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.

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.

While providing a comprehensive scholastic curriculum, the focus of the therapeutic boarding high schools is on healing and correcting emotional behaviors. However, while previous poor scholastic performance is not a deterrent to admissions, students are strongly encouraged to possess a basic functionality in a classroom setting and a desire to accomplish the tasks presented. Because of the specialized environment, most therapeutic schools operate on a year-round basis with rolling admissions to best accommodate the needs of new and continuing students.

Therapeutic boarding schools are located across the country in a variety of urban and rural settings, including Utah, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Arizona, and Oregon. However, as with any search to do with a child’s education, nothing replaces either an informed telephone call or in-person meeting when deciding if the needs of one’s child match what a particular therapeutic boarding school has to offer. Most reputable schools will have a website with a basic overview of the programs and curriculum the school offers.

The Aspen Education group is an excellent resource in beginning one’s search. The Aspen Education group’s website has access and information about numerous facilities in different geographical locations, providing a quick and efficient way to familiarize oneself with available options. Their webpage is http://www.aspeneducation.com/Res-schools.html.

Additionally, NATSAP, or the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, offer an excellent overview of the current state of therapeutic boarding schools, and have a comprehensive page of links and referrals, not only to schools themselves, but also to support groups and research centers. To take full advantage of NATSAP’s resources, one should be a member of the organization. Visit their website http://www.natsap.org/ for more details on how to join.

As with any major life decision, finding and choosing the appropriate therapeutic boarding school for one’s child is a decision that should be handled with care. Ultimately, one’s child will benefit from the specialized therapeutic healing, and become a better student and a happier person.

As with other aspects of their lives, teens can be adept at hiding their use of or relationships with drugs, and often it is the outwardly well-behaved teens whose struggles with illegal, recreational drugs go unnoticed.

In recent years, more emphasis has begun to be placed on the use of pharmaceuticals by teens who obtains medications meant for relatives or even other teens, and use these drugs for recreational purposes. Valium and adderoll are two medications which offer teens recreational enjoyment.

Although there is a perception among adults that many teens view drugs and the drug subculture as “cool,” more and more young adults are becoming aware if the risks drugs pose to their health and their plans for their futures. It is not until later on, most likely during college, that most teens finally have the desire and opportunity to really investigate what have most likely been latent interests up to this point.

Parents can play a role on their children’s attitudes towards teens and drug use. By enabling their kids to feel comfortable discussing their experiences and encounters with drug subcultures, parents make it more likely that their teen will open up to them about their desires to explore drug culture. This then gives parents the opportunity to counter their teen’s perceptions and create an open, nonjudgmental atmosphere – an excellent way to be sure they stay in the loop as regards their children and their children’s issues with alcohol and drugs in teens.

Because teens do not have the same life experience as older individuals, they can make harmful choices when they decide to involve themselves in the use of drugs. While they may not realize the harm that can come from experimenting with drugs, they often need someone to reach out to them and explain, in an understanding and non-judgmental way, why using drugs irresponsibly can have an impact on the life they want to lead as they grow up and grow older.

How does a specialty boarding school differ from traditional boarding high schools?

Whereas traditional private boarding schools might focus exclusively on academics, specialty boarding schools in the USA address the whole student. College preparatory classes are combined with behavior modification programs, character-building courses, and individual or group therapy. Students learn to contribute positively to their community and to direct their energies toward personal growth.

Are most specialty boarding schools the same?

Behavior modification schools vary widely. Parents should consider a wide variety of schools and, if possible, involve their teen in the selection process. Examples of how schools differ include: being single-sex versus co-ed; using military-style discipline versus having a more permissive environment; and emphasizing religious versus secular values. Families should also consider the distance between the school and the student’s home. Family therapy conducted at the school will require frequent commutes.

Do students receive individualized programs?

Students are assessed in-depth at the time of admission. Each student is assigned a multidisciplinary team of specialists who determine a unique treatment plan.

Why are family’s part of student therapy?

