At the Adolescent Wellness Academy, we are deeply concerned about the alarming rise in drug addiction among youth in our country. Each year, we witness a troubling trend: the demographic of those affected by substance use is becoming increasingly younger. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, as of 2021, approximately 19.9 million American adolescents under the age of 12 are currently engaged in the use of illicit drugs. This stark statistic underscores the gravity of the situation, which many parents may not fully comprehend.
The ramifications of early drug exposure on developing brains are profound, impacting not only physical health but also emotional and psychological well-being. Our mission is to raise awareness about this critical issue and provide resources for parents, educators, and children to address the challenges of addiction head-on.
We believe that through education, open discussions, and community support, we can work together to combat this growing epidemic. It’s essential for parents to engage with their children about the risks associated with drug use and to foster environments where healthy choices are celebrated and reinforced. The adolescent years are pivotal in shaping future behaviors, and understanding the issues surrounding substance abuse is a crucial part of promoting overall wellness among young people.
At the Adolescent Wellness Academy, we are committed to equipping families with the tools they need to navigate these conversations and to encourage resilience in youth. Together, we can take significant strides toward reducing the prevalence of drug addiction and ensuring that our young people have the opportunity to thrive in a healthy and supportive environment.
Signs My Teenager Might Have A Drug Addiction
Since teen addiction is on the rise, you should pay attention and look for signs that your teenager may need help.
Pay attention to changes in your teen. Signs such as sleep pattern changes, mood changes, weight, and personal hygiene may indicate that your teen may have a drug addiction. If your teen has changed peer groups or their grades begin to fall, these could also be signs that your teen needs addiction treatment. Times, when there is much transition for your teen may make them more susceptible to using drugs. Pay increased attention during puberty, changing schools, or a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend.
What Should I Avoid If I Think My Teenager Has A Drug Addiction?
If you think your teenager has a drug addiction, be careful about being judgmental when it comes to conversations or interactions about your child’s behavior. Do not jump to conclusions about your child’s behavior. You want to provide an environment where your teenager feels comfortable talking to you and asking for help.
Do not leave drugs around in your house. If there is a medication that is no longer needed, remove them from the house. Do not leave anything around that could be tempting to your teenager. You should make note of any substances in your home that could be used as a drug. Prescription drug use is a rising problem in the US.
Please refrain from arguing with your child’s other parent in front of them. You should approach your parenting as a unified front. Both parents should work together to be a team in front of their child. When you have differences, it’s best to resolve them away from your teenager.
What Will An Addiction Treatment Program Provide For My Teenager?
Addiction treatment is delivered in various settings and employs different approaches. It has been proven that individual and group therapy is beneficial to help those in recovery stay in recovery and avoid relapse. They learn tools to help them deal better with their feelings and emotions instead of turning to drugs. When it comes to teenagers, it’s helpful to be aware of group therapy sessions. They can border on negative conversations that focus on fun associated with drug use. It is useful for a family member to be present during these therapies to ensure the therapy’s direction.
What Do I Do If I Think My Teenager Needs Addiction Treatment?
The bottom line is that if you think your teenager needs help, get them that help immediately. If you believe your teen has a drug addiction, you should have them evaluated for drug use and have a mental health screening. Many teens who have a drug addiction also have mental health concerns such as anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, or depression.
When you take your teenager to the doctor for an assessment, the doctor asks many questions to determine how often, if at all, the teen uses drugs. The doctor asks questions to assess any risky behavior in which your child is engaging. Your teenager may be given a blood and urine test to see if any drugs are in your teenager’s system. With this information, the doctor should be able to assess if your teen may have an addiction and if a treatment program is needed.
You must seek the assistance of the appropriate professionals to provide the support your teen needs. If a treatment program is needed, your child’s doctor may be able to provide a program. Gather as much information as possible about any potential programs. You should ensure that any program you are considering for your teenager is experienced with teenagers and can provide them with the specialized help they need. You can research treatment programs online.
Teen Mental Health Treatment in South Florida – AWA
At Adolescent Wellness Academy, a teen mental health treatment center located in South Florida, we understand the complexities and challenges of guiding our loved ones, especially adolescents, toward recovery from mental health challenges.
Recognizing the delicate nature of this journey, we are committed to offering compassionate, specialized care even in situations where individuals may be hesitant to seek help.
We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth through our tailored programs:
- Day Therapeutic Program: A structured daytime treatment offering therapeutic support and education that integrates seamlessly with the adolescent’s daily life.
- Afterschool Program: An innovative approach that provides therapeutic activities and supports post-school hours, allowing teens to continue their education while receiving the care they need.
When you join our therapy or afterschool programs, you enter a caring and non-judgmental community. This support network involves teens, their families, peers, and our team. Our team of clinicians, alumni, and other parents are here to offer invaluable assistance. Parent Support Groups (PSGs) and assessments ensure that support is tailored to each family’s specific needs.
Contact us today for more information about teen mental health at 1-866-856-3315 or visit our locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.
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