Drug addiction among teens is a growing problem in the United States. Using drugs at any age can result in serious damage, but young people who use drugs and alcohol are at particular risk for long-lasting and more serious consequences. Early intervention can prevent your teenager from developing chronic addictions and permanent damage that will affect him for the rest of his life.
Why Early Interventions for Teens Is Important
Most addicts wait until they’ve “bottomed out” before entering addiction treatment programs, but early interventions can save your teen from chronic addiction that could ruin his or her life before its even begun. “Early intervention” means entering addiction treatment before your teen has bottomed out and before the addiction is so bad that it’s nearly impossible to cure.
Experts recognize four stages of drug and alcohol addiction: stage one and two is where the teen experiments and uses the substance in a social setting, stage three is where the teen starts to center their life around drugs, and stage four is where the entire focus of the teen’s day is obtaining drugs and getting high. Addiction treatment works best for teens that are in the first or second stage of addiction. The problem with this is that addicts rarely seek treatment when they first start using, and young people in particular tend to seek treatment much later in life, even if they developed a chemical dependence in middle school or high school. Studies show that people who become chemically dependent at an early age are more at risk for developing addictions that are very resistant to treatment. Early intervention for teens can save them from a lifelong battle with addiction.
How to Know Your Teen Needs an Intervention
Recognizing an addiction in your teen can be tricky because parents often don’t see the signs of drug use until an addiction has already taken root. It’s crucial to pay attention to and not ignore the signs of drug use because the longer you wait the more difficult the addiction will be to break.
Some common warning signs that your teen may need a drug addiction intervention are:
* Problems with the law, such as DUI, breaking curfew, stealing, etc.
* Problems at school, such as excessive tardiness, poor grades, suspension, etc.
* Mood swings
* Drug paraphernalia
* Violent behavior
* Withdrawal
* Depression
* Poor hygiene
* Missing money
The best warning sign to watch out for, however, is your intuition. If you feel like there is something wrong with your teen take action right away.
Planning a Drug Addiction Intervention for Teens
There are several ways an intervention can be accomplished. An intervention can be lead by a professional interventionist or by family and friends. No matter which type of intervention you choose, it’s important to step up and not ignore the problem. It’s also important to properly plan for an intervention. Start by calling a drug rehab and speaking to a trained professional who can answer your questions and point you in the right direction. Choosing a drug rehab to send your teen to after the intervention is also crucial. Delaying treatment, even a day, can put your teen at serious risk; many addicts will go on a binge if they know they’ll be without drugs for a long period of time.
Call a drug rehab facility today and ask a professional how you can plan a drug addiction intervention for your teen.
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