If you suspect your child is self-medicating a mental health issue, a therapist or other mental health professional may be able to help. Psych Central’s article on therapy and cost-reduction options offers suggestions if a therapist isn’t in your budget. If your teen is using substances, it’s a good idea to intervene rather than assuming it’s a phase they will outgrow. Although starting a conversation about drug use may feel overwhelming, it’s an essential step in helping your teen recover. The encouraging news is that treating issues like depression and anxiety can reduce or end substance use or even prevent it from starting. Teens may be more inclined to try drugs if they see their friends or people at home using substances.
- If you’re not yet comfortable talking with your parents, reach out to a teacher, school counselor, or other adult you trust.
- Teenagers who misuse substances can experience drug dependence (substance use disorder).
- Regardless of the program you choose, treatment should always start with a physical, as well as mental health assessments and chemical use history, to determine the appropriate level of care.
- Many teens have a tough time dealing with sadness or other unpleasant feelings experienced during adolescence.
- However, marijuana can be harmful to teens because their brains are still developing.
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- Other than noticeable track marks on arms from injecting drugs, frequent contusions and abrasions could also indicate injuries sustained while intoxicated.
- It’s important to remember that substance use isn’t a poor reflection of your parenting or your teen’s character.
- Once you’ve visited a doctor and received a diagnosis, a personalized treatment program can help you overcome your substance use disorder.
Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among teens, but rates of nicotine and prescription medication abuse are signs of drug use increasing. Examples of prescription drugs teens may misuse include stimulants like Adderall and benzodiazepines like Xanax. Help from your health care provider, family, friends, support groups or an organized treatment program can help you overcome your drug addiction and stay drug-free. Various treatment facilities and options are available for teenagers suffering from substance abuse problems. Your school counselor is a great place to start looking for professional help. Teenagers who abuse substances are more likely to have mental health issues.
- Try to remind yourself and your teen that most healthcare professionals only want to help, not judge.
- While shifts in social circles, activities, and interests are expected, keeping up with them is a supportive and nonintrusive way to know what is happening.
- Knowing the warning signs of teenage substance abuse can help you get help early and start a recovery program for your child.
- This fact sheet offers young adults information on living with anxiety disorder.
- Most teen treatment centers also offer educational support so that teens in recovery don’t get behind in school.
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Prepare to take action and have a conversation during which you can ask direct questions like “Have you been drinking, vaping or using drugs? ” No parent wants to hear “yes,” but being prepared for how you would respond can be the starting point for a more positive outcome. You may also notice your child is stealing money or other items from around the house. If this is unusual for them, it’s likely a sign that they need money to buy more drugs. Many teens have a tough time dealing with sadness or other unpleasant feelings experienced during adolescence.
- This fact sheet offers young adults information on living with anxiety disorders.
- One of the most noticeable behavioral changes in teenagers using drugs is sudden mood swings.
- Like drug abuse in adults, teen drug use often causes specific signs and symptoms.
- The results were gathered from a nationally representative sample, and the data were statistically weighted to provide national numbers.
What to do if you suspect drug abuse in your teen
If you believe your teen is experiencing more than one of the signs or symptoms of a substance use disorder, it’s best to make an appointment to speak with a doctor you and your teen trust. Expected teen behavior and signs of substance use disorder may look similar. Learn about the symptoms of teen substance use disorder and what to do next.
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It’s not easy to recognize the warning signs of drug abuse in teenagers, and it’s even harder to admit to yourself that your child may have a substance abuse problem. However, instead of sweeping it under the rug and hoping it goes away, the best thing you can do for your child is to seek help from a trained professional. Research indicates a noticeable increase in marijuana, prescription medications, and other substances among adolescents.