As teenagers grow to be more independent, they have to make more decisions on their own. Sometimes, they make better choices than others. Prescription drug abuse in teens is a serious problem that can have lasting effects on your child and your family. Learn how to recognize substance abuse and how to help your teenager overcome it.
Why Teens Are Vulnerable to Prescription Drug Abuse
As a concerned parent, you might be very surprised to know that you probably have some drugs sitting in your home right now. Maybe you don’t think of them as drugs because your doctor prescribed them. But medications, including prescriptions, are drugs. And some of them have the potential for abuse.
Kids often experiment, whether it’s from peer pressure, curiosity, or looking for ways to cope with negative emotions. They may not have the resources to buy illicit substances, so they look for things around the home.
Painkillers and cough syrup are among two of the most-abused substances. While teens are too young to buy their own drinks, they may sneak some of Mom and Dad’s. Likewise, they may look in the bathroom medicine cabinet for pills that provide mild to moderate highs.
Prescription drugs aren’t completely safe just because doctors prescribe them. Abusing opioids and other narcotics can lead to dependency, which will impact the entire family unit.
Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse in Teens
With so much going on with your adolescent son or daughter, how to you recognize typical teen behavior vs. a real problem? After all, many teenagers can be moody and withdrawn, and this doesn’t always mean something is wrong.
Signs indicating drug abuse include:
- Missing medications, including cough syrup
- Theft and constantly asking for cash
- Change in sleeping habits
- Falling grades
- Aggressive behaviour
Teenagers who don’t find drugs and alcohol at home may rely on friends. They may also buy pills on the street, leading to unexplained requests for cash.
Getting your child into a prescription drug addiction treatment program is the best way to stop this problem before it grows any bigger.
Family Support for You and Your Teen
Maybe your son is having problems at school, or your daughter’s behaviour has steadily grown worse in recent months. Venture Academy can help. We’re a residential behaviour treatment center with three locations throughout Canada. By combining education and individualized therapy in small group settings, we aim to help teenagers and their families heal and recover.
Our services include:
- Mental health treatment
- Youth detox program
- Drug and alcohol treatment
- School programs and education
- Help for electronic addiction
If prescription drug abuse in teens has impacted your family, it’s time to get help. Call us at 866.762.2211 today, and we’ll use our solution-oriented approach to treat your troubled teenager and give all of you the fresh start you deserve.
