Understanding the Triggers for Teen Addictions

Posted by Indra Cidambi on May 10th, 2018

Every parent wants to believe that their child will not be a statistic within the drug and alcohol numbers that seem to be rising steadily every year. Unfortunately, no one is immune and while some kids may be at higher risk there is no guarantee that your child will not end up in this vicious cycle. It is critical to understand the risks and how you can help your child from getting involved or even after they have started struggling with addiction.

Some guidelines are presented below but one of the best places to get information is the New Jersey drug treatment program and facility. The professionals that work in rehab know firsthand the signs, symptoms and what can lead someone as young as a pre-teen into these choices so take time to get connected and ask for the right tools and resources to help with the process.

One of the best things you can do as a parent is talk with your kids about drugs and alcohol from the dangers of ‘even trying it just once’ to the long-term effects physically, mentally and emotionally. Children who have suffered from a trauma whether it was an accident, loss of a loved one, family break-up and a host of other situations should be offered counseling as a way to learn how to deal with the emotions in a healthy way so they don’t turn to these options. Peer pressure is one of the biggest factors seen by the New Jersey drug treatment experts for teens and pre-teens. This is especially true with the opioid crisis where prescription drugs are easy to access and right there in the home where everyone knows about them. Adults should have high-risk medications put away and should monitor the amount so they notice if they are short on pills when they shouldn’t be.

The majority of kids don’t get into drugs or alcohol with the intent of becoming addicted but because they are trying to satisfy their friends or because they are trying to find a way to relieve stress or forget something. Open communication and honest dialogue with your kids can help to alleviate these reasons so that you know what they are going through and how to help them get through it. Some of the signs to look for include dramatic change in moods not explainable by circumstances or health conditions, dramatic decrease in weight or appearance, withdrawal and desire to be alone or keeping actions in secrecy, change in groups they hang out with and leaving long-time friends behind. This is not a complete list and if parents are concerned or want to know more then they need to speak with someone involved at a New Jersey drug treatment facility.

Even when doing the things suggested above there is still no guarantee that your child will not struggle with addiction in some form or manner. When this happens, don’t deny it but rather get them help as soon as possible in a qualified New Jersey drug treatment program with a known reputation for working with kids in this age group and that offers a variety of rehab options.

If you want to get outpatient alcohol treatment for your loved one, then the author of the article recommends CNT.