A Teen’s Alcohol Addiction is A Family, Social and Community Affