Parents Seeking Help for Teenage Addicts

Teen drug addiction × Addiction
The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as "Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response." Similar to other chronic diseases, addiction may involve cycles of relapse and a mental state of remission. If untreated, or serious attempts of recovery, the progression of addiction can easily result in dire, sometimes fatal, consequences. Addiction can take many forms, from eating disorders to drug addiction and even gambling. Whatever the affliction, or choice of addiction, the teenage psyche and overall well being is at greater risk than that of a fully developed adult. Teens who don't receive adequate rehabilitation for their addiction are almost certain to carry their addictive qualities into adulthood. Parents of a teenage boy or girl suffering from addiction should seek viable treatment options immediately before the addiction progresses further.
often begins with the misuse of legal or illegal substances. Once the misuse becomes a regular habit the troubled teen’s body and/or mind gets used to the presence of the drug and they begin to feel like they need the drug to function or feel normal. At that point, their drug(s) of choice become the driving force in their thoughts and actions. Blinded by the substance, they continue to abuse × Abuse
Abuse /a·buse/ Abuse is defined as the improper usage or treatment of an entity, often to unfairly or improperly gain benefit. Abuse can come in many forms, such as physical or verbal maltreatment, injury, assault, violation, rape, unjust practices: crimes or other types of aggression. Abuse is a negative and real threat that many people face. Child abuse is a problem that is continually occurring. The main types of child abuse are physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglecting. When these types of abuse occur in a home, they often go unnoticed. The stress and fear of the abuse will usually cause the victim to remain quite about the problem. It is a difficult problem to find out and assess, but there are solutions. It is important that people are aware of signs of abuse. They may include unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, fear of going home, changes in eating and sleeping and lack of personal care or hygiene.
it and ignore the fact that they are becoming or have become an addict.Troubled teens × Troubled Teens
Troubled Teens /trou.bled/ /teens/ n. Noun A troubled teen is defined as a person that is between the age 13-19 that is beset by problems or conflict. Every Teenager faces problems that they must encounter in their life.  Problems arise in every person’s life both big and small yet sometimes we allow even the most insignificant of problems affect our lives.  Sometimes with teenagers they allow trials in their life greatly affect them in negative ways.  Typically when a person (typically teenagers) face problems in their lives, the ability to cope with the problem does not exist.  When teenagers turn to other things to cope with the feelings of the problems that they usually face  things such as drugs and alcohol, pornography, criminal activity, etc. It is important to find help for troubled teens as soon as possible.  There are many different programs that are available to help troubled teens with the problems that they face each with a different approach and nature to the program.
can abuse drugs for a number of reasons. Peer pressure, curiosity, or trying to escape from their own personal issues are some of the most common reasons for teen drug use. Whether or not a troubled teen becomes addicted depends on many factors, including their genetics and their personality. Because teens’ brains are still developing, drug abuse × Drug Abuse
Drug Abuse /drug/ /a.buse/ The definition of Drug abuse is the use of a medicine or other substance that has a physiological effect when introduced into the body improperly in a negative view or purpose. There are many different types of drugs, and the misuse of these types of substances can be very dangerous and can be the cause of many different problems.  This kind of abuse can lead to many different impairments or distress. Along with physical problems that can come from recurrent drug abuse, there are many other types of problems that can occur.  One effect can be a lack of interest in schooling and work.  Another possibility can be the failure to fulfill roles and obligations in different settings of life can.   Also, a poor performance in daily actions that may lead to legal problems. It is important to face Drug abuse as soon as possible in an appropriate manner.  There are many different programs that are available to help fix these types of problems to rehabilitate someone’s life.
and teen drug addiction can be especially harmful during the teen years. This may also make them more susceptible to teen drug addiction. There are many drugs that teens can become addicted to, including: AlcoholTobaccoMarijuanaCocaineHeroinSteroidsMethamphetaminePain killers Some of the normal changes that teens go through may seem strange to parents, making it difficult to tell if a troubled teen is addicted to drugs. Also, many of the symptoms of teen drug addiction can also be symptoms of other problems, including mental health × Mental health
Mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”1 It is estimated that only about 17% of U.S adults are considered to be in a state of optimal mental health. The mental health in teenage boys and girls is a crucial issue and concern for parents. Teens, for a variety of reasons, tend to struggle with mental health more than adults or children who have not yet reached their teens. This is because of the turbulent time that comes with adolescence and the individual teen's inability to cope with said turbulence. Parents of troubled teens who struggle with mental health issues, actually have a plethora of treatment options to choose from. The type of treatment option that best fits the individual teen, greatly depends on the individual teens mental health issues.
problems like eating disorders or depression × Depression
Depression /de·pres·sion/ Depression is defined as a mental condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency and dejection, typically also with feelings of inadequacy and guilt, often accompanied by lack of energy and disturbance of appetite and sleep. Statistics has shown that diagnosis of depression is growing at a very dangerous rate. Globally, depression affects over 350 million people of all ages. Depression has been linked to other negative health outcomes, such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke. Compared to those not affected by depression those who face it are more likely to be unemployed and have a higher chance of divorce. Most people that suffer from depression do not seek care or attention. Since this is a global issue, many efforts are made to help those who are suffering depression. It is important for those that face depression to find help so that they can overcome this plague that millions of people face.
