What are the Signs of Teenage Drug Abuse?

Most teenagers experience a change in behavior patterns as they go through adolescence.  Mild symptoms of withdrawal from family activities, expressing the need for privacy and wanting to spend all their time with friends is normal teenage conduct.  The key for parents and family members is to continue communication yet respect the teenager’s individuality and privacy.

Very often if a teenager begins using drugs, they will show an immediate change in their attitude, ability to concentrate and level of energy.  Severe mood swings, irritability and particularly uncontrolled anger may be the first warning signs.  If they stop attending school, their grades drop or they join a new group of friends who never visit the house, drugs may be involved.

The physical signs of teenage drug abuse include red or swollen eyes, excessive fatigue, depression or uncontrolled jittering and hyperactivity.  Other evidence may be rolling papers, plastic baggies or prescription drug containers that do not belong to them.  Cigarette smoking and alcohol use may accompany a teenager who is starting to abuse drugs.

How to Help with Teenage Drug Abuse

The best way to help a teenager with potential drug abuse is to correct the problem as soon as possible.  It is not always easy to approach a teenage family member if they seem distant or belligerent but ignoring the problem is the worst solution.  Finding someone outside of the immediate family to use as a buffer may be helpful.  If the teenager feels comfortable talking with an older cousin, a favorite aunt or uncle or a special teacher it may serve as a mediator.  Threats and angry words or actions seldom solve the problem.  If the teenager is willing to recognize the consequences of their behavior, they may be open to counseling or a drug help program.

According to facts gathered by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), almost 25% of fifteen to twenty year old drivers who were killed in a car accident in 2006 had a blood alcohol level of 0.8 or even higher. In fact, this blood alcohol level makes teens drinking and driving eleven times more likely to die. It seems that teens drinking and driving often forget or ignore the most basic of safety rules and exhibit behaviors that are riskier than normal. Consequently, of drivers ages fifteen to twenty who were killed in a car accident in 2006, 77% of them did not have their seat belts fastened.

Sleep deprivation and speed also played a role in the fatality of teens drinking and driving. Seventy-five percent of those killed in a vehicle accident involving alcohol were driving in the early hours of the morning, between 12:00 AM and 3:00 AM, and most were going at speeds significantly higher than those posted. Law enforcement officers find that alcohol impairs the judgment of these inexperienced drivers, causing poor decisions and risk-taking behaviors.

Parents are often surprised to find that beer, rather than hard liquor, is the number one substance consumed by teens drinking and driving. They are not surprised; however, that alcohol related deaths are several times more likely to occur at night and on weekends when teenage social activities are at their height rather than during a normal weekday. This is the reason many cities have enacted curfews during these times, hoping the increased adult supervision during peak drunk driving hours will save lives.

Because teens are just learning the skill of decision making, adults must step in to rehabilitate those teens drinking and driving. This can be done through education, community programs, and laws enacted for protection. Though costly, if these efforts save the life of one teenager, they will have been worth the price.

The answers below address common concerns of families considering therapeutic boarding schools.

Who should attend a boarding school for troubled teens?

The notion of “troubled” is of course subjective and includes a wide range of behaviors and feelings. Some teens are troubled but merely lack discipline and focus. These students are not appropriate candidates for residential treatment centers; they would be better served by traditional military academies and boarding schools. Programs for troubled youth are targeted at those with more severe acting-out behaviors.

Many troubled students enroll in boarding school during their junior year of high school. Their families aim to improve the student’s academic record and emotional preparedness for college in time for the college application process. Many boarding schools offer customized lessons that fill in the gaps in students’ academic transcripts. They also feature extensive college counseling and standardized test preparation assistance.

How are boarding schools for troubled teens different from military schools?

Boarding schools for troubled teens differ from traditional military schools because they include therapeutic components. Thus teens are able to simultaneously improve their grades and outgrow their problem behaviors. Many therapeutic boarding schools even specialize in learning disabilities such as dyslexia and ADHD. Teens with more severe issues such as substance abuse problems and oppositional defiant disorders can also be treated in specialized boarding schools.

How much does boarding school cost?

A Christian boarding school for troubled teens is not cheap: room, board, schooling, and therapy typically form a combined monthly bill of $3500 to $7500. Although this price tag may be staggering, financial aid may be available. Furthermore, considering that residential schools may profoundly impact a troubled teen’s life, they may be well worth the investment.

When seeking treatment for depression teenagers are often left under-addressed by physicians and other clinicians. Parents often miss the initial warning signs of depression which can lead to more serious consequences, such as eating disorders, self-mutilation, and even depression.

Recognizing the signs

Much of the adolescent and teen years are marked with ups and downs, and mood swings as a result of hormonal fluctuations are common, making the diagnosis of depression problematic in this population.

Warning signs of depression in teenagers include a marked drop in grades or attendance at school; dropping out of sports, clubs, or other activities; avoidance of friends and family; excessive sleeping; a significant change in eating habits; frequent bouts of crying or vomiting; obsession with death and dying; and even substance abuse and criminal behavior can all be indications that your teen is suffering from depression.

