Many parents worry when it’s time for their children to enter high school because they are fearful that this is a time of life when kids might begin to experiment with alcohol or drugs. There are many reasons why teenagers try drugs or alcohol; some of these can include boredom, curiosity, depression, and anxiety. However, one of the main factors is peer pressure.
Teenagers will want to fit in with their peers, many fearing that they will be left out or made fun of if they do not go along with the crowd. When it comes to teenage drug and alcohol use, peer pressure plays an important role.
Many teenagers are first introduced to the idea of drugs or alcohol by their friends and many will not want to say no, particularly when they are in their early teens. As individuals get older, they tend to be more likely to stand up for themselves and be unwilling to bow down to peer pressure but, unfortunately, for some individuals, it can be too late, as they will have already developed an addiction at that stage.
What To Do if You Think your Teenager has an Addiction
If your child is about to go to high school, then it makes sense to speak to them about the dangers of drugs. Make sure your child is aware that they do not have to bow down to peer pressure and that he or she can always talk to you about their fears. Speaking to your child will not guarantee that he or she will not dabble in drugs, so it pays to be on the lookout for signs of drug or alcohol use as well.
If you do suspect that your teenager has a problem with alcohol or drugs, the first and most important thing to do is to speak to him or her about it. No matter how upset or distressed you are at the thoughts of your teenager having a substance abuse problem, you should make every effort to be non-judgemental and understanding. It is vital that you take the time to listen to what your teenager says and do not get angry no matter how much you want to. Lecturing and placing blame may cause your teenager to clam up and refuse to interact with you.
It is important to establish whether your teenager has merely experimented with drugs and or alcohol, of if he or she has a problem with a particular substance. Listen to what he or she has to say and, if you need help, contact an addiction service such as Rehab Helper. The expert advisors at Rehab Helper will be able to confirm your suspicions or put your mind at rest.
If addiction does seem to be a problem, Rehab Helper’s counsellors can assess the situation and refer your teenager to an appropriate treatment provider. This may be a private or public organisation, depending on individual circumstances.
Take Immediate Action
Addiction is a serious issue no matter what age a person is, but it is vital that parents deal with teenage addiction as soon as possible. Private inpatient treatment is usually the course of action recommended for teenage addiction as it includes supervised treatment. There will also be a series of counselling sessions to help establish the cause of the addiction so that your teenager can address these issues.
It is important to note that although peer pressure can have a negative impact on addiction issues it can also be used in a positive way for recovery. Becoming part of a group that supports recovery will help your teenager make a positive change. Contact Rehab Helper today for information on treatments available and how to access them.