Specialty boarding schools recognize that students misbehave within certain environments. Thus, it is important to improve the family environment while the student works on personal development. The student’s therapy generally involves weekly sessions with the family and a psychologist. As parent-student relationships improve, students may be granted telephone time with their families or passes to spend weekends at home.

How much do specialty boarding schools cost?

Boarding schools are expensive when compared with free public schools and even exclusive private schools. Tuition, housing, meals, and therapy typically cost between $2000 and $6000 per month. Scholarships are rarely available, but parents can obtain educational loans through organizations such as PrepGATE and SalleMae.

Though any persistent negative teen behavior is cause for worry, some of the most overt symptoms of depression in teens are:

Persistent sadness or persistent anger

While most depressed adults exhibit signs of sadness, some depressed teens may show more irritability, anger and hostility. Perhaps fueled by hormonal changes or the inexperience in how to handle strong emotions, teens may act out their depression by yelling, screaming, and actually becoming violent toward others. If this behavior is occasional, it’s probably normal; however, if it persists, it’s one of the leading signs of depression.

Physical complaints

While a lot of depressed adults may complain of stress or tiredness, depressed teens tend to complain of actual aches and pains, such as stomachaches or headaches.

Change in sleep patterns

Though teens often overtax themselves and need their required 9 hours of sleep, watch for excessive need for sleep, or a decreased need in sleep. Lack of sleep can increase depression.

Change in peers, amount of peer contact, or activities

 This symptom can be tricky. For example, while depressed adults often isolate themselves from others, depressed teens may withdraw from most peers, but maintain contact with one or two. Or, a teen may withdraw from one circle of old friends and begin to associate with an entirely new circle.

Agitation and restlessness

 Though all teens exhibit signs of restlessness at times, it’s important to note if the restlessness or agitation is ongoing and interfering with normal schedules and the ability to concentrate.

Weight gain or loss

A lot of depressed people will either increase or decrease their eating. Though teens may want to be thin and often diet, lethargy with weight loss or gain should be noted.

Change in appearance

Since most teens are very concerned about their appearance, when a teen no longer cares how they look, it may be a sign of depression.

Depression/Self-Esteem

The teenage years are filled with highs and lows in terms of hormones. Not to mention that teenagers are trying to figure out who they are and what they believe. Low self-esteem is a very common teenage problem, especially for those who feel they don’t fit in with their peers. Some teens feel a lot of pressure to be popular, but instead they feel isolated and rejected. Other teenagers are severely depressed. Many go undiagnosed, while countless others are on anti-depression medications.

Eating Disorders

Some teenage girls develop issues with their weight. With all the pressure to be thin from the media as well as peers, some teenage girls resort to anorexia or bulimia to solve their problems. There are many telltale signs of these teenage problems such as sudden weight loss or gain and a resistance to eat with other family members. These teenage behavior problems should be addressed through therapy before it extends to adulthood.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Many teens turn to drugs and alcohol for fun or as a coping mechanism. They attend parties where drinking and drugs are involved, and they may start using them to be accepted by their peers. Often the situation can spiral out of control if the teen has a family history of drug or alcohol abuse, and especially when the teen comes from an unstable home environment. Drug and alcohol abuse are especially serious teenagers problems if the teens drives while under the influence, potentially endangering his or her life as well as the lives of others.

Sex and Dating

A very common teenager problem is learning to communicate with the other sex. This can be as innocent as learning how to ask someone out on a date, and coping with the nervousness this entails. However, if a teen becomes sexually active, that introduces a whole new set of issues and potential problems. Some teens are not emotionally ready for this experience, and may feel as though they are in love when it is purely lust. Others are not prepared by using proper protection, resulting in STD transmission or an unwanted pregnancy.

