Is it true that being a teenager is the difficult period of our life?
The teenage years are made up of a set of challenges for everyone, although for some these challenges can quickly change from dominant to overwhelming, which can lead to serious problems for teenagers.
Once teens enter high school, they are bombarded with pressures to keep high grades, participate in extracurricular activities, prepare for college, have a social life, and figure out what to do for the rest of their lives.
In addition to the normal stressors that adolescence brings, it’s not uncommon for teenagers to be mocked by their peers, feel tremendous pressure from their parents or academic counselors, and also to begin dealing with mental health issues.
5 Objectives Teens Start Using Drugs & Alcohol
No two teenagers are alike, and neither are the challenges they face. However, there are several common reasons that teens start experimenting with drugs or alcohol in the first place.
1. Social Peer pressure
The National Institute on Drug Abuse conducted a survey in 2016 and found that 1.9 million adolescents ages 12 to 17 years old had used illicit drugs within 30 days of the survey. Most of these adolescents said they had been given drugs or alcohol by their partner. They want to be accepted and fit. If their best friend offers them drugs or alcohol, they probably won’t say no.
2. Stress Anxiety and Depression
It is not uncommon for mental symptoms to appear in adolescence. To cope with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders, adolescents often begin using drugs or alcohol to minimize their symptoms or to “numb out”.
3. Performance Refinement
Given the immense pressures associated with academic and extracurricular activities, teens can begin using performance enhancing drugs or stimulants to meet the expectations of their parents, teachers, or coaches.
4. Experiment Psychology
Children are naturally curious and children turn into teenagers. It’s not uncommon for teenagers to resort to drugs or alcohol just to find out what it feels like to be drunk.
5. To Feel Mature
Teens want to feel like adults and it’s no wonder! The thought of being an adult is new and exciting, and being able to drink, smoke cigarettes, or use illegal and harmful drugs is exciting for many teenagers too.
Parents: What Do You Do?
According to the 2016 National Drug Use and Health Survey, 1.4 million teenagers are in need of some treatment for an illicit drug problem and the number continues to rise. If you suspect your child is struggling with substance abuse or mental health problems, this is it important not to ignore the signs.
Few Noticable Signs:
- Missing school
- A significant drop in grades or performance in school
- Withdrawing from activities that you enjoy
- Disinterested in family time
- Drastic behavioral changes, including isolation
Then when we look at a real substance use disorder, it means you are gaining tolerance .This substance to achieve the effect achieved? Withdrawal symptoms may also be included, Symptoms that make you feel gross or nauseated for not taking this substance.
After that, let’s look at the natural consequences. Are there any legal ramifications for using it? Did you lose family or friends through our use? It is important to observe these interpersonal relationships and also to evaluate your ability to do the things that you enjoy.
Finally, we also need to look at the mental health side of things. Do we see an increase in sadness, hopelessness, disinterest in activities? Have we noticed that these interests return with substance use? Answering “yes” to these questions can categorize that as a dependence on the substance.
Substance Abuse Recovery for Teens
At Sandstone Care, we value teenagers and their families. We understand that every teenager is different, and do our best to treat them that way. That’s why we founded the Cascade Canyon Teen Residential in Colorado and the Chesapeake Teen Residential Center in Maryland.
Both centers are Specially designed for teenagers struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, drug use and co-existing mental disorders. Our comprehensive treatment program helps teenagers learn healthy coping skills and resiliency.
Our clinical team and doctor collaborate in Cascade Canyon and Chesapeake to an effective action plan for every young person participating in our program. We don’t just treat the youngster, we believe in treating the whole family. That is why we dedicate a whole weekend to supporting the whole family through adventure activities, group therapy, psychoeducation, group and family meals.
If you suspect your teen is using drugs or alcohol, contact one of our coordinators today for help for your teen and their family.
