Answer Addiction

Tag: teen addiction

  • Treatment Options for Youth Diagnosed with Substance Addictions

    Treatment Options for Youth Diagnosed with Substance Addictions

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and experimentation and unfortunately for most teens, this means experimenting with alcohol and drugs. While some teens don’t end up addicted after their first few encounters, plenty of others do… leading to a lifelong struggle.
    Here, we’ll explore just what substances teens use. Then, we look at the direct interventions that can save your teen’s life. Finally, we invite your questions at the end.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Common Substance Addictions Teens Face

    1. Marijuana. Marijuana or weed remains hugely popular among teens with 45% of 12th graders reporting having used it at some point in their lives. [1] Most teens don’t consider marijuana addictive or harmful, explaining its popularity. [2]

    2. Alcohol. Alcohol is perhaps the most readily available and widely consumed substance among US teens. According to the 2017 Monitor The Future survey, up to 61.5% of 12th graders and 42.2% of 10th graders have taken alcohol at least once. [3]

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    3. Opioids. Prescription drugs are alarmingly easily available to teens with most obtaining them right in their home’s medicine cabinets. Common opioids abused by teens include codeine, Vicodin and OxyContin.

    4. Study aid drugs. Study drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta are regularly misused by students in a bid to boost their grades. [4] These drugs sharpen focus and heighten attention spans, making it possible for teens to concentrate for longer periods. Unfortunately, they’re also highly addictive.

    5. Hallucinogens. Teens usually experiment with hallucinogens for fun and to “expand the mind” but before long, they’re hooked. Hallucinogens such as LSD, Salvia and magic mushrooms like psilocybin have seen a resurgence in teen use in recent years.

    Rehabs Offer the Best Treatment

    The signs of drug use and addiction vary with individuals and the substances used. It’s therefore recommended that parents know what signs to watch out for in their teens since early detection of illicit drug use might improve treatment outcomes. [5]

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    When it comes to treatment options, teen drug rehabilitation programs offer the best chance for teens to beat their addictions. As of 2015, there were more than 14,500 substance abuse treatment centers across the U.S. but only less than 10% of addicted teens are enrolled in these centers. This means that most of those who desperately need help aren’t receiving it.

    Even among those who access rehabs, full recovery from addiction isn’t completely guaranteed and about 40-60% of addicts eventually relapse. To parents, this might seem like failure and a futile endeavor. Why take my teen to rehab if they might start using again?

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    However, it’s important for parents to remember that addiction causes extensive damage mentally, physically and psychologically and is a tough habit to beat, especially for teens who are still growing.

    If your teen relapses that doesn’t mean that the rehab process failed. It simply means that treatment has to be reinstated with a few tweaks and adjustments. Most of all, parents should remember that taking their teens to rehab gives them a shot at regaining their lives.

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    Available Treatment Options

    There are two main types of rehabs:

    1. Outpatient rehab. This gives teens daily, part-time support so they don’t have to commit to residency. They arrive at the rehab center for appointments, therapy sessions then they’re free to return home. Outpatient rehabs are ideal for teens who don’t require constant supervision and those who don’t mind daily commutes.

    2. Inpatient rehab. These rehabs have proven hugely successful in helping teens fight addiction, especially when it’s become a deeply entrenched habit that significantly affects a teen’s life. The most common types of inpatient rehabs are residential treatment centers for teens where they enroll for a period of time, receiving full support to help overcome their addiction. One of the reasons inpatient rehabs are so effective is because teens are removed from the influence of the environment that led to their addiction.

    The Rehab Treatment Process

    Once your teen is admitted to rehab, they undergo a complete diagnosis then receive a custom treatment plan according to their addiction. The treatment program will likely include a variation of these addiction treatment modalities:

    1. Detox

    Detoxification is the body’s way of flushing out drugs or alcohol so that your teen can start healing. [6]  This is a natural process that takes anywhere between a few days and weeks depending on your teen’s individual situation.
    Since they’re in rehab, they’ll receive full professional care and assistance to make the detox and withdrawal process as comfortable as possible.

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    2. Therapy

    Teens in rehab take part in different therapies depending on their addiction and situation. Common ones include:

    Cognitive behavioral therapy. Usually done in individual sessions, this type of therapy seeks to uncover the thought patterns that drive a teen’s addiction and seek to reshape them. Teens learn how to develop strategies to help avoid high-risk situations as well as communication, problem-solving, coping and self-regulation skills.

