Drug Addiction And Drug Abuse
From LoveToKnow Recovery
Drug addiction and drug abuse issues are becoming quite common among teens. While abuse and addiction are two different problems, both can lead to tragic ends.
About Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse
Drug addiction and drug abuse have been serious problems among teens for many years now. Unfortunately, it seems these problems are becoming more common.
To help prevent abuse and addiction among teens, it is important for parents to learn as much as they can about this essential issue. There are a lot of myths associated with both abuse and addiction.
One of the most common myths is that teens are going to experiment with drugs no matter what. The fact is that teens do listen to their parents. By establishing that drug use is wrong, you have instilled an idea that will serve to influence future decisions.
The second most important thing parents can do is watch for signs of drug abuse and seek the help that their teen needs to become drug-free and healthy.
Detecting Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse
Not every teen who abuses drugs will be open about it with parents and other family members. In some cases, not even the teen's closest friends know that a problem exists. This is why you will have to carefully watch your teen to detect potential drug addiction and drug abuse problems.
You will also want to make sure there is an open line of communication. Bringing up the subject on a regular basis in a casual manner will help both you and your teen to get things out in the open. You need to make sure that your loved one understands the dangers, including the physical risks and social consequences, of drug experimentation.
If you believe there is a serious problem, you can subject your teen to regular drug testing. Popular options for home testing include:
Seeking Treatment
Addiction can cause painful physical and mental withdrawals. In some cases, it may even be dangerous for a teen to quit a drug "cold turkey".
It is important to consider seeking professional treatment for your teen. Your doctor should be able to help you evaluate the different options that are available to you, as well as the benefits and drawbacks to each. You can also find information about different treatment options online.
Methods of treatment worth considering include:
- Addiction Counseling
- Addiction Support Groups
- Addiction Treatment Centers
- Drug Detox
- Drug Rehab Programs
Additional Resources
- Books: There are literally thousands of books that have been written on the subjects of drug addiction and drug abuse. Many of these books are written specifically for parents and/or teens.
- LoveToKnow: You can find many articles about addiction and recovery right here on LoveToKnow Recovery. The site is constantly being updated with free, quality information that will help you learn more about your desired topic.
- Other Sites Online: There are many other sites around the web dedicated to the issue of teen drug addiction and drug abuse. Some sites worth checking out include, www.nida.nih.gov, teendrugabuse.us, www.teen-drug-abuse.org.
- Guidance Counselors: Your teen's guidance counselor may also be able to assist you in your quest to keep your teen off drugs. Guidance counselor's often have access to a wealth of information. They also have first-hand experience with the situation and may be able to give you advice on talking to your teen.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 2,345 times. This page was last modified 13:28, 9 February 2007.
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