Lifelong or prolonged depression that extends into the adult years often begins during the adolescent and teen years. Teen girls are almost twice as likely as teen boys to develop depression, and a family history of the condition can significantly increase the risk in both girls and boys.

Getting help

Parents or caregivers are often the ones most qualified to determine if their teen is displaying any of the signs or symptoms of depression. As soon as these symptoms become evident, parents are advised to seek the aid of the child’s pediatrician or primary care physician. Additional resources include school counselors, as well as a host of psychological counseling agencies that may be available privately or through the public health system. In all cases, getting help quickly is the most effective key in helping a teenager deal effectively with depression. Faced with mounting pressure from peers, school, and other activities as they reach the adult years, teens are often left feeling lack of control over their own lives. Guidance by qualified professionals can help teens identify areas in their lives where they can feel in control, and regain a sense of belonging in society during a tumultuous period of their lives.

Temporary Types of Programs for Troubled Teens

Many teenagers have difficulty adjusting to new responsibilities and perceived expectations.  They may turn to drug abuse or become unproductive and fail at school from lack of confidence.  Finding a program that helps renew their self esteem could make the difference.  Getting involved in community service, helping the elderly or handicapped or caring for younger children or animals renews a sense of self worth.  For teenagers with an interest in music or the arts, a program that enhances their talents could change their focus and give them a new goal. Other young people may find comfort in the outdoors and will grow into responsible adulthood after attending wilderness camps.

For young teenagers, spending a week or two at a summer camp may break the pattern of bad behavior.  Maybe just being away from Mom and Dad and other family members will help the teenager mature and gain a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. Summer camps provide plenty of both physical and cultural activities and a chance to interact with other young people.

Long Term Program for Troubled Teens

For teens that seem to be continually falling in the wrong direction, it may be necessary to enroll them in a six month or year long program away from home.  Boarding schools that specialize in helping troubled teens provide a 24 hour method of both supervision and constructive programs.  Some teenagers respond well to military schools or private academies and graduate with goals and career objectives.

Across the U.S. and abroad, a variety programs for troubled teenagers offer parents an opportunity to regroup and restore family harmony.  It may be a difficult decision to enforce a program for a troubled teen, particularly on a long term basis.  But troubled behavior including drug abuse, gang activities and unmanaged anger may ruin the teenager’s chance for a bright future.

When your child enters their teenage years, the most trying times of your parental experience is about to begin. As your child is exposed to a wide variety of different opinions and ideas in middle and high school, and meet new and interesting people, they become more and more apt to challenge authority and begin a period of rebelliousness. If your teen has fallen in with a bad crowd, or has begun experimenting with drugs and/or alcohol, this can be an especially rough time for your family, and the new rebellious streak in your teen might have them doing things contrary to your wishes and flat out refusing to listen to or even obey you. Boot camp for juvenile delinquents will teach your teen to respect authority figures, including you, their parents. The boot camp is often the wakeup call that your teen will need to realize that you have far more experience in life than they, and have had to deal with the same experience of being a teenager as they have. Though you still may differ on life philosophies, they will respect your opinions and listen to your advice after they have been through their first juvenile boot camp.

A boot camp for juvenile offenders will subject your teen to a strict daily regimen of drills, physical and mental exercises, and training that will instill your teenager with respect and an understanding of responsibility. Many teenagers are lacking in these qualities, and with the way American culture has evolved they are required for any modicum of success in this great country. Remember, teenagers are on the cusp of entering the world of adulthood, and if you allow your teen to set out on their own without being properly prepared, then they are almost doomed from the outset.

One important issue to consider is the cause of the incarceration, which is often drug abuse.

Each case is different.  In extreme cases, judges may have to choose between sending a young man to jail or boot camp.  Even though the relapse rate is high (over 90%), it’s far better for most young men and women to attend a mandatory boot camp than having to face the horrors of jail.

The personnel that run the boot camps are of utmost importance; if the men or women in charge aren’t dedicated professionals, the chances of long-term behavioral improvement are not encouraging.

Being outside and undergoing rigorous physical exercise on a regular basis is far preferable for most youngsters compared to sitting in a jail cell with inmates who are dangerous and beyond help.  And boot camps combine the exercise with schooling, which is beneficial.

Boot camps differ dramatically in personnel and goals for the teenage boys and girls who are having serious problems adjusting to adulthood.  The basic concept of uncompromising discipline isn’t perfect, but it’s preferable to sending kids to jail when there is still a chance to turn them into productive citizens.

Boot camps aren’t going to work for all teens.  In some cases, young people will become more opposed to discipline and authority and come out worse than they go in.  But some of them will improve dramatically; when they hook up with a disciplinarian who has their best interests at heart, major progress can be made.

In extreme cases, it’s close to the end of the line.  When a judge has to choose between sending a young man or woman to jail or boot camp, the latter is far preferable in most cases.

