Parenting is quite possibly the most demanding job you can do, and it comes without a job description or instructions. And while we all joke about teenagers and their mood swings, you might wonder when those mood swings have crossed over into something more concerning than typical teenage angst. There are many reasons why teens are more vulnerable to addiction, and it’s essential to know when mood swings have crossed over into being a sign of addiction. You know your teen better than anyone else, so listen to your gut. Pay closer attention to those mood swings, look for physical changes, changes in friend groups, and possibly drug paraphernalia. At Thrive Treatment, we can help you understand the signs of addiction and how to get treatment for your teen.
Are Teens More Vulnerable to Addiction?
Beyond the angst of adolescence, there are many reasons why teens are more vulnerable to addiction. Biological, social, and psychological factors can all impact a teen’s risk for developing an addiction. While there is a genetic component to addiction, is related to an addict does not guarantee that your teen will face addiction personally. Likewise, prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol can also increase the risk of developing an addiction.
In addition to biological factors, life experiences can significantly contribute to the risk of teenage addiction. Being the victim of abuse or having experienced any trauma dramatically increases the risk of substance use and possible addiction. Finally, lack of parental supervision, close relationships with friends who use drugs, and the normalizing of drug use can all increase the risk for your teen developing a drug addiction. Researchers have found that the earlier an individual begins using drugs, the higher their chances of developing an addiction. Knowing the risk factors and maintaining an open line of communication with your teen can help you see if your teen has a problem.
How to Get My Teen Help With Their Addiction
Identifying that there is a problem is the very first step in getting help for your teen. Your next steps may depend on your teen’s view of their drug use. While it would be ideal if your teen realized that their drug use is a problem, that’s not always the case. Still, your teen is not an adult yet, and you can steer them into treatment. You may want to begin by finding peer support recovery groups that they can attend while exploring treatment options.
Treatment programs range from inpatient to partial hospitalization to intensive outpatient. We can work with you and your teen to determine the most appropriate treatment level. Sometimes being removed from everything can be the most helpful. At other times, it may be necessary for your teen to be able to continue attending school. Whatever treatment level is selected, we’ll be with you and your teen from the early stages of detox through treatment and into aftercare. The road to recovery is a journey, and we’ll support you both while your teen finds their way in sobriety.
How Thrive Treatment Can Help Your Teen
At Thrive Treatment, our treatment approach blends modern and traditional practices. We can help your teen by integrating relational and behavioral therapies and holistic, medical, and psychiatric interventions. Located in beautiful Santa Monica, we will develop an individualized plan to help your teen through their addiction, both during inpatient treatment and beyond. We’re also here to support you in understanding the treatment and your role in the process as you support your teen. Contact us today and let us help you and your teen face addiction and any other mental health issues.
