Family Help For Adolescent Addiction Treatment

Recognizing flags that your teen is abusing drugs or alcohol is often a daunting task.  The most important thing a parent can do is to become a careful observer of their teen’s behavior, particularly the small details that make up a teen's life. The earlier a parent seeks treatment for their child’s drug or alcohol addiction, the better.  Some tell tale signs that your child is using drugs or alcohol are:

•  Many hours spent alone, especially in their room; persistent isolation from the rest of the family. This is particular suspicious in a youngster who had not been a loner until now.

• Resistance to talking with or confiding in parents, secretiveness, especially in a teenager who had previously been open. Be sure that your teenager is not being secretive because every time he tries to confide in you, you jump on him or break his confidence.

• There is marked change for the worse in performance and attendance at school and/or job or other responsibilities as well as in dress, hygiene, grooming, frequent memory lapses, lack of concentration, and unusual sleepiness.

• A change of friends; from acceptable to unacceptable.

• Pronounced mood swings with irritability, hostile outbursts, and rebelliousness. Your teenager may seem untrustworthy, insincere or even paranoid.

• Lying , usually in order to cover up drinking or drug using behavior as well as sources of money and possessions; stealing, shoplifting, or encounters with the police.

• Abandonment of wholesome activities such as sports, social service and other groups, religious services, teen programs, hobbies, and even involvement in family life.
• Unusual physical symptoms such as dilated or pinpoint pupils, bloodshot eyes, frequent nosebleeds, changes in appetite, digestive problems, excessive yawning, and the shakes.

Parents Involvement with Teen Addiction Recovery

Be careful not to jump to conclusions when you see your teen with this type of  behaviour.  Take time to evaluate the situation.  Talk to your teenager and spend time with him/her so that they feel they can trust you.  Create a nuturing home environment, so that your teen will, in spite of bad choices, still receive the love and support that they need.  Having a close relationsip with your teen opens the door for more interaction, allowing them to feel comfortable and honest with you.

What kind of addiction treatment works for adolescents with chemical dependency problems? Studies have shown that various forms of family therapy are the most effective treatments for drug problems.  The more parents are involved the greater the success rate.  A qualified family or adolescent dependency counselor can evaluate and assess your teen's substance abuse problem, and provide or recommend appropriate treatment.  The treatment that seems to be most effective may include intensive outpatient program or residential treatment program, depending on what your therapist recommends.  Therapy will focus on various areas of the teen’s life, in addition to his or her relationships with parents. As mentioned before, early recognition and treatment will allow for greater success in recovery treatment.