As a rule, teens have a tendency to experiment with drugs and alcohol. While some level of experimentation is normal, it’s easy for teens to develop drug and alcohol use disorders. For parents, substance abuse can be overwhelming. Finding the right drug and alcohol treatment centre can help you and your teen regain control of your lives, improve communication, and thrive.
If your teen is showing signs of drug abuse, it’s time for treatment. Call Venture Academy today to learn more about our multidisciplinary approach for clients ages 18-25. Venture Academy provides a balance between keeping young adults on track and helping them recover through our drug and alcohol treatment programs. Reach us now at 866.762.2211 to get started with Venture Academy’s centre for alcohol and drug treatment.
Signs of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Among Teens
Spotting signs of drug and alcohol use can be the first step toward treatment. As a parent, it’s hard to reserve judgement, stay curious, and listen to your teen’s side of the story. While it’s hard to spot signs, here are some early indications your teen is struggling with drug and alcohol abuse:
- Mood swings
- Changes in sleep and eating habits
- Irrational or reckless behaviour
- Blatant intoxication
- Avoiding activities or people they love
- Depression
- Anxiety
It’s important to remember that most times, drug and alcohol use among teenagers is a sign of deeper issues.
Questions to Ask Before Confronting Your Teen
Here are some questions to ask yourself before confronting your teen:
- Does my teen show signs of drug use?
- Are they self-harming?
- Do they smell like alcohol?
- Have they become withdrawn?
- Do they have new friends?
- Has their wardrobe changed?
- Has their personal hygiene changed?
- What are they eating?
- How are they spending their free time?
- Have their grades changed?
It can be hard to talk to your teen about drug and alcohol use. However, it can also be one of the best ways to support them as a parent. Reaching out to our centre for drug and alcohol treatment can provide the education, treatment, and support for your whole family’s needs.
Finding Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment for Your Teen
Today, many teens may self-medicate with alcohol and other accessible substances. A drug abuse treatment program can help identify triggers, reduce stress, and understand a teen’s dependency. Finding the right treatment program isn’t always easy. As a parent, it’s essential to consider whether your teen is best supported by inpatient or outpatient care. Inpatient care houses your teen for several weeks during detox and early recovery. Outpatient programs provide a daily schedule for clinic visits and therapy, allowing teens to sleep at home.
Consider location, cost, and long-term options when looking for a clinic. Because your teen’s brains are still growing, long-term recovery options can provide flexible care to meet their developing brains and bodies. Consider programs that offer multiple therapy options, including family therapy, to help you navigate your child’s recovery.
Help Your Teen Today at Venture Academy
At Venture Academy, we’re here to support you and your teen through every step of drug and alcohol recovery. With a continuum of care, our programs range from detoxing to aftercare planning to help teens get the long-term support they need to thrive.
With three centres for drug and alcohol abuse, we make treatment accessible for young adults and their families. Our safe, inclusive clinics provide clinical treatments and crisis intervention to help your teen, no matter their needs. Clients at Venture Academy enjoy both long- and short-term substance abuse treatment as well as follow-up assessment visits later in recovery. Call Venture Academy now at 866.762.2211 to get the help you and your teen need. Crisis support is available.