The Talk – Drugs & Your Teen

When it comes to drugs and alcohol, the parent/child discussion is not one to be taken lightly. Rather, the “talk” should serve as an opportunity to create and support ongoing dialogue between both parties to ensure enhanced communication, trust and respect. In this entry, we will discuss some tips and tricks to utilize when confronting the topic.

Instructions

1 – Clarity is key. Make certain that your child understands the importance of the discussion at hand, and that they, under no circumstance, are permitted to use drugs or alcohol. Avoid leaving any room for misinterpretation. Teenagers are crafty devils…

2 – Revisit the discussion regularly. Talk about the dangers associated with alcohol and drug abuse at the dinner table, during family outings, and whenever else the opportunity presents itself. Avoid forcing the topic, with an emphasis on casual conversation. Nobody likes to be bombarded with unwarranted lecture.

3 – Listen! Ask questions, and encourage the same. Paraphrase the ideas that your teen conveys to you, and follow up on topics that may pose more serious issues. The more available you make yourself, the more comfortable your child will be discussing these topics in an honest and proactive manner.

4 – Be honest! Many parents who have dabbled with drugs and alcohol in the past attempt to hide their indiscretions. In doing so, they risk diminished credibility in the eyes of their children if and when the truth comes out.

5 – Do NOT react to your child with anger or hostility. If your teen provides information that challenges or upsets you, it’s in your best interest to keep calm. Yelling or punishment will only serve to hinder further discussion. Use the opportunity instead to connect with your teen in a positive and supportive manner. 

Behind Teens & Drug Use

Teenage drug use is perhaps one of the most serious issues facing our great nation. While pot is the most common substance among this demographic, it is far from the problem that cocaine, meth and heroin can be. In order to grab hold of this issue, we must first study the reasoning behind it.

Identify

Obviously, there is no one answer to explain teenage drug use. However, several common traits are often shared between these adolescents. Curiosity is an easy one. Children and teens are curious individuals by nature, and tend to push boundaries more than individuals in their 20s and 30s. The more often teens are subjected to stories about the effects of these substances, the more intrigued they become.

Peer pressure is yet another reason many teens opt to experiment. Though many scoff at the mere notion of peer pressure, it is important to note that this factor does not necessarily come from a group of friends actively pressuring someone to experiment. More often than not, this “pressure” is felt passively via the desire to “fit in” and be part of the crowd.

History

A look back into a teenager’s personal history may provide insight as to where they began looking for escape. Many studies have pointed to abuse or neglect as reasons for early adolescent experimentation. The pain caused by these factors will often create a void… one that can easily be filled by drugs and alcohol.

Need Help?

If you know a teen struggling with substance abuse, our Los Angeles drug rehab center is available to help.  Give us a call today, and let us help your teen back on track towards the happy, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle they deserve. Call now!

Would Your Teen Use Heroin ?

If you think your teen would never touch heroin, think again. A recent SAMHSA study found that an alarming 40 percent of teens don’t perceive any great risk in trying heroin once or twice, and almost 19 percent of teens don’t perceive any great risk in trying heroin once or twice a week. Unfortunately, heroin is a highly addictive drug that can quickly produce physical dependence and whose strength varies from dose to dose, leaving users vulnerable to overdose each time they use it. If your teen is using heroin, it’s important to recognize the problem and seek treatment right away. 

Drug abuse destroys lives. For adolescents, this destruction can be even more severe and far-reaching. Studies show that people who become chemically dependent at an early age are more at risk for developing addictions that are very resistant to treatment and have a higher likelihood of developing other substance abuse problems and relapsing later in life. Heroin rehab can save your teen from a lifelong battle with addiction.

As you enter into your heroin treatment, your inner dynamics begin to change. It may not seem like it, but even during your detox period, you have started your self-transformation. No longer are you focusing on doing whatever it takes to obtain and use heroin. Now, you are focusing on the future, one which is sober. To explain this better, it is important to consider the types of treatments you will go through.

One of the best programs for breaking a heroin addiction is the 12 step addiction recovery treatment program.  It provides a structured program to reprogram your inner self to resist heroin and the need for it.  You can find a 12 step program rehab center in Los Angeles CA by contacting Above It All Treatment Facility.  We are here to help you with the finest staff in the Los Angeles area.  Let us help you break your addiction.