What are the Signs of Addiction in Teens?

As parents, we do everything we can to keep our teenagers safe. But we can’t protect them forever. The pressures teens face can cause many to turn to drugs and alcohol, and a dependency can form.  The good news is that teens are resilient and may be able to get over an addiction quickly, but it’s crucial to catch it before it’s too late. That’s why parents need to be aware of the signs of addiction in teens. This article will review those signs, so you know what to look out for, and explain how to find teen addiction treatment in your area. 

Why Do Teens Abuse Drugs?

There are a variety of reasons why teens abuse drugs, including: To Minimize Stress: Adolescence comes with its share of stress. Teens are under pressure to look good, fit in, get good grades, and get prepared for the ‘real world.’ Drugs may work to reduce the pressure they are feeling.  Peer Pressure: Teens will likely be invited to parties and social functions where drugs and alcohol flow freely. They may be pressured by their friends to use these substances so they can fit in better with their peers. To Attain a Certain Goal: Teens may take drugs for a specific reason. For example, they may take amphetamines to help them lose weight or get through all-night study sessions. They may turn to opioids to relieve pain or avoid symptoms related to a mental health condition, such as depression and anxiety.  Self-Medication: Some teens may be dealing with mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. They may not want to let anyone know about their problems due to social stigmas or other reasons. Instead of getting the help they need, they will self-medicate with drugs and alcohol.  To Copy Adults: Teens are more likely to develop dependency issues if their parents abuse drugs. They may see their parents as role models and want to be like them by drinking or doing drugs. They may want to act out against parents that are firmly against drinking. Or they may start using them because it makes them feel more like an adult. 

What are the Signs of Addiction in Teens?

Addiction will look different depending on the type of drug that’s being used, but one thing you may notice is withdrawal symptoms.  If your teen uses drugs regularly, their body will get used to having them in their system. They may get to the point where they are unable to function normally when sober. Their body will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms that are similar to cold and flu symptoms when they are sober. They may also experience confusion, hallucinations, and more.  Other teen addiction signs include the following:
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Changes in appetite
  • Mood swings
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Lack of self-care
  • Hanging out with different groups or withdrawing from society
  • A lack of interest in the things they once loved
  • Engaging in dangerous or dishonest behavior
  • A decline in schoolwork
  • Unexplained absences at school 

How to Find Teen Treatment Programs in Florida

Getting your teen into a recovery program isn’t easy. It will require getting them to admit they need help and that they must change their ways. But if you find a program tailored to teens, the specialists will take the right approach making the teen feel comfortable with rehab treatment.  There are a variety of rehab centers in Florida, but Adolescent Wellness Academy stands out as it specializes in teen treatment. We know what it takes to reach teens on their level and promote healing.  AWA is a South Florida afterschool program offering a limited disturbance to a teen’s schedule. Teens can go for treatment without taking significant time away from school and friends. We even provide transportation.  We include a variety of therapies using both traditional and modern approaches. We integrate science-based treatments that are proven to be successful in recovery. We work out a customized strategy that is best suited for our patients. Adolescent Wellness Academy can help with our South Florida Teen Treatment services. Teen addiction is not easy to deal with, but being familiar with the signs of teen drug use can help you catch it early on so you can take action before it’s too late.  AWA will provide the tools and resources for teen addiction that bring your teen closer to healing. 

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, towards 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.
  • After-School 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 (PSG) and assessments ensure that the support is tailored to each family’s needs. Contact us today for more information about teen mental health at 1-866-548-8677 or visit our locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.

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Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.