. Some symptoms to watch for include: Sudden changes in friends or appearance (including clothing, personal hygiene or weight)Loss of interest in activitiesWithdrawal from family or friendsDrop in performance in schoolSelling possessions, in order to get money for drugsStealing or being involved in other illegal activities or dishonesty Having mood swings or acting depressed, anxious, or angryDeveloping strange personal habits, like twitching, grinding teeth, or picking at skinHallucinating or having delusions about things that are not realStrange behavior, like acting unusually silly, loud, or confusedChanges in habits or routinesUnexplained injuries or frequent illnessesSmelling strange or using items to hide the smell of drugs, like perfume, mouth wash, gum or breath mints, air freshener, or incenseWearing clothing related to drugs or drug useHaving objects used for taking or hiding drugs These symptoms, or other concerning behaviors, may be a sign that your troubled teen needs help. Because teen drug addiction is difficult to overcome, parents and friends can best help their troubled teens by intervening before they use drugs or before they become addicted to them. The sooner teens with a drug problem get help, the better their chances for recovery. Parents can help by: Talking to teens about the dangers of using drugs and asking them if they or anyone they know uses drugsSetting clear rules about teens’ activities, including drug use, with reasonable consequences × Consequences
n. noun con·se·quences The Merriam- Webster dictionary provides the following definitions for consequences: 1.the effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier: The accident was the consequence of reckless driving. 2.an act or instance of following something as an effect, result, or outcome. Consequences is a prevalent issue in the life of a troubled teen. Troubled adolescents who suffer from negative consequences, do so because of their poor decision making. Whatever choice a teenage boy or girl decides to make, a consequence of that decision will soon follow. If a teen chooses to make productive choices in life, he/she will reap the benefits of positive consequences. However, if a teen makes poor choices such as, abuse drugs and alcohol, skipping class, hanging out with the wrong crowd or disobeying parents and authority, that teen will reap negative consequences. Negative consequences such as, legal troubles, being grounded from parents, or getting kicked out of school due to inactivity or rebelliousness, are all viable and likely negative consequences a teen will experience if he or she is making poor choices.
, and enforcing those consequences if the rules are brokenKeeping track of teen’s activities, including getting to know their friends and knowing where and how they spend their timeEncouraging teens in their positive activities and emphasizing the importance of getting an educationFinding time for the family to spend together doing fun activitiesGetting help for teens for any problems they may be having at school or with their health. Tutoring and counseling × Counseling
coun·sel·ing The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines counseling as the provision of assistance and guidance in resolving personal, social, or psychological problems and difficulties, especially by a professional. Counseling can come in many different forms. These forms include, but are not limited to, child development, eating disorder, substance abuse, rehabilitation, mental health and educational counseling. The type of counseling needed for an individual depends on the type of issues or problems he/she happens to be facing. Counseling Troubled Youth Counseling offers hope to all kinds of troubled youth. Teens who struggle with personality disorders, emotional trauma, psychological disorders and/or learning disabilities, are all great candidates for counseling. These types of teens are often times, in desperate need for some type of counseling, and if some form of counseling is not achieved, are at high risk of fateful, dire consequences. These consequences may include drug addiction, imprisonment, or in some cases, even death.
are often available for free or at a very low cost through schools or community programs Overcoming an addiction is very difficult, but it can be done, especially once the teen realizes that they have a problem. The treatment for teen drug addiction varies according to the drug, but usually involves working with a doctor or therapist of some sort. Relapsing is always a possibility, especially in our youth. Parents have to be patient, loving, and supportive through the process. Family counseling can help members of the family deal with the teen’s drug addiction. Support × Support
Support / sup·port/ n. Noun Support is defined as the act or instance of supporting; serve as a foundation for something else. Support can be given to many different ways. Through the encouragement to perform and progress and also through being there for someone who needs help. Support is usually shown through family and peers but can come from anywhere from support centers, rehab centers, and treatment centers. Without a support, confidence would be very difficult to find. Support is key to getting through trials and problems. The ability to have someone that is supporting you and encouraging you to move forward and progress is important to growth and change. Especially with youth, that as they are trying to find out who they are that they feel supported in all of their doings. This is important because as support and encouragement is shown the youth feel confident to become the best they can be.
groups are also available for teens overcoming addictions to drugs and for the family members and friends of troubled teens with an addiction.