    Family Therapy. Families influence most of a teen’s behaviors and beliefs and play a huge role both in developing and overcoming addiction. Family therapy, therefore, brings together those who are closest to the addicted teen in a bid to help them address underlying issues that caused the addiction in the first place. Families learn constructive ways of communicating, solving problems and bonding.

    Group Therapy. Participating in group therapy allows teens to share and draw strength from others who are going through similar issues. They learn more about themselves and the group can act as a support system and sounding board.

    Recreational Therapy. Most teens with a substance addiction end up so focused on feeding their addictions that they miss out on a huge part of their lives. Recreational therapy helps teens engage in leisure activities including sports, games, arts and crafts, helping them rediscover an enjoyable part of their life. Additionally, they get to improve their social skills by interacting with other teens in a healthy way while building positive personal traits.

    3. Medication

    Getting over an addiction sometimes requires the use of medication to restore normal health, reduce cravings or treat any underlying psychiatric disorders. Given the strong nature of some of these medicines, they should only be taken under strict medical supervision to avoid creating a new addiction.

    Helping Your Teen to Stay Clean

    It’s normal for parents to worry about helping their teens stay clean once they come home from rehab. One of the key components of successful rehabilitation is having an aftercare plan to prevent relapse. [7] A 12-step program like the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can be invaluable in providing your teen with the guidance and support they need to stay clean. Scheduling one-on-one counseling for your teen can also help them stay on course with their recovery.

    It can be daunting to discover that your teen has a substance addiction but getting them the right treatment goes a long way towards helping them not only beat the addiction but also get their lives back on track.

    Reference Sources: [1] Addiction Blog: Trends in Popular Drugs Among Teens
    [2] NIDA: Monitoring the Future Survey: High School and Youth Trends
    [3] NIDA: Monitoring the Future Study: Trends in Prevalence of Various Drugs
    [4] Drug Abuse: History and Statistics of “Study Drugs”
    [5] Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience: Early Detection of Illicit Drug Use in Teenager
    [6] Addiction Blog: What is drug detox and how does it work?
    [7] Addiction Blog: The 3 Secrets of Successful Addiction Rehabilitation
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    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Technology: A Dangerous Addiction For Teens?

    Technology: A Dangerous Addiction For Teens?

    ​ARTICLE SUMMARY: This article takes a brief look at the definitions of tech addiction and signs that your teen might have a real problem with technology. Then, we offer suggestions about what you can do about it.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 5 minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    What Is Technology Addiction?

    Over the last few decades, technology has become such an integral part of our lives that few of us can imagine life without our smartphones and the internet. There’s no doubt that we need technology to keep up in our modern world. No age group has embraced the digital world more than teens.

    However, overdependence on tech can have serious consequences especially for teenagers who are still at an impressionable age.

    Experts now recognize internet or technology addiction as a major diagnose-able problem affecting adolescents. What is it, in medical terms? Simply put, technology addiction is:

    The frequent and obsessive tech-related behavior increasingly practiced by an individual in spite of the negative consequences they experience. It encompasses addiction to the internet, social media or video/computer games.

    Why Is Technology So Addictive?

    But what makes tech so addictive? To get the answer, you have to understand the effect it has on the brain. Technology appeals to our natural need for stimulation, connection, and interaction with others.

    Digital interactions, such as those on social media, stimulate the reward center of the brain and trigger the release of the pleasure hormones dopamine and endorphins. This results in a sort of high as teenagers keep seeing replies to their social media posts. It’s also the reason why some teens, as well as many adults, get hooked on social media and technology.

    The Problem With Digital Addiction

    While most parents are aware of the dangers of addiction to narcotics, alcohol and other harmful substances, few are aware of the very real threat lurking right in their homes — teen internet addiction. Sure addiction to technology may not sound as bad as other addictions, but it can have serious implications nonetheless.

    Data from several studies show that teens have complicated relationships with their smartphones. A Pew Research study reveals that now 95% of teens have smartphones or access to one. Furthermore, 54% of American teens aged 13-17 worry that they spend too much time on their phones while 56% report feeling anxious, lonely or upset whenever they’re away from their phones.

    That last statistic is quite worrying as more than half of the teens surveyed say they experience these withdrawal symptoms when separated from their devices. Even teens themselves agree that spending too much time online is a significant problem facing their age group.

