A Parent’s Guide to Drug Abuse

Familiarizing Yourself with Addiction

Young adults and teens are susceptible to drug abuse and becoming addicted. Starting with early intercession by family, parents, and educators is of the utmost importance. Nonetheless, too many parents become confused when they find out that their children are using drugs and have no idea how to deal with teenage drug use. Surely there are so many of us that wish there was one specific parents guide to drug abuse, but unfortunately, every child and circumstance is different. Nonetheless, knowing the general important information you need, will help you through this painful struggle.

Usually, the reasons your teen is becoming a drug user is noticeable and fairly common. This will give you a chance to avert the devastating effects of drug abuse by using preventative measures. Numerous teens and young adults begin drug usage to fit in. Drug use may seem like a convenient way to combat social loneliness. Fortunately, there is countless information and treatment plans out there for parents to learn how to deal with teenage drug use. You must do the research and figure out the best plan for your child. Keeping in mind that time is of the essence.

What to do When Your Teen is Using Drugs

Teenage drug addiction is not uncommon in this day and age. One measure of attack can be talking with your child about drugs before they become teenagers. Children that are aware that their parents disapprove of drugs are more likely to not turn to drug usage. Do not leave your prescription drugs anywhere that can be accessed by your child. Live by example, children tend to emulate their parents.

If your cautionary attempts and attention don’t work, and your child does become addicted to drugs, you must get your kid proper treatment as soon as possible. According to one survey, about two million children ranging in age twelve to seventeen do abuse drugs. Sadly, only about one hundred and fifty thousand of them actually receive the treatment they need, which can cause your child to suffer serious effects if not properly assessed by a psychiatrist or relevant expert. As parents we don’t get a manual on how to raise our children when they are born, nor do we get a parents guide to drug abuse, leaving us vulnerable in so many facets of our children’s lives.

Since there are no specific parents guide to drug abuse and knowing exactly what to do, being proactive can be your best weapon.  Recognizing addiction is exceptionally easy and this can be done with the least attention. Though some parents consider these signs as a typical part of puberty, we are inclined to ignore these signs. However, here are some signs to look for in your children that you should believe to be red flags:

• Decline in Academic performance, sudden drop in grades
• Skipping school
• Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Often tired, seem depressed, or get angry for no apparent reason
• Deteriorating relationships with family and friends
• Secretive
• Changes to a different group of friends
• Differences in eating and sleeping habits
• Lacking in care for personal hygiene
• Finding drug paraphernalia in their room or personal belongings

What to do when Your Child is Using Drugs

Teenage drug addiction is a serious problem, and the sooner it is addressed, the sooner you can get your child the treatment they need. It may not be easy, but as we all know, teenagers and young adults are not easy in general. As parents, we need to take charge of the situation and try to ensure they get the help they need so they can go on to be healthy, happy sober adults, in charge of their own lives.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.