. Sometimes it's a recreational or social habit that teenagers do only when they are around other teenagers. Many times drug use is a symptom of a larger problem. Teenagers who are suffering from problems like anxiety, stress, depression or other mental health issues will often turn to drugs as a way of self-medicating. Asking your teenager how he is doing, being aware of any problems in his life and offering guidance or a solution to problems can prevent or curb your teenager's drug use and give him the support he needs to stay away from drugs.

    Intervention

    • Speak to your teenager about his drug use and offer your help and support. Your teen will probably deny everything and try to make excuses for his strange behavior so be prepared for it. Be specific about the behavior and physical problems that are worrying you. Don't punish, threaten or lecture your teen. This will only make him feel as if he is being attacked and will cause him to shut down and refuse to listen or talk about the issue. Let him know how his behavior makes you feel and ask him to agree to medical help, rehabilitation or ask him to join a support group.

    Rehabilitation

    • The types of treatments for teen drug abusers include detoxification, residential rehabilitation and intensive outpatient program. Detoxification is for people who need medical help withdrawing from drugs when they first enter a rehabilitation facility. Residential rehabilitation is 24-hour care and supervision that includes group and individual therapy to help the teenager learn to cope without drugs. Outpatient programs are for teens who have finished residential rehabilitation and want additional support after school where they can meet with healthcare professionals and discuss their progress.

    Support Groups

    • Support groups are group meetings that teenagers can attend after school or work, like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. The meetings are designed to be a support system for the teenager during their struggle with substance abuse. The meetings give the teenager a chance to talk about his struggles with drug abuse and listen to other people struggling with the same issue. The meetings are intended to help the teenager feel less isolated and alone in their substance abuse problem. Teenagers also can discuss the issues in their lives that may have lead them to drugs in the first place.

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