    Although it looks harmless on the surface, technology addiction can have adverse effects on a teen’s life. Some of the consequences include:

    Brain damage. Research now shows that technology addiction may actually damage the brain by producing neural pathways changes similar to those caused by drugs and alcohol. This, in turn, results in damage to the parts of the brain dealing with attention, emotional processing, and decision-making. Teens are particularly susceptible since their brains are still developing and any negative changes might have a long-term effect on the rest of their lives.

    Health problems due to adopting an increasingly sedentary lifestyle thanks to being glued to their screens.

    Higher risk for depression, anxiety, and even suicide. Teens who spend a lot of time on social media tend to have lower self-esteem and higher levels of depression than those who don’t. This might be because they’re exposed to unrealistic standards and expectations for beauty, life, etc. that they just can’t match up to.

    Poor problem solving. Increasingly using the internet as a way to cope with the disappointments and challenges of life creates inability to manage stress. Technology can provide an escape from reality by giving teens a digital world where they can be anybody they want. Unfortunately, such escapism only encourages teens not to find solutions to whatever problems they face in the real world.

    Neglect. Neglecting aspects of their lives like their academics, relationships with friends and family and even their health.

    Lowered emotional IQ. Deteriorating interpersonal skills are also a result of too much tech.

    Safety concerns. Risks of cyberbullying, online predators, and excessive exposure to pornography.

    Sleep problems. Sleep disorders as teens opt to stay up all night playing games or chatting online.

    Warning Signs Of Addiction To Technology

    It can be tricky to identify technology addiction in teens since it’s necessary for them to spend part of their time online to do their schoolwork. Parents can, however, monitor their teens for the following signs of internet addiction.
    •  Becoming angry or argumentative when confronted about their internet use.
    •  Becoming irritable, anxious or depressed when not online.
    •  Constantly interrupting their ongoing conversations or work to check their phones.
    •  Lack of interest in activities they found enjoyable prior to having internet access.
    •  Lying about or hiding their internet habits and online activities.
    •  Neglecting household chores and schoolwork to spend more time online.
    •  Preferring online interactions and video games to social interaction with friends and family.
    •  Refusing to cut back on technology use and violating or evading set screen time rules.
    •  Staying up late to be online.

    Preventing And Dealing With Tech Addiction In Teens

    Many parents are understandably worried that their teenagers are spending too much of their time immersed in technology to the exclusion of everything else. While imposing an outright ban on technology in your home might be impractical, there are other things you can do to steer your teen away from being addicted to technology.

    1. Talk to your child(ren) about the dangers that lurk online. Teach them how to keep themselves safe by enrolling in a Digital Citizens course, like this one from Microsoft or with Google.

    2. Monitor their technology use and set reasonable rules and limits. This works better if you let your teen have a say in setting these rules. For instance, you could have a rule that no devices are allowed at the dinner table. Or you might have an all family “No Tech Tuesday”. Another idea is to limit screen time by charging devices in a shared living area at least 2 hours before sleep.

    3. Set a good example. Watch how you use technology as your teens might have emulated your behavior. You can’t expect them to cut back on screen time if they see you spending all your time with your devices.

    4. Consider treatment if there’s a problem. Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is a real thing and is becoming increasingly common among adolescents. If you notice that your teen is over-reliant on technology and has trouble controlling their tech use, seek help from a qualified professional.

    Your Questions

    Technology is an important part of our lives, but its overuse comes with risk. Finding a balanced approach to tech  use is crucial if our teens are to live happier, healthier lives.

    Still have a burning question?

    Please leave your questions in the comments section at the end of the article. We do our best to respond to all questions personally and promptly.

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  • The Secret Of Relating To Your Addicted Son Or Daughter

    The Secret Of Relating To Your Addicted Son Or Daughter

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: To related to an addicted child, you need to show love and compassion without enabling. This article explores many issues that parents go through when a son or daughter experiences addiction. We outline where to go for help, what to avoid, and how to generally get through the difficult time.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 5-10 minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    An Entire Range Of Emotions

    Parents of addicted children often feel a whole range of emotions. Finding out that your son or daughter has a problem with drugs or alcohol can be a shock! Common emotions such as:

    • Anger – or outrage!
    • Fear
    • Guilt
    • Shame

    …all of these can come tumbling out when you find out about your son’s or daughter’s addiction. But it’s important to be guided and directed by a higher level of emotion: empathy. For this reason, it is important that you learn how to deal addiction in the way that EXPERTS RECOMMEND.

