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Guardian Recovery Adolescent can help your teen take control of their lives, putting them on a path to a brighter future filled with possibility.
Initiating a Non-Judgmental Conversation
Talking to your teen about drug use can be tough, but it’s important to create a safe and non-judgmental environment. One helpful way to approach this is through motivational interviewing. This method focuses on really listening to your teen and showing understanding. It encourages them to think about why they might want to change without feeling pushed or judged.3 Instead of coming at the conversation with accusations or punishments, motivational interviewing allows you to guide your teen to reflect on their behavior and consider the impact of their choices. It helps them feel heard and supported rather than defensive. By asking open-ended questions and validating their feelings, you create a space where they are likelier to open up and be honest.3 Example of a Non-Judgmental Conversation:- Parent: “Hey, I’ve noticed you seem a bit off lately, and I found some things in your room that worry me. Can we talk about it?”
- Teen: “I don’t want to talk about it.”
- Parent: “I understand this is hard, and I’m not here to judge you. I just want to know what you’re going through and how I can help.”
- Teen: “You wouldn’t get it.”
- Parent: “You’re right—I might not fully understand. But I really want to. Can you tell me how you’re feeling or what’s going on in your life? There’s no pressure to fix anything; I’m just here to listen.”
Understanding Your Teen’s Drug Use
To help your teen, it’s important first to understand why they might be using substances. Many teens experiment with alcohol or drugs out of curiosity, peer pressure, or to escape feelings like stress or sadness. In fact, substance use and mental health disorders often go hand in hand. So there may be other factors driving their substance use that need to be addressed. And sometimes, they might not even realize the impact of these choices on their lives. By listening and learning about their experiences, you can better understand what they’re going through. This insight will help you connect with them and guide you in finding the right support for them. Open communication is key to helping your teen navigate this journey.Common Substances & Their Effects
Here’s a quick look at some common substances teens might use and how they can affect them:4- Alcohol
- Alcohol can make them feel relaxed at first, but it can lead to poor judgment, accidents, and long-term health problems.
- Marijuana
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- Marijuana is often used to relax or escape problems, but it can affect memory, motivation, and coordination.
- Cigarettes and Vaping
- Many think vaping is just a habit, but it can lead to addiction and serious health issues, like lung disease.
- Prescription Medications
- Some teens misuse painkillers or ADHD meds to get high or focus, but this can be very dangerous and lead to overdose.
- Cocaine
- This drug can create feelings of euphoria, but it’s highly addictive and can cause heart problems and anxiety.
- Ecstasy (MDMA)
- MDMA is often used at parties for energy and to build social connections, but it can lead to dangerous overheating and long-term brain changes.
Exploring Reasons Behind Substance Use
Understanding why teens turn to substances is key to helping them. Research published in the Journal of Substance Abuse shows that many teens use substances to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression.5 Another study found that roughly 50% of teens reported using substances as a way to deal with emotional pain or peer pressure.6 Plus, many teens want to fit in with their friends, which can sometimes lead to peer pressure to use substances as a means to belong to the group. Additionally, some teens might use substances to escape problems at home or the stress of school. By talking openly about these reasons, you can help your teen feel understood and support them in finding better ways to cope.6Evaluating the Extent of the Problem
To help your teen, it’s important to understand how serious their substance use might be. To do so, start with careful observation to note changes in: their actions, success at school, friend groups, level of secretiveness, etc. Also, watch for signs like mood swings, low energy, or weird smells on their clothes. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that around 20% of teens use drugs or alcohol, so it’s a common problem.7 If you think your teen is using substances, try talking to them about what you’ve noticed. This can help you understand the situation better and decide what to do next. Catching the problem early can help you find the right support for your teen.Differentiating Between Experimentation & Addiction
Understanding the difference between experimentation and addiction is important when it comes to your teen’s substance use. Here’s a simple breakdown:Experimentation:
- Curiosity: Teens may try drugs or alcohol out of curiosity or to fit in with friends.
- Occasional Use: They might use substances only a few times or at parties.
- Control: They can stop using when they want to and don’t feel a strong urge to use more.
- No Major Problems: Their schoolwork, friendships, and family life usually stay on track.
Addiction:
- Compulsive Use: Teens feel like they need to use substances often and can’t stop, even if they want to.
- Increased Tolerance: They need more substances to feel the same effects.
- Negative Consequences: Their grades drop, friendships change, and they may get into trouble at home or school.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: They may feel sick or anxious when not using the substance.
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Implementing a Family Action Plan
Creating a family action plan is a great way to support your teen and tackle substance use together. Start by having an open family meeting where everyone can share their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Set clear goals, like how to improve communication and reduce substance use at home.
