One of the most challenging experiences a family can face is the reality of a loved one who’s dealing with teenage drug addiction. The journey is characterized by fear, heartache, and confusion, but there is hope, and it can also be a journey that ultimately leads to understanding, growth, and healing.
If you have a child or loved one you believe is dealing with addiction, it’s not a trend or phase. Addiction is a complex issue with deeply rooted causes and far-reaching consequences. Naturally, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure how to navigate the situation, but we aim to provide guidance and practical advice if you’ve found yourself in this situation.
Understanding Teen Drug Addiction
For teens, addiction often starts with experimentation. There could be a sense of curiosity or the desire to fit in that drives teens to try drugs or alcohol initially. For many teens, occasional substance use, while it can still have dire consequences, may not lead to addiction. For others, it can escalate quickly into a pattern of compulsive use.
Risk factors that can affect teens and contribute to addiction include:
- Genetic predisposition can play a role in teens’ susceptibility to addiction. If there’s a family history of substance abuse, the risk can be higher.
- Growing up in an environment with prevalent drug or alcohol use, whether that’s at home, school, or among peers, can normalize substance use, leading to experimentation.
- Teens struggling with depression, mental issues, or trauma could use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate.
- Peer influence is a decisive factor for teens. Pressure to socialize or fit in can lead to drug experimentation that a teenager wouldn’t otherwise consider.
- Traumatic experiences like abuse or neglect can contribute to substance abuse, becoming a coping mechanism.
Once a teen has used drugs, factors that can turn that use into an addiction include:
- Brain changes occur because of drugs’ effects on the brain’s reward system. The reward system gets flooded with dopamine, which is responsible for the euphoria associated with drugs initially. Over time, the brain adapts to these artificial stimuli, leading to dependence and tolerance.
- Psychological dependence can occur if teens are relying on drugs to deal with uncomfortable emotions, anxiety, stress, or low self-esteem.
- Positive experiences while under the influence of drugs can reinforce addictive behaviors. This makes it hard to quit, even if a teen recognizes the negative consequences that are arising as a result of drug use.
Among teens, commonly used drugs include:
- Marijuana
- Prescription drugs include stimulants, opioids, and benzodiazepines.
- Synthetic drugs like Spice and K2 are synthetic cannabinoids.
What Are the Signs of Addiction in Teens?
It’s not easy to recognize addiction signs in teenagers because there can be quite a bit of overlap with typical behaviors associated with adolescence. Even so, some red flags or things to watch for include:
- There are noticeable and significant changes in behavior, like aggression, irritability, or withdrawal from family and friends.
- Attendance issues, a lack of interest in school, or a drop in grades can indicate drug use is interfering with academic responsibilities.
- Suddenly, they don’t seem to care about personal hygiene or appearance.
- Significant changes in their social circle or spending time with friends who display risky behaviors or who are known to use drugs.
- Physical signs that include dilated or tiny pupils, sudden weight changes, and bloodshot eyes.
- They attempt to conceal their activities or whereabouts and become evasive or defensive when asked.
- Sudden requests for money without explaining how it’ll be spent.
- Changes in sleep patterns like problems sleeping or oversleeping.
- Losing interest in activities they were once interested in or passionate about.
- Engaging in reckless behaviors.
What Can You Do If You Suspect a Teen Has an Addiction?
If a parent or loved one suspects a teen is using drugs or addicted to them, the situation has to be promptly addressed.
A good starting point is educating yourself about the signs and symptoms of addiction in teens and learning more about the science of addiction. You are prepared to address addiction more effectively when you thoroughly understand it.
Once you’ve learned what you can, initiate a non-judgemental conversation where you express your concerns calmly and empathetically and encourage the teen to share their feelings and thoughts.
When you’re approaching a teen about drug use, be an active listener and fully engage with what’s being said. You can validate their experiences or feelings without agreeing with their choices.
Communicate your expectations and set consequences for violating the boundaries, but let your teen know you’re there to support them.
It’s also essential to prioritize finding available treatment options and discussing them with your teen.
Some parents consider an intervention, which can be an effective tool to motivate a person to get help for addiction. Still, it should be done cautiously, especially involving a teenager.
An intervention may be an option if your teen’s addiction is severe or life-threatening, but be aware that if your family dynamics include a history of conflict or dysfunction, an intervention can make things worse.
Talk to addiction specialists, professional interventionists, or therapists who have experience working specifically with teens. They can give guidance on whether an intervention would be appropriate in your situation and, if so, help you plan and execute it.
What Not to Do When Dealing with Teen Drug Addiction
As important as what you actually do is, it’s also critical to understand what can be counterproductive.
Ignoring the problem is one example. Address the situation early on to prevent further harm.
Don’t react with anger, criticism, or blame because you risk alienating your teen and hindering communication. At the same time, avoid enabling behavior, including making up excuses for your teen or covering for them.
Using guilt and shame as a form of motivation may drive a teen further into their addiction by making their emotional distress worse.
How to Get Help for a Teen
If you can steer your teen toward professional treatment options, that’s ideal in a situation where drug use or addiction is involved.
Normalize seeking help and let your teen know it’s not a failure, weakness, or something to be ashamed of. It’s a brave and decisive step. You can also highlight the benefits of seeking help for addiction and make sure you involve them in treatment decisions whenever possible.
Finally, be patient and persistent, and understand recovery is a process. You can support your teen as they navigate their healing journey, even if they initially hesitate to seek help.
The goal as you deal with teenage drug addiction is to create an environment that’s nurturing and supportive, so your teen is empowered and motivated to work toward recovery. Contact us today to learn more.