    This article provides parents of drug or alcohol addicted children with information and resources about the who/what/when/where and how to solve the problem. So, continue reading to learn more on the topic of relating to your addicted son or daughter. Then, your questions and/or personal experiences are welcomed at the end.

    Relating To An Addict: What NOT To Do

    Becoming aware that your child has a problem with addiction is definitely not a pleasant thing to hear… for any parent. Some addictions come as a need to experience the unknown. Behind others is the need to avoid pain and/or dissatisfaction. Still other kids that cope with addiction have trauma at the source of their pain.

    Regardless of the reasons, the first mistake parents make is the practice of “chasing the blame”. This comes as the natural need for parents to assign some bottom line responsibility for the problem. It is a search for the cause. It is a reaching out for understanding.

    But the truth is this: When the problem of addiction has developed, attaching blame to an individual would only mean wasting time. Instead of looking for the person to blame, parents of drug addicts should accept the fact that their child has become an addict. Then, you can think about alternatives for help.

    The main difficulty for every parent? To face and accept the fact that a family member has addiction problems. Then, move forward. Denial can only set you back.

    Why Is Relating To An Addict So Difficult?

    Talking about the skeletons in the family closet can be extremely difficult! It’s difficult to communicate with adolescents in the best of times…let alone when your kid needs you the most. So, rest assured that most parents find it difficult to relate to their child’s addiction for many reasons. You’re not alone in struggling with what to do or say.

    Some common reasons that get in the way of a healthy relationship exist because:

    • Parents are in denial about the child’s addiction problem.
    • Parents are preoccupied with the shame, guilt and other stigma of addiction.
    • Parents lack education about the science of drug addiction.
    • Parents do not consult or ask for professional help.
    • Parents do not know how to communicate with their children who face addiction problems.
    • Parents do not know how to set boundaries and limits for themselves and their children.

    Ask yourself, “Do I meet any of these criteria?”

    Knowing where you stand in relation to these main barriers is a good beginning.

    The Secret Of Relating To Your Addicted Child

    Q: So, what is the secret of relating to your addicted son or daughter?
    A: The key is to learn how to show your love and compassion without enabling your child’s addiction.

    Usually, you learn do this with professional help.

    Naturally, most parents wonder what to do when they find out about their son or daughter’s addiction problem. We think that the first step you need to take as a parent is to ask for professional help. Of the utmost importance is to accept the presence of the problem and then DO NOT TRY TO FIX IT ON YOUR OWN.

    This is what mental health professionals are for.

    Where to Get Professional Help

    But, who can you ask for help?

    Specially trained, certified, and licensed professionals that diagnose and treat addiction are found all over the country. These a specialists can help determine the severity of your child’s addiction and the need for further treatment. They can serve as interventionists, counselors, and support. Some are medical doctors, some are licensed therapists. All can help your child.

    Addiction professionals include:

    1. Certified physicians who specialize in addiction.

    These are MDs who have received special continued education and certification in addiction medicine. You can use the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) website to find a physician near you.

    2. Psychiatrists.

    These are also MDs who specialize in treating mental illness. Psychiatrists can be very helpful in cases of dual diagnosis, or co-occuring mental health problems … such as depression or anxiety. Both are frequently present in teens. You can use the American Academy of Child & Adolescent (AACAP) website to find the most suitable child and adolescent psychiatrist in your area. Or, ask your family doctor or health clinic for a referral.

    3. Individual, family, and addiction counselors.

    Psychotherapy is at the core of addiction treatment. Find a licensed therapist near you by searching the directory at the American Psychological Association. Special filters exist for age.

    4. Addiction treatment centers.

    After a mental health professional screens your child and determines the need for further substance abuse treatment, check out local or national treatment centers. You can start your search by contacting the following referral hotlines:

    • Government’s Treatment Locator service at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
    • SAMHSA online treatment locator on their website
    • Call our confidential hotline, listed on this page

    5. Support groups.

    12 step and self-help groups like Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, or SMART Recovery are an excellent free resources where you can how to cope as a parent. You can also attend peer-to-peer addiction support groups like A.A. or N.A. to learn about addictive thinking just by listening to other people in recovery telling their stories. These groups usually hope an “open” meeting at least once weekly for everyone, regardless of your personal experience with addiction. All that is required of you is to sit and listen.

    6. Education for addicted patients and families.

    In order to educate and better understand what is going on with your addicted son or daughter you can find useful information online. A few places to start?

