Despite a recent plunge in teen illicit substance abuse, it’s still a significant issue plaguing the young people of our country. Additionally, prescription drug abuse in this age group has increased recently. Also, underage drinking and subsequent alcohol addiction is a common problem among teens and young adults. Defining substance abuse can appear tricky to some, so the following information was put together to illustrate this problem in more detail. We will also discuss the importance of seeking professional treatment programs from a quality rehabilitation facility that has your teen’s best interests at heart.
Defining Substance Abuse
Defining substance abuse can seem confusing to many individuals. What exactly does this term mean from a clinical perspective? The term substance abuse refers to a distinct pattern of behaviour regarding the use of various addictive substances. But most common are drug and alcohol abuse.
It could mean that the individual in question abuses a substance or incorrectly taking the drug. Often, substance abuse entails using drugs inappropriately. For example, not using pain medication to manage pain but to experience the effects. Similarly, abusing alcohol can take the form of binge drinking. Whatever the case may be, troubled teens who deal with substance abuse don’t consider the negative results it brings in their lives.
4 Risk Factors for Teen Substance Abuse
When defining substance abuse, it’s essential to understand the various terms as it can refer to prescription drugs, illicit drugs, alcohol, and other commonly abused substances. Whatever it may be, there are several risk factors associated with teen substance abuse.
1. Issues at School
Problems arising at school is one of the more common questions for teen substance abuse. Furthermore, struggles include skipping class, lack of interest in school activities, and failing grades. Often, teens turn to drugs or alcohol as a means to escape the pressures of school as well as a way to deal with personal issues. Unfortunately, this only makes the issues worse.
2. Peer Pressure
There are many reasons why teens deal with substance abuse, but peer pressure ranks high on the list of possible risk factors. Hanging out with the wrong crowd that encourages drug use drastically raises a teen’s risk of substance abuse. But peer pressure can come from close friends and even family members.
3. Anxiety and Depression
Mental health disorders are becoming increasingly common among teens and young adults. Even more, the existence of depression or anxiety can increase a teen’s risk of turning to drugs or alcohol as an escape route. Again, this kind of self-medicating is intended to alleviate the distress teens feel but usually only worsens their mental health and increases their risk of addiction.
4. Lack of Family Involvement
If a teen feels alone or unattached from their parents and siblings, he or she may be more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol. Divorce, domestic abuse, or other difficulties within the home environment can increase this risk as well. Most noteworthy, a strong bond between parent and teen can drastically decrease the chances of substance abuse.
Where to Find Substance Abuse Treatment
If you suspect your teen has an issue with substance abuse, it’s vital to seek help from a compassionate rehabilitation facility immediately. Successful options for substance abuse treatment exist in Canada.
Canada’s top program for troubled teens, Venture Academy, provides a teen-focused residential behaviour treatment facility. We pride ourselves on offering many treatment programs and therapeutic support designed to help get your teen on the road to recovery. When defining substance abuse, it’s essential to understand that quality treatment programs exist that can provide support and relief. Therefore, you don’t have to bear this heavy burden alone.
Lastly, if your teen is battling drug or alcohol addiction, we can help them get their lives back on track. Contact us today at 866.762.2211.