Addiction, or substance use disorder (SUD), is a disease that impacts not only the person with the problem but also their family members and friends. Thankfully, many resources are available to help you find treatment options for your loved one. Help for teens with addiction is available and can be found through a family doctor, counsellor, or an addiction treatment facility.
If you have been searching for “teen residential treatment near me” in Canada, Venture Academy has the perfect program for your child. We offer specialised programs to treat teen addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Reach out today at 866.762.2211 to learn more about our residential treatment options in Alberta and Ontario.
Spotting the Signs of Addiction in Teens
If you are worried about the possibility of your child or family member developing a substance use disorder, it is essential to know how to identify the signs of addiction. Here are some of the most common signs of teen addiction:
- Changes in behaviour — They may stop doing activities they once enjoyed or hanging out with the same friends to spend time drinking or using drugs instead.
- Changes in sleeping patterns — Drug and alcohol misuse can cause teens to sleep excessively or struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Drastic weight loss — Young people struggling with substance use disorder may lose their appetite or forget to eat, causing a sudden drop in weight.
- Decline in appearance — When a teen develops substance use disorder, they may pay less attention to personal hygiene and grooming. They might appear unkempt, have bloodshot eyes, or have unexplained rashes or open wounds.
Some signs that may indicate addiction in teens can also point toward mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. It is important to get a proper diagnosis to get the appropriate help for teens struggling with either disorder.
What You Can Do About Teen Addiction
Substance use disorder is challenging, but you do not have to handle it all alone. If you recognise the signs of addiction in your teen, you may feel scared, overwhelmed, or frustrated. Here are some steps to take to find the support you and your child need to overcome SUD:
1. Get a professional diagnosis.
Once you have reason to believe that a teen has developed a dependence or addiction to drugs or alcohol, it is vital to get a professional diagnosis. You can schedule an appointment with your family physician or a therapist. Another great option is to reach out directly to an addiction treatment centre specialising in teens. This initial assessment will help determine if your teen has been using substances and whether they have a substance use disorder.
2. Consider your treatment options.
Once you have a proper diagnosis, it is time to consider how to move forward with treatment. The healthcare provider that conducted the assessment will likely suggest a treatment plan. This often involves professional addiction treatment, including medication and therapy. Some choices you may need to make will be whether to enroll your child in outpatient or residential treatment and which treatment facility to use.
3. Enroll your teen in a treatment program.
After deciding on the type of treatment needed for your teen, it is time to select a facility. If your child will be an outpatient or you plan on attending in-person family counselling sessions, your best choice would be a facility located close to your home. Many treatment centres accept health insurance, so you can also ask them to verify your coverage.
In addition to getting help for your teen, you should also think about finding support for yourself and other family members. There are support groups specifically for family members of people with substance use disorder. You can also reach out to a therapist to support your mental health needs while you help your child overcome this challenging disorder.
Get Help for Teens at Venture Academy
Addiction in teens can pull families apart. Let Venture Academy help bring your family back together with our residential treatment programs designed especially for teens. Call us today at 866.762.2211 or fill out our online form to schedule an assessment and start healing together as a family.