You may have noticed some changes in your teen. Maybe the group of friends they are running around with these days is trouble. While you want to help, your teen shuts you out. Perhaps you are suspicious of a substance abuse problem. If this sounds similar to what you’re going through, it’s time to look more closely at addiction counselling. Venture Academy provides drug and alcohol treatment for teens in Canada. Contact us at 866.762.2211 to learn how we can help you and your teen.
Common Signs of Teen Substance Abuse and Addiction
Maybe you found some drug paraphernalia. Examples could include bottles of alcohol or vials of cannabis. Your teen’s become secretive, disrespectful, and angry. Grades are slipping. Although parents are usually the last to know, these are signs that all isn’t well. However, it might be difficult to put your finger on it.
Some common signs of teen addiction to be aware of include the following:
- New or worsening problems at school, like fighting, bad grades, and attendance issues
- Withdrawing from friends and isolating from the family, becoming very secretive
- Severe mood swings that are more than just teen emotions getting out of hand
- Behavioural problems like yelling, hitting, sneaking out, or risky behaviours
- Stealing things of value from family members for money to buy the substance of choice
- Hanging around a new friend group that is a negative influence
- Having paraphernalia hidden around their room or car
- Obviously looking “high” with dilated or pinpoint pupils
- No longer finding happiness in things they once enjoyed doing
- New or worsening mental health conditions
- Trouble with self-care, hygiene, and appearance
Knowing what to look for is vital to recognising when there may be a problem. With addiction counselling, you can either get peace of mind or find your teen the help they need.
What Goes on at Addiction Counselling?
Drug and alcohol treatment starts with an assessment. You enroll your teen in the program and give therapists 30 days to find out what’s going on. During this time, the staff members work with your child. Examples of modalities include:
- A psychological assessment that pinpoints areas of trouble and helps your teen to express fear, worry, and other feelings
- One-on-one talk therapy to draw out your teen and make them feel comfortable talking about difficult topics
- Experiential therapy, such as outdoor activities to help teens have fun away from electronics and drugs
- School and education that allows your teen to catch up with school work or start fresh
- Teen drug or alcohol detoxification, if necessary
Unlike adults, many teens don’t realize the gravity of their situations when they come in. Addiction counselling helps them understand how their actions are affecting them.
Maybe It’s Just a Phase?
Parents frequently worry that they’re overreacting. You see the warning signs, but you don’t want to believe that something could happen to your kids. You’re not perfect, but you’ve done everything possible to protect your child. Sometimes, however, even the best-loved kids run into trouble.
It can start small with some experimentation. But it quickly gets out of control. If your child develops a chemical dependency, that’s not a phase that they will outgrow.
Dependency is a chronic disease that requires professional intervention. It’s a lot like asthma, which you wouldn’t dream of leaving without treatment. That said, you’re still the parent, and you’re still in control. If, after checking your teen into the counselling centre, you want to pull the plug, you can.
Venture Academy Can Help Your Teen Get Sober
There are plenty of troubled teen programs in and around Canada. However, the Venture Academy stands out because of its careful full-scope assessment approach that defines the problem before offering treatment. Find out more about Venture Academy and our program objectives by dialing 866.762.2211 or filling out our online contact form.
