Teenage Drug Addiction
Although the drugs of “choice” may change from decade to decade, the problem of teen addiction remains as much a concern now as it did many years ago. A while keeping a child from experimenting with drugs may be a difficult challenge, parents who stay informed about trends in teen drugs use (as well as the signs and symptoms of the behavior) will be the best equipped to keep their children away from drug or in a worse-case scenario, get proper treatment from a drug addiction center.
Why do Teenagers Develop Drug Addictions?
Teenagers tend to develop drug dependencies for reasons different than adults. Among the most common root causes of teenage drug addiction are:
- Self image issues. Young people (especially young girls) often feel uncomfortable in their own bodies. Many will suffer from depression as a result of trying to attain an unrealistic body type portrayed in TV and movies. As a result, some teenagers attempt to numb this pain with the use of alcohol and drugs – and often become addicted as a result.
- Peer pressure. While the impact of peer pressure on teen drug use has been debated for years, there is a large body of evidence that supports the fact that those young people who “hang” with a crowd where drug use is acceptable are more likely to use themselves.
- Family problems. Conflict or instability within the home is often a root cause for teen drug addiction.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Teenage Drug Addiction?
The reasons why teens become dependent on drugs are different than those found in adults so too are the signs and symptoms of their addiction and include:
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Depression
- Moodiness or sudden mood swings
- Secretive behavior
- Long, unexplained absences
Why is Teen Drug Addiction Treatment so Important?
Developmentally speaking, teenagers and adolescents are going an incredibly important time in their lives. The teen years (and on into the early 20’s) are when many of the most crucial physiological internal processes are developing. Drug use impairs this development – creating problems with brain development and reproductive organs (just to name two) that can last for a lifetime.
If there is a young person in your life who is dealing with drug addiction, call and speak to one our counseling professional to get the information and guidance you need.