Usually it’s the incarcerated youngsters who will determine whether the boot camp is a success or not.  If drugs are the problem, the kids will be off them while they are going through the equivalent of basic training.  It gives them a chance to consider their alternatives.  Some will choose the high road and others will take the low road that leads to an unhappy life at best and prison at worst.

Boot camps may be a last chance, but that’s better than no chance at all.

The local library in your town will offer many teen programs that your child will want to take part in. Many libraries have updated and added to their collection of teen centered books. In the reading area, there is a comfortable sitting area with tables they can study at, computers for games or research for school, and places just to relax. Some libraries will have Wiki tournaments for teens or families, where they will pick a particular sport, such as bowling, for friendly competition. Another great summer programs for teens offered is a reading group that might be centered on a current popular book that they can study.

Another place for programs for teens is at the local Boys and Girls Club. This organization offers wonderful sports opportunities throughout the year and after school where young people can go and vent their energy. There also might be co-ed sports, tournaments, and teams that that he can sign up for. Your church will usually have a youth group of some brand that will have bible studies, trips, and related social gatherings for your teen where he can intermingle with his peers in a religious environment.

During the summer months, check with your local parks and administration department in your town for activities designated for this age group which can range from fishing days to sports. If there is a national park near you, or a state run park, you will be surprised at how many teen related programs that are offered.  A few phone calls or an internet search will net you quite a variety of options to discuss with your teen.

With the variety of programs available for your child, he will have no problem finding ways to enjoy his time that are healthy, interesting, and safe. Using some of the suggestions discussed above, you will have a great start on choosing one that matches his interests.

Booth camps offer teens a fresh start during difficult times.  At camp, they are surrounded by their peers and kept busy with lots of outdoor physical activity.  For teens used to spending the day in front of a computer, hiking, fishing and camping offer new and life-changing experiences.  For some, it’s the first opportunity to discover their true abilities and be the best they can be.  They feel empowered.

Teen booth camps uphold an orderly day-to-day routine.  Such a schedule promotes disciple when it is most needed.  For teenagers suffering from attention deficit or depression, a predictable schedule brings an element of calm and consistency into their lives and allows them to solve problems in healthy ways while learning better decision-making skills.  In teens boot camp, good decisions are rewards and bad decisions have consequences.

The stay at a boot camp for teens boarding school can vary from one to two months.  During that time, teen engage in wilderness-type activities under the constant supervision of experienced camp counselors.  This new environment allows teens to change old attitudes and behavior.  Boot camp for teens programs positively and vigorously reinforce new attitudes and better choices.

Teen boys and girls have different needs which boot camps must meet to be successful.  All too often, girls look to boys for validation.  Succeeding at the difficult physical demands of foot camp lets them experience pride in themselves, perhaps for the first time in their lives.  This naturally leads to higher self esteem.  These positive feelings can last a lifetime.

Trouble teen boys frequently suffer from excessive physical energy and rampant hormones.  Providing an outlet for these feelings through challenging physical activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, running or rappelling allows teen boys to develop confidence.  They learn to trust new communication skills and master appropriate behavior.  Empowered teens have the confidence to lead their peers.

School is an important part of boot camps teens.  Trouble teens frequently see school as a negative part of their lives.  They view themselves as stupid.  The more confidence they develop, the more likely they are to feel capable of learning.

Teen boot camp can provide teens with the skills needed to face life.

Usually, troubled teens depict negative behavior patterns such as extreme mood swings, volatile temper, loss of interest in regular activities, mysterious attitude and refusal to abide by common rules and regulations. Some teens are also seen to develop a sadistic attitude towards others. They not only dislike being in the company of friends and family, but also try their best to avoid confrontation. Their rebellious and defiant attitude towards things not only affects their grades negatively but also leads them into following bad habits such as smoking and drinking. While some teen aged kids come across eating disorders, others may have to deal with issues such as drug abuse and serious depression.

In order to solve the problems of such teenagers, parents are required to make extra efforts to understand the whole situation. Instead of blaming their kids for their negative attitude, they should approach them with friendliness. Most of the times, the parents are willing to help their children out, but they are not well-equipped to do so. Fortunately, multiple parent training programs work by teaching parents easy ways to communicate and deal with their growing children. Parents should realize that they were teenagers too at some point in time, an attitude that will help them think from their kids’ perspective. The teenagers can take well to parental advice only when they realize that their parents are looking at things from their point of view.

Sometimes the environment around the teenagers drives them to abnormal behavior. Domestic issues such as abusive relationships or financial troubles make matters worse in this case. To prevent their kids from the troubles of teenage, the parents with troubled teens should try to give them a safe and secure home atmosphere, which is free from all kinds of discord. If parents learn the importance of inculcating values upon their children while inspiring them to explore new horizons in life, they can easily form an understanding relationship with their kids. It should be remembered that youngsters learn what they live, so it is essential that good examples be set in front of them.

There is always help for parents of troubled teens so you should never give up. It could be just as hard for the parent to admit that their child has problems as it is for the child to admit it. Help for parents with troubled teens is everywhere so if you need it please don’t wait.