Have you ever wondered what Los Angeles rehabilitation experts would say regarding teenage drug use? Drug abuse has always been a big issue. During the formative years, teens are still in the process of developing their identity, essential life skills, dislikes, and likes. They can easily feel tempted to experiment with drugs just to fit in or meet more friends. They don’t realize [yet] that they’re setting themselves up for a habit that’s potentially life-threatening. As a parent, you need to know what to do if your teen starts using drugs.
Know the signs of drug abuse
There are a lot of signs that indicate a teen has begun using drugs. While it’s difficult to discern the difference between the normal changes that come with adolescence and the effects of drug use, you must proactively talk to your teen and be more observant. The most common signs of drug abuse are getting bad grades, consistently bloodshot eyes, bursting into laughter for no apparent reason, losing interest in certain activities, poor hygiene resulting in a diminished appearance, frequently avoids eye contact, frequently gets “the munchies,” clothes or breath smells like smoke, secretive behaviors, unusual fatigue, and always missing their curfew. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action.
Understand your teen’s reason for drug use
Nobody plans to become a drug user. Teens might try a drug out of curiosity or experimentation. For instance, a teen might try drugs because they see their friends do the same. You need to help your teen understand that when they get addicted to drugs, this will slow down their brain development or even trigger a number of health disorders. Fortunately, most middle-school-aged children have never yet tried drugs yet. But when they reach their teenage years, their likelihood to try these drugs out increases.
Talk to your teen
Before signing up your teen to a rehabilitation program for addiction, you need to have a conversation first. At first, you might feel disappointment, shame, anger, and frustration. These reactions are normal, but you shouldn’t focus on them. Communicating your feelings to your teen in the form of judgments, criticisms, or accusations won’t help. Instead, you can confront the issue by talking to your teen about addiction and helping each other find common ground to reach a compromise. Your goal shouldn’t be to criticize your teen’s behavior but help them realize that there’s a direct connection between negative consequences and drug abuse.
Seek professional help
The first step to start the healing process is to consult a professional like your teen’s guidance counselor, doctor, or an addiction specialist at XYZ rehabilitation center. Through the help of a professional, you can make an assessment of your teen’s situation then determine the necessary steps to take for them. A professional will also help you learn more about treatment options for drug abuse. As a parent, you should act quickly if you observe any signs that your teen has started using drugs. This is a very important piece of advice on teen drug abuse that any Los Angeles rehabilitation expert will give you.
