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Addictions and Troubled Teens | Get Help Now

addiction and troubled teens

The most important thing that can be done for troubled teens who have an addiction problem is to ensure that you get treatment for their addiction (including substance abuse problems).  Finding the right treatment help them to overcome their addiction and you might save their lives. Although many of the addiction treatment options are designed to treat addiction for adults, you want to find a program that is successful in treating teenagers.  You want to do your homework, and ask all the right questions before choosing a program that will help them overcome their addictions. Call us at 866-471-8579.

Troubled teen addiction describes an uncontrollable need to keep repeating harmful behaviors, in spite of the physical or psychological harm it causes. The addictive cycle usually begins with seeking pleasure or avoiding pain and this pattern is repeated until the behavior becomes very much out of control. Discerning the difference between appropriate programs and inappropriate programs can take some time, but there are some guidelines that can provide real help for parents who need to make this difficult choice.  Call us and we can help!

Most parents recognize when their child needs help. If your trouble teen is struggling with marijuana use or any other substance seek help immediately. Early treatment at a therapeutic boarding school for troubled teens providing addiction treatment can prevent a tragic outcome and prevent your loved one from becoming a statistic. 

Signs of Addiction

  • Red or bloodshot eyes
  • Easily angered
  • Lack of motivation
  • Change in appearance
  •  Unexplained expenses or irregular need of money
  • Secretive behavior
  • Change in sleeping patterns
  • Withdrawal from family or friends
  • Physical Withdrawal like symptoms
  • loss of interest in family activities
  • disrespect for family rules
  • withdrawal from responsibilities
  • verbally or physically abusive
  • sudden increase or decrease in appetite
  • disappearance of valuable items or money
  • not coming home on time
  • not telling you where they are going
  • constant excuses for behavior
  • spending a lot of time in their rooms
  • lies about activities
  • finding the following: cigarette rolling papers, pipes, roach clips, small glass vials, plastic baggies, remnants of drugs (seeds, etc.)
  • sudden drop in grades
  • truancy
  • loss of interest in learning
  • sleeping in class
  • poor work performance
  • not doing homework
  • defiant of authority
  • poor attitude towards sports or other extracurricular activities
  • reduced memory and attention span
  • not informing you of teacher meetings, open houses, etc.
  • changes friends
  • smell of alcohol or marijuana on breath or body
  • unexplainable mood swings and behavior
  • negative, argumentative, paranoid or confused, destructive, anxious
  • over-reacts to criticism acts rebellious
  • sharing few if any of their personal problems
  • doesn’t seem as happy as they used to be
  • overly tired or hyperactive
  • drastic weight loss or gain
  • unhappy and depressed
  • cheats, steals
  • always needs money, or has excessive amounts of money
  • sloppiness in appearence

Please note that even though some of these warning signs of drug abuse may be present in your teen, it does not mean that they are definitely abusing drugs. There are other causes for some of these behaviors. Even the life stage of adolescence is a valid reason for many of them to exist.

On the flip side of that, do not ignore the warning signs of teenage drug abuse. If six of these signs, (not all in the same category), are present for a period of time, you should talk to your teen and seek some professional help.

Addiction Does Not Play Any Favorites

It is no secret that addiction does not play favorites among teens.  Meaning, whether you are a teen, young adult, boy or girl, drug or alcohol addiction is rampant and does not discriminate based on age or gender.  

All people who abuse drugs are flirting with the prospect of becoming addicted. Age and gender do not matter when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction and troubled teens.

OxyContin, a powerful prescription drug, is one of the leading prescription addictions facing our society today, with addicts coming from all ages groups and walks of life. It has also become a major focus for addiction services and for police. 

Why Addiction Does Not Play any Favorites

Troubled adolescents and young adults that were sweet and appeared to be normal who suddenly have random bursts of anger may be using drugs or suffering from addiction. These behaviors that start later on might be more likely to be from addiction than because of disorders.

Therapeutic elements in residential treatment centers help these young people recover from addiction and stop their addictive behaviors.  Working closely with Therapists these teens begin to recover. 

While many teenagers bravely attempt to conquer the withdrawal period, we now know that this is rarely the end, especially when using opioids or stimulants.  Detox is the first step. It gets the drug out of his system. The next step is treatment, which will help him break the cycle of his dependence.

Unfortunately, the truth is that some traditional recovery programs often have long waiting lists. Addicts often wait months between detox and treatment. If the teen has attempted to detox on his or her own, often not getting to treatment quickly is one of one of the reasons that relapse is not unusual.

If your child is exhibiting these signs and or symptoms then he or she may be struggling with addiction. The professionals of ZES are here to help families of teens to find the perfect solution for helping their addicted child. If you are the parent of a teen and are looking for possible solutions then calling ZES for a free consultation may be the first step in your child’s recovery. 

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