    Top 5 Things To Avoid When Talking To An Addict

    Here are some behaviors you should avoid when relating to your addicted son or daughter:

    1. The worst choice is denial.

    Some parents simply close their eyes in front of their son’s or daughter’s addiction problem when, in fact, the worst choice is to do nothing and let your child dig deeper into their addiction. Therefore, learn the signs of drug addiction.

    2. Do not try to fix the situation on your own.

    Addiction is not something that can just go away or vanish with time, it is a disease which is complexed and has many aspects. In order to educate, plan and take further steps always ask for help from professionals that are trained in this field and can explain to you what to do about it.

    3. Blaming and criticizing your addicted son or daughter does not help.

    Learn to listen to your child. Try to hear what do they have to say. If you see or consult a family counselor or psychologist, try to carefully listen and apply their suggestions. Instead of just searching for answers about what to do … start really listening! Sometimes a solution-oriented way of thinking might get you stuck into one alternative, but the truth is that there is not a magic wand or a single answer or methodology that works for everyone.

    4. Let your addicted son or daughter know that you care about them, but avoid enabling.

    Enabling behavior is something which we all carry from birth, it comes from the natural instinct to love. However, enabling your addicted son or daughter is not in their interest, nor yours.

    Most enabler parents are not aware what they are doing because their motives come from the need to help their addicted son or daughter. When an addict is actively using drugs he/she needs to see that they are powerless to control their use and parents can help them realize this by setting boundaries. Boundary setting can be difficult…another reason why we recommend that you seek professional help.

    5. Do not forget about your own life.

    Parents want to do everything in their power to help their addicted son or daughter. Most of the time, they neglect their own lives and forget about daily tasks. As a parent you need to remember that every time you pause your life you are giving the addict control. So, make your self-care top priority!

    An Extra Tip

    There is a proverb that goes like this: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.”

    The more you educate yourself and learn about the addiction problem your child is facing, you increase the chances of succeeding and going through this nightmare to the other side. Seek help from groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon, spiritual or religious affiliations, addiction recovery centers, or your own circle of friends. Talking about addiction is not shameful, it’s needed. And the more people who surround you with love, the better.

    Your Questions

    Did we answer all your questions?

    If you have any additional questions or want to share your experience you are welcomed to do that in the section below. Every personal experience about relating to your addicted son or daughter is valuable and might help others. Please let us know what you think!

    Feel free to ask your questions in the comments section below. We try to respond to all legitimate inquiries personally and promptly.

    Reference Sources: Drug Free: Detaching With Love: How I Learned to Separate My Son and His Addiction
    Drug Free: The Key to Dealing with My Son\92s Drug Addiction? Setting Boundaries for Myself
    Drug Free: 7 Truths About My Addict That Took 5 Years To Learn
    Drug Free: What I Wish I Had Done Differently with My Addicted Son
    Addiction Blog: My son is on drugs: What do I do?
    Why don’t they just quit? Joe Herzanek Part 2 49-59 page
    Drug Abuse: What to Do If Your Teen or Young Adult Has a Problem with Drugs
    Health Guidance: Finding a Balance Between Unconditional Love and Enabling
    Summit Behavioral Health: How To Love An Addict Without Enabling
    Buffalo Valley: How to love an addict without enabling
    SHAMSA: Family Therapy Can Help
    Turnbridge: 4 TIPS ON HOW TO COPE WITH A DRUG ADDICTED SON

    View the original article at

  • 7 Common Signs and Symptoms of Teen Drug Use

    7 Common Signs and Symptoms of Teen Drug Use

    Daily Drug Use Signals a Problem

    While there are some surveys that indicate drug abuse among teenagers is decreasing, that does not mean the problem has gone away. It’s still common for teens to experiment with drug use for the purpose of fitting in, escaping from reality, or simply out of curiosity.

    Could your teen be on the way to daily drug use? If you notice one or more of these seven signs of teen drug use in your child, it’s time to have a conversation with him or her and seek treatment if necessary.

    Signs of Teen Drug Use

    1. The Desire for Privacy Increases. 

    All teenagers want some private space and that is completely normal. For this reason, you should remember to knock before entering your teen’s room. However, when the need for privacy becomes extreme, it could be a sign of drug use. There are some distinct ways that this can manifest.

