Discovering that your child has fallen into the grip of substance abuse can be a profoundly devastating experience for any parent. Whether you receive a distressing call from the school, informing you that your teenager has been caught using drugs or alcohol, or you stumble upon this unsettling truth through a concerned acquaintance, the impact is overwhelming. In these trying moments, it becomes imperative to navigate this predicament with utmost care, as your response can truly make all the difference in the world.
The undeniable reality is that teenagers and substance abuse often go hand in hand, emphasizing the criticality of early intervention and rehabilitation. Recognizing the warning signs of substance abuse in its infancy is of utmost importance, as it allows for swift action and getting your teenager the necessary help as soon as possible.
The Rising Prevalence Of Substance Abuse Among Teenagers
The prevalence of substance abuse among teenagers is far more widespread than commonly believed. Startling statistics and research indicate that approximately 21% of sixth graders have already experimented with alcohol, yet only 5% of parents are aware of this fact. Similarly, over 65% of twelfth graders have consumed alcohol, but a mere 41% of parents are cognizant of their children’s alcohol consumption. These concerning figures shed light on the urgent need to address drug use, particularly alcohol, among teenagers and young adults.
So why has substance abuse become so common among teenagers? (2) According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, this can be attributed to a variety of factors, including.
- Students not being prepared for school and feel that they are lagging
- Uncontrolled or unaddressed aggression within them
- Feelings of insecurity and inability to cope with the changes in life
- Parent’s divorce
- Relocating to a new neighborhood or changing schools
Keep in mind that as a teenager, your child is going through a transition in development. He is vulnerable, which is why the risk of substance abuse increases manifold. Luckily, early intervention and rehab can deal with most of these issues and play a vital role in preventing addiction and its related consequences.
Why Early Intervention Is Mandatory For Teenagers With Substance Abuse
Early intervention is not just crucial but mandatory for teenagers grappling with substance abuse. Studies have revealed that alcohol, marijuana, and other drug experimentation can quickly escalate into addiction within a span of three years. Consequently, if a teenager begins experimenting with substances at the age of 13, there is a high probability of developing an addiction by the time they reach 16. Research has consistently demonstrated that the chances of recovery increase significantly when substance abuse is halted at a younger age. This underscores the importance of swift action from parents, caregivers, and educators who must remain vigilant to detect warning signs and ensure the teenager receives appropriate treatment.
The treatment should begin right from the first time that the teenager is found using a substance. This will ensure that he can reach one year of abstinence soon enough, which is a crucial milestone in the process of recovery. (3)
This milestone actually increases the long-term chances of recovery, thereby creating a brighter future for the teenager and giving them a chance to lead a healthy and productive life. Indeed, early intervention among teenagers is beneficial in more ways than one.
Here’s why.
- Intervening timely can ensure that your teenager gets the help he needs while he is not fully engulfed in the world of substance abuse and still has some contact with a healthy environment and influences.
- By providing the teenager with help at the early stage, you can alter his life trajectory for the better before he completely loses control over himself.
- Ensuring that the teenager gets help early can play a role in minimizing the long-term physical effects of substance abuse
- By catching onto the problem early on, family members can get enough time to reflect on their own unhealthy behavior, which might be working as a trigger for the teenager.
- The teenager gets enough time to focus on his life and steer it in the right direction if he gets help during his early days of addiction.
What Kind Of Intervention Can You Provide To Teenagers With Substance Abuse?
Typically, intervention tends to conjure up disturbing images in people’s minds wherein parents and friends are seen as interrogators by the teenager, and he feels he will be ganged up on. And, of course, this can be blamed on social media, which seems to have sensationalized intervention programs quite a bit. Perhaps this is why so many teenagers are reluctant to get the help they need.
Remember, a teenager will need help and support from everyone around him to move past his substance abuse. And early intervention can play a crucial role in this.
One option is to provide him with a formal intervention wherein the script is prepared beforehand, and the group practices it beforehand to keep distractions at bay. Don’t forget to express your concern during this period. The teenager shouldn’t feel like he is being cornered and instead should get the impression that you genuinely want to help him get past this phase.
You can also seek professional assistance during early intervention by getting the teenager to talk to an addiction specialist. Always ensure that the intervention group isn’t too large, which will make him feel he is outnumbered. You have to keep the discussion logical and non-defensive.
Provide Teenagers With Substance Abuse Timely Help!
Substance abuse is a serious problem that affects millions of teens and their families every year. However, with the right treatment plan and support, recovery is possible. (4) Family involvement is a critical component of successful substance abuse treatment for teens.
It can be challenging for families to get involved, but research has shown that it leads to better outcomes for the teen’s recovery journey. When families are present, supportive, and involved in their teen’s substance abuse treatment plan, they can significantly increase their chances of long-term sobriety.
If you find yourself unequipped to handle the challenges of substance abuse on your own, seeking professional assistance is a viable option. Akasha Recovery is dedicated to providing the help and support necessary for your loved one to overcome substance abuse and embark on a path toward a brighter future. Remember, substance abuse necessitates professional help, but with your guidance, support, patience, empathy, and the right professionals, you can assist your teenager in overcoming their addiction and paving the way for a healthier and more promising future.