Drug addiction is a severe problem. Drug abuse adversely affects the mental capabilities of a teen. It gets even more painful when a teenager is involved. In the long run, drug addiction has a detrimental effect on your teen’s health.
There is a slight difference between substance abuse and drug addiction. Abuse is using a drug in the wrong way, leading to addiction. Using a drug a few times doesn’t necessarily lead to addiction.
Ways of Helping your Teen Quit Drugs
If your teen is using drugs and alcohol over a long period, they won’t be able to stop its use without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
It is essential to understand the situation thoroughly before suggesting any possible solution. Teenage is a vulnerable age. In adolescence, the body undergoes physical changes that affect the teen emotionally and mentally.
It is said that the brain is not fully developed until the 20s. Any form of addiction at this tender age can leave a scar on your teen.
At this time, you must take action and help your teen recover from drug addiction before something severe occurs where they suffer for the rest of their lives.
On the other hand, it is understandable that you can’t do everything yourself. As a parent, you aren’t invincible, and you’ll need help helping your teen quit drugs.
So, if you see your teen going through a rough patch and falling into drug addiction, immediately get help from professionals or have them join a rehabilitation center.
A rehabilitation center provides the right environment to help your teen overcome unwanted cravings. With that said, here are some strategies you should adopt to let your teen change this bad habit:
1. Talk to Your Teen
The topic of drug addiction is highly delicate among teenagers. Likely, your teen doesn’t want to open up about it.
As a parent, you should not start a blame game when you come to know about your teen’s indulging habit. Don’t strike a conversation with them when they don’t want to share anything.
Teenagers who fall into drug addiction are already in a fragile state of mind. If you judge them and offer unsolicited advice, it will trigger a sense of rebellion, and they might get into self-hurt.
Don’t put your teen in an uncomfortable position. If you tell your teen that they committed a grave offence, they will feel rebellious and demotivated to quit drugs.
2. Do Your Homework
Get to know about the different kinds of drugs and their adverse effects. If you use scare tactics and say that marijuana kills people, it will not deter your teen.
To stop your kid from taking drugs, become more knowledgeable—research how it can affect your teen’s health in the long run. There are different consequences of substance abuse that you should know of.
Be clear about the outcome of each drug. Teenagers are intelligent people, and they know the amount of harm a particular drug can have on them. Talk in their language. Show your kid that he can’t dupe you as you are well aware of the long-term effects.
3. Create a Strong Support System
Teenagers can become emotionally and psychologically drained when quitting drugs. Your teen needs you the most during these pressing times. As a parent, you must provide a friendly environment for your kid where they feel safe.
When your teen knows they can seek the support of their parents at any time, they would be more willing to quit the habit. It is crucial that the family acts as a support system and helps the teen wherever they falter. Find a common activity that strengthens family ties and brings everyone together.
4. Beware of Your Teen’s Company
To help your teen quit drugs, you should look at the kind of friends they have. A lot depends on the company they choose. If your teen has friends who present a cool image of smoking, they likely start copying and get addicted.
This glamourous image of using substance abuse can lure your teen into using drugs. Politely ask your teen to distance themselves from friends who smoke weed or use any illegal substance use.
Keep a lookout for any withdrawal signs. Stay in touch with their friends and ask them to encourage your teen to quit drugs rather than luring them into it.
5. Get Your Teen Registered in a Rehab Centre
Taking professional help is the best approach to quit drugs. There are bad withdrawal symptoms that you can’t handle at home. Rehab centres, on the other hand, offer professional advice and help.
Different coping strategies allow your teen to forget about drugs. Involving your teenager in various games and other alternate activities helps them stay away from drugs.
Educate your teen about the harmful effects of drugs. Part of the treatment process involves giving information about handling withdrawal symptoms and dealing with the mental and physical changes the body undergoes.
6. Be Easily Approachable for Your Teen
Don’t distance yourself from your teen. Teenage is a vulnerable age and requires a lot of patience and trust from loved ones. Parents who keep themselves aloof and alienated from kids give them an open chance to indulge in bad habits.
Become a close friend and confidante of your teen. Let them open up to you. Teenagers have typical problems and worries, and when you hear them out, most of the frustration is gone.
Your teen might like to discuss everything they’re going through during the treatment process.
Have an open ear and ask your kids to discuss everything with you any time of the day or night. The trust factor is essential in dealing with drug addiction problems.
Remember that the treatment process is not easy, but the more difficult part is to help your teen stay clean and sober once the teen decides to quit drugs.
Final Thoughts
Drug addiction is a severe problem, but you can overcome it through proper care and treatment. Set boundaries, have clear expectations, and become an effective communicator. Have a strong bonding with your teen to encourage them to share everything with you. Deep family ties help the teen recover much faster!