    For example, a teen who is attempting to hide their drug use might not answer openly to questions such as, “When will you be home?” or, “Who is going to the party?” Instead, s/he might become defensive and seek distance. So, when a child who typically responds to these questions openly begins to view them as an invasion of privacy, it is a sign that something may be wrong.

    2. Old Friends Fade Away and New Ones Take Over. 

    Childhood relationships don’t always make it through to adulthood. It’s a normal process if your child sees less of an old friend and begins to spend time with a new one. However, it becomes a concern if the entire crowd is replaced by new people.

    This potential symptom of drug use is even more concerning when your child does not want you to meet those new friends. They might even get angry when you mention an old friend. This is because they understand that you may pick up on signs that those new buddies are involved in something that’s not in their best interest.

    3. Hygiene and Clothing Habits Change. 

    Another sign that your teen is using drugs includes changes in dress or hygiene. For example, your child used to do a good job of taking a shower, brushing after meals, and using deodorant. Lately, that seems to happen a little less each week. At first, it was a shower skipped one night, then it becomes several days in between baths. Things like brushing the hair or even washing the face just aren’t important anymore.

    Teen drug use may manifest through other changes. For instance, even clothing choices may change. Perhaps your child used to take pride in creating outfits with matching pieces and made sure they were clean and free or any rips or tears. Now, it’s no big deal to step out in clothing that hasn’t seen the inside of a washing machine in some time.

    Less diligence with personal hygiene, including the clothing your teen wears, could mean that something else has become more important than being clean and looking good. That something could be one or more drugs.

    4. Former Interests Are Replaced With New Ones or Nothing at All. 

    Hobbies and other interests do change over time. Typically, the changes are gradual rather than happening in quick succession. If your teen’s interests quickly change and the new interests seem to draw the teen further away from family and former friends, drugs may be involved.

    You should also be concerned if those former interests are not replaced with anything at all. Apathy and lethargy can be symptoms of drug use.

    A child who no longer finds joy in prior interests and would rather spend their time isolated or sleeping could be developing a serious drug dependency.

    5. An Increased Need for Cash. 

    Your teen may get a certain allowance which they can spend as they wish. If they begin to ask for more money than usual, it’s possible they could be spending that money on drugs. They might even lie about what they need the money for. For example, they might ask for money to go see a movie but then not be able to present a ticket stub to you.

    If a teen with a drug abuse problem is not able to get the money they need to support their habit, they may resort to stealing money. If you notice cash missing from your wallet, this could be a sign of drug use.

    6. Things Disappear Around the House. 

    In addition to stealing money, teens addicted to drugs may also begin to steal items from their own house. Have you noticed any electronic devices, watches, jewelry, or other personal items missing from where they are normally stored? If so, it’s possible that your teen might have sold these items to raise money for drugs. When drug use becomes an addition, teens will do whatever it takes to get their hands on the drug. That includes stealing from people they love.

    Keep in mind that if you mention the missing items, your teen may hint around that someone else is to blame while also denying any involvement. Be especially concerned if the denial comes with what appears to be an inordinate amount of anger. People with something to hide are more prone to respond in this manner when others are getting a little too close to the secret.

    7. Grades and Attendance Have Declined.

    Although drugs are not the only reason why your teen may start skipping classes or failing to do coursework, it is one of the more common reasons. While you want to keep a cool head, lower grades and reports that your child is not attending classes should be taken seriously. If the underlying cause is drugs, taking action now will save your teen from larger problems later on in life.

    Teen Drug Use Can be Treated

    You love your teen. You want the best for your child. If you see any of these symptoms developing, don’t write them off as being a natural part of adolescence.

    Talk to your teen and find out if drugs are involved.

    If your teen is taking drugs, know that help is available. Seek professional help for your teen and for yourself. With the aid of the right program, it’s possible for your teenager to recover from drug abuse and enjoy a productive life.

    View the original article at

  • Teen Anger Management | Managing Emotions in Addiction Recovery

    Teen Anger Management | Managing Emotions in Addiction Recovery

    Help Your Teen Manage Anger the Right Way

    If you are a parent of a child in addiction recovery, you may feel like you are walking on eggshells. For example, have you noticed that your teen is glued to their cell phone? When you ask your loved one a question, are you met with eye rolls and an angry attitude?

    Before the teen years, you were probably able to talk with your child about almost anything. However, as your child grows older you might encounter anger problems. When not handled appropriately, a teen’s angry feelings could prevent them from having a meaningful career, thriving relationships, and successful educational pursuits.

