Substance abuse amongst teens is on the rise. One in seven adolescents aged 10-19 will experience a mental health disorder, including substance abuse. 15% of high school students have reported using illicit or injection drugs. Along with this, 14% of students have reported abusing prescription opioids. These risky behaviors can pave the way for students to endanger themselves or others even further. Teen substance abuse is a rising epidemic that must be addressed to protect the most vulnerable population of growing minds.
What Causes Substance Abuse?
There are many different risk factors that play into the development of substance abuse. In some cases, the condition is genetic, but in others it can be environmental. Teens have so many external pressures from peers, parents, and others – and some view substance abuse as a way to cope or disassociate.
Factors that put teens more at risk for substance abuse include:
- Family history of substance abuse
- Lack of parental support
- Family rejection of personal or sexual identity
- Peer pressure to partake
- Lack of community
- Childhood abuse or trauma
- Co-occurring mental health conditions
This is not an exhaustive list, but they are the most common risks associated with teen substance abuse. Teens are impressionable, and their developing minds are susceptible and can be influenced by others to use drugs or alcohol.
Recognizing Signs of Substance Abuse in Teens
As a parent, guardian, or mentor – it’s important to be able to recognize signs of substance abuse in teens. One indicator of substance abuse is the sudden onset of behaviors that are extreme and out of the ordinary. Signs of substance abuse in teens may include:
- Extreme mood changes
- Academic issues
- Rapidly changing friend groups
- Being secretive about friends
- Lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Physical or mental changes
Along with all of these signs, finding drugs or alcohol with a teen’s belongings is a direct indicator that they are partaking in the substances. Recognizing signs of substance abuse is crucial for early intervention. Early intervention can save a teen’s life, and stop life-long damage from occurring mentally and physically.
Substance Abuse Treatment for Teens
When the topic of substance abuse and treatment comes up, many teens may be in denial or combative. They may be firm on the belief that they do not have an addiction or problem, but using illegal substances once or twice can spiral out of control quickly. It’s important to approach the conversation of treatment with your teen in an understanding and compassion. Let them know that you love and care for them, and that you only want the best for them. Remember, substance abuse is a mental health condition that can be hard to beat. Having a strong support system behind them will make it easier for a teen to enter recovery and “subscribe” to the program.
At Solution Based Treatment, we offer outpatient mental health treatment programs for teens and adolescents. Our program addresses the root issues that can lead to substance abuse. We pride ourselves on providing care that is compassionate, and sustainable. The Solution Based Treatment team uses medically backed practices that are safe and effective. If you have a teen or adolescent that is in need of mental health care for substance abuse, give the team at Solution Based Treatment a call.
About Solution Based Treatment
Solution Based Treatment is a national leader in detox and rehab programs. We offer inpatient medical detox, substance rehab, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, faith-based recovery, and sober living options. We maintain a 2:1 client to staff ratio to offer the best support possible to our patients within upscale living environments. At Solution Based Treatment, we support better living for brighter futures, all starting with our detox and rehab services. For more information visit our website at solutionbasedtreatment.com or give us a call at (833) 999-1941.