No parent wants to learn about teen drug abuse happening with their own child. Yet, it is very common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that, in 2017, about two-thirds of all high school students had used alcohol, 20 percent had used prescription drugs illicitly, and about 50 percent used marijuana. When you consider that your child is up against the odds, it’s important to pay close attention to what’s happening. At Fort Behavioral Health, we’re here to help you when you suspect drug use is occurring with our female-only adolescent treatment program. Contact us today at 844.332.1807 to learn more.
Are Drugs Okay for Teens if They Are Not Addicted?
It is a very common misconception that some use of marijuana, tobacco, or alcohol is just fine for teens. The problem is, this is very much a high-risk situation. With many substances, even recreational usage can lead to addiction. Furthermore, even if drug addiction is not present just yet, teen drug abuse will lead to addiction in most users.
One of the reasons that teens are at such high risk is because their brains are still developing. They are still forming key connections. When you introduce drugs or alcohol into the mix, the brain’s neurotransmitters become focused on those drugs. The drugs trigger dopamine production, which creates a sense of reward. With only a few instances of use, they can begin to form an addiction. That means their brain becomes dependent on the drugs to function, and, over time, they need more of the drugs to function. That leads to an increased risk of brain damage, organ failure, and death from overdose if they do not seek help from an adolescent substance abuse treatment program specifically for young women’s needs in recovery.
What Can You Do if You Suspect Drug Abuse?
Generally, it is critical for parents to react in the right manner if they think their daughter is facing drug addiction. Even if you think that your teen is using substances infrequently, it’s important to have this conversation now. Here are some things to consider.
- Discuss the risks of drug use with your teen. Don’t assume they know.
- Start with teens in late middle school where they are first exposed.
- Express what drugs do to the brain and body clearly. Ask them if that’s what they want to happen.
- Give them real, effective strategies for walking away from peer pressure.
- Ensure they can talk to you about what’s happening at any time.
- Reassure them that you will help them if they come to you. Make sure that you do not yell at them or get mad, regardless of what the conversation holds.
Getting Help for Your Teen
Teen drug abuse can occur to any young woman, even those who are good students and hang out with the right crowd. That’s why you need to be proactive when you believe a problem is present. Our team can help. We offer a variety of addiction therapy programs to encourage your teen, including:
- Individual therapy sessions
- Group therapy sessions
- Evidence-based treatment
- Drug detox services
- Holistic therapy
Your teen can get help. The sooner you act, the better.
Find Help at Fort Behavioral Health
When you see teen drug abuse in your family, it’s important to react properly. When you recognize your teen has an addiction, it’s time to call our professionals for immediate help. At Fort Behavioral Health, we provide you with a wide range of treatment options designed to give you support and guidance. Furthermore, we also provide a wide array of addiction treatment programs, including:
- Alcohol addiction treatment program
- Heroin addiction treatment program
- Opioid addiction treatment program
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Prescription pill addiction treatment
If your child is battling teen drug abuse, calling a treatment center can help them. Contact Fort Behavioral Health at 844.332.1807 today for more information about our female-only adolescent treatment program.