    Even though anger is a valid emotion, your teen should still know how to handle this feeling the right way. Teen addiction rates are on the rise. If you are wondering how to help your teen with their anger issues, here are some great ways to teach your teen successful anger management skills.

    Create a Household with Appropriate Rules

    Every household has different ground rules concerning anger. Some families may prohibit loud voices in the house, whereas other families find this mode of communication normal. What are your expectations about how anger should be handled?

    Make sure that you create rules that clearly state the appropriate household behaviors, as well as those that will absolutely not be tolerated. Some examples of inappropriate behaviors are:

    • Verbal threats
    • Physical violence
    • Name calling

    Don’t forget to establish consequences for not following the rules.

    Role Model Appropriate Behavior

    When it comes to teaching your teen effective angry management skills, your everyday behavior is everything. Do you yell, swear, and break things when things don’t go your way? If this sounds like you, there are some changes you have to make first before you can expect your teens to control his/her anger.

    Lead by example and show your child the right way to manage and express angry feelings. For instance, if you are upset that your loved one didn’t take out the trash, you might tell them that you are really angry that he/she didn’t complete the chore today. Then go for a brisk walk for ten minutes before discussing the consequences.

    Explain Angry Feelings Vs. Aggression

    Does your child know the difference between anger and aggression? While angry feelings every now and then are completely acceptable, aggressive behavior is simply not ok. Whenever your child feels angry, he/she should know that it’s never appropriate to throw objects, slam doors, or hit people.

    Make it clear that verbal aggression will also not be tolerated in the house or elsewhere. The ramifications of such behavior will not only result in at-home discipline but also legal consequences in academic or social settings.

    Communicate the Common Signs of Anger

    Most teens are also unaware of when angry is on the rise. They may often grow so angry in intense situations that they can’t help but lash out at someone. Instead of letting your loved ones repeat this destructive behavior, why not teach your teen the ways to recognize the physical warning signs of anger?

    During a conversation with your teens, pose this question to them “How does your body feel when you are mad?” Let them know that the most common signs of anger include:

    • Rapid heartbeat.
    • Racing thoughts.
    • Flushed face.
    • Clenched fists.

    Whenever your teens experience these signs of anger, encourage them to take a break from the situation and breathe deeply for about ten minutes.

    Encourage Self-Timeouts

    Everyone needs a break every once in a while. The same is true of a teen who is struggling with anger issues. If a conversation is becoming heated, encourage your teen to retreat to their room to gather their thoughts. After 15 minutes, your teen should be in a better frame of mind to continue the conversation.

    Demonstrate Assertive Skills

    Often times, teens become angry when they feel like others are taking advantage of them. Because of this well-known fact, you should teach your teen assertive skills. For instance, when your teen feels like their rights are being violated, they should know how to speak up for themselves in an appropriate manner. These excellent assertive skills will come in handy when a classmate cuts in front of them in line or a friend consistently calls them names.

    Teach Effective Problem Solving Skills

    If your teens lack effective problem solving skills, there’s a good chance that they might resort to aggressive behaviors. Whether they are struggling with their favorite sport or trying to sort out issues with their best friend, encourage them to identify a few potential solutions to the problem.

    Before choosing the best one, they should thoroughly review the pros and cons of each solution. Don’t be afraid to gently offer your personal thoughts about your teen’s problem while they are brainstorming. The purpose of this exercise is to help your teen see that there are many ways to solve a problem without lashing out. You might even support them as they try to let go of resentment. As time progresses, your teen will grow more confident in their problem solving skills. He/she might even come to you for occasional help.

    Share Successful Social Coping skills

    There are many socially appropriate ways to handle angry feelings that your teens should know. While some teens may prefer playing a musical instrument, others might enjoy going for a brisk walk outdoors. Some other proven coping skills are:

    • Drawing
    • Cooking
    • Reading

    Brainstorm with your teens to identify the specific coping strategies that’ll help them diffuse anger appropriately.

    Always Keep Communication Open

    The lines of communication between you and your teens should always be kept open. Every day when your teens come home from school, remember to ask them about their day. Throughout the conversation, encourage them to talk about their negative feelings. Allow them to fully express how they are feeling by complaining, disagreeing, and disapproving. Keep in mind that the best conversations are ones where they will not feel criticized or judged. Instead of blaming them for their feelings, consider providing a listening ear and solutions when appropriate. The ultimate goal is to make them feel important and loved.

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