Make a list of steps everyone can take, such as checking in with each other regularly, finding healthy activities to do together, and reaching out for professional help if needed. By working together as a family, you can create a supportive environment that encourages your teen to make better choices and feel loved.
Mental Health Concerns & Dual Diagnosis
Sometimes, teens who struggle with substance use may also have mental health issues, like anxiety or depression. This situation is called dual diagnosis. It’s important to understand that these problems can affect each other. That is, substance use might make mental health issues worse, and mental health problems can lead to using substances as a way to cope.
If you notice your teen showing signs of either substance use or mental health concerns, it’s crucial to seek help from a professional. Getting support for both their mental health and substance use can lead to a better chance of recovery.
As adolescent specialists, Guardian Recovery offers comprehensive and holistic care for substance use and mental health disorders. Our dual diagnosis care empowers teens to identify and address underlying issues that lead to emotional and behavioral concerns. Plus, our academic programming and family involvement ensure both teens and families are set up for long-term success.
At-Home Interventions vs. Professional Help
When it comes to helping your teen with substance use, you have two main options: at-home interventions and professional help. Here’s a simple comparison to help you understand the differences:
| Aspect | At-Home Interventions | Professional Help |
| Setting | Home environment | Clinic, therapist’s office, rehab center, online |
| Who is involved | Family members and close friends | Trained professionals, e.g., doctors or counselors |
| Approach | Open conversations and support | Structured programs, therapy, and medical care |
| Cost | Usually low or no cost | Costs vary according to levels of care |
| Flexibility | Can be adjusted to fit family needs | Follows a specific treatment plan, but multiple care options are available |
| Support | Family support and understanding | Expert guidance and evidence-based methods |
Both options can be helpful, depending on your teen’s needs. At-home interventions can be a good start, while professional help may be necessary for more serious situations.
Guardian Recovery offers a full continuum of care, from detox and inpatient treatment to outpatient programs, virtual treatment, and aftercare solutions. The best way to determine if it’s time to seek professional help is to reach out to us today. Treatment advisors can answer your questions, discuss treatment options, and offer an initial assessment to help you determine if treatment might be right for your teen. They can also perform a detailed insurance verification to help you understand what’s covered by your insurance and/or to determine what you’ll pay if you don’t use insurance. The call is free and confidential, and you’re under no obligation to enter treatment with Guardian Recovery.
Long-Term Recovery & Relapse Prevention
Long-term recovery from substance use means staying healthy and making positive choices over time. It’s not just about stopping drugs but building a better life. This includes finding support from family and friends, joining support groups, and learning new skills to handle stress and triggers.
Relapse prevention is important because it helps your teen identify situations or feelings that might lead them back to using substances. By creating a plan to avoid these triggers and developing coping strategies, your teen can stay on track and maintain their recovery for the long haul.
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Contact Us to Learn More About Addiction Recovery
Is your teen struggling with mental health issues, behavioral concerns, or substance use? Are they exhibiting problem behaviors such as disinterest, isolation, hostility, etc.?
You and your teen are not alone. At Guardian Recovery, we understand your challenges and are committed to providing a safe and supportive treatment plan that provides whole-person healing. We work closely with parents and guardians to help teens overcome current obstacles and empower them to develop the skills necessary to thrive well into the future. Integrating academics and family involvement every step of the way, we empower your teen and your family to step into a bright new future.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact our experienced treatment advisors, who can answer your questions, discuss treatment options, and verify your insurance. Additionally, staff can offer an initial assessment to determine if treatment might be beneficial and, if so, which level of care may be most suited for your teen. The call is free and confidential, and you’re not obligated to enter treatment with us.
Healing is possible. We can help.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. (2024). Drug Use Among Youth: Facts and Statistics.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Prescription Opioid Misuse and Use of Alcohol and Other Substances Among High School Students — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States.
- Rubak S, Sandbaek A, Lauritzen T, Christensen B. Motivational interviewing: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Gen Pract. 2005 Apr;55(513):305-12. PMID: 15826439; PMCID: PMC1463134.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Most reported substance use among adolescents held steady in 2022.
- McCauley Ohannessian C. Anxiety and substance use during adolescence. Subst Abus. 2014;35(4):418-25. doi: 10.1080/08897077.2014.953663. PMID: 25148293; PMCID: PMC4267890.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Characteristics of Alcohol, Marijuana, and Other Drug Use Among Persons Aged 13–18 Years Being Assessed for Substance Use Disorder Treatment.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023).Reported drug use among adolescents continued to hold below pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