If your teen is acting out, showing signs of depression, or otherwise experiencing troubles, you may want to alter some of your parenting strategies you should look into help for parents of teenagers that are struggling. Active parenting, for example, can prevent these troubles from worsening. Make sure you communicate clearly and openly with your teen and offer support whenever possible. Lecturing may make the situation worse; teens are notoriously stubborn and rebellious, and lectures from parents, teachers, or other figures of authority may make these characteristics even stronger. This is not to say that you must let your teen get away with all kinds of behavior; set clear, reasonable rules and consequences of breaking these rules. However, it is not a bad idea to compromise or even explain things from your (the parent’s) point of view. Listen to your teen, and your teen will listen to you. Also try to set aside some time to have fun with your teen! Many teenagers feel like their parents are ignoring them, and thus, they can ignore their parents. It is definitely possible for parents to also be their children’s friends. Let your teen associate you with not only punishments and rules but also fun.

If active parenting methods prove insufficient, outside resources can show you how to help teenagers. Therapists and doctors may help you make some headway in improving your relationship with your teen. Sometimes, a teenager’s problems cannot be handled by improving parent-child relations or social situations alone. If problems are more severe and long-term, talk to your teenager’s doctor or therapist for suggestions and advice.

Although all of the advice and resources listed above can definitely have a beneficial impact on your and your teen’s life, the most important thing is to remember not to jump to any conclusions. Just because your teen is acting quiet and withdrawn, for example, does not mean that he/she is clinically depressed. Talk to your teen before making any rash decisions. A majority of the time, teens and their parents simply do not have open communication, which can lead to more serious problems.

Is my teen at risk?

In short, yes. Every single teen is at risk of teenage drug and alcohol abuse. Drugs are more than just marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy: Your prescription medicine, cough syrup and aerosols can all be abused and cause significant damage to your teen. Some teens are at a heightened level of risk for developing drug and alcohol dependency. For instance, teens who are generally more removed and depressed those with a genetic predisposition to addiction, those who do not fit in and those who have fallen in with a bad crowd are all more likely to develop unhealthy relationships with alcohol and drugs.

What should I do?

You cannot watch over your teen 24 hours a day so you do need to check in on them daily. It might be difficult but unless you talk to your teenage son or daughter you cannot start an open discourse with them about their life. Do not wait for them to come to you because they probably will not.

One important thing parents can do is to become familiar with the types and methods of drug taking that is popular among teens. Also, make sure you are aware of the signs of drug taking (mood swings, heightened secrecy and unexplained money spending, for instance).

If you suspect your child is taking drugs or abusing alcohol, you must talk to your teenager. By avoiding the issue, you are only going to make their problems worse. When you talk to them, you must not let their anger, excuses or avoidance control the conversation. Be calm, be in control and be loving. Do not be accusatory or lose your temper. Tell your teenager that more than anything else, they need to know that you love them but you will not tolerate drug use and alcohol abuse. Take control of the situation and get your teen on the path to recovery finding local, professional help.

Some countries do not have a drinking age.  Although the U.S. and Canada have considered this idea, it has been shot down.  Teens in these countries are just unable to control their consumption.  Other countries, such as Italy and France, have no such laws about teen drinking.  As a result, teens grow up around alcohol, so there is no fascination with it.  Tell any teen that they can’t have something, and they are likely to want it even more.  The same holds true for drinking alcohol.  When given the chance, adolescents take advantage of alcohol, to their own detriment.

Sadly, each year, about 5,000 teens die from underage drinking.  1,900 of these deaths are vehicle related, proving how the impaired judgment that teens experience under the influence, really affects those around them too.  What are some ways that parents can help their teens to avoid alcohol? Some parents, unfortunately, don’t take enough interest in the welfare of their teens.  They leave hard liquor, beer and wine out where it is available to their kids.  This can be easily avoided by installing a liquor cabinet with a good lock system.  This is just one way that parents can do help to keep their teenage prescription drug abuse and drinking alcohol.  There is only one case where teen drinking is actually legal, under parental supervision.  This is often a wise idea, much like the way Italy and France (just examples) have a light view of alcohol, parents can convey this attitude as well.  Make your teens see that alcohol is just another beverage, something to be consumed in moderation.  Hopefully they will learn not to overindulge when consuming alcohol as adults.