Teen drug abuse is one of the biggest concerns in our country. The National Institute on Drug Abuse or NIDA states that 24.5% of high school students were found abusing illicit drugs. This paints an alarming picture of declining teen health. Drug abuse at such an early stage can lead to many health problems in the future.
Therefore, as a parent or a guardian, you must help your child if they are facing a similar issue.
To start with, you first need to identify your teen’s drug problem. And for that, you can consider the given signs of drug abuse:
- Behavioral changes
Drug abuse also changes the user’s behavior. Thus, you can look for signs like sudden mood swings, increased agitation, irritability, or losing interest in hobbies.
- Changes in appearance
Anyone abusing drugs also displays some changes physically. For example, the user may have bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, or sudden gain or loss of weight.
- Altered sleeping patterns
Teens or any drug user also loses their regular sleeping habit. Sleeplessness or insomnia is one sign to look out for.
- Declining performance at school
Teens abusing drugs often lose focus on academics. They tend to miss out on classes and perform badly on tests. Hence, poor grades and continuous absences should be monitored.
- Isolation
Preferring isolation may be common among teens these days. But it is even more common among teens abusing drugs.
All of these are signs of teen drug abuse that need professional assistance.
Specialized Teen Rehabs
Though drug abuse does similar damage to a teen as to an adult, teens still need special care. This is known as teen rehab. Rehab for teens functions in the following ways:
- Assessment and evaluation to understand a teen’s addiction and the damage caused to their health.
- Detox allows their mind and bodies to get off drugs and regain health.
- Personal therapy helps teens overcome triggers and learn healthy ways to manage them. This therapy also addresses underlying mental health issues or trauma that led to addiction originally.
- Group and family therapies to improve their communication skills and reestablish broken family ties.
- Education and life skills to learn the importance of school, and set goals for a better future.
Teen Rehab in Houston, Texas
Mallard Lake Detox Center in Houston, Texas offers an excellent rehab for teens. Our rehab works gently with these patients and helps them achieve long-term sobriety. Contact us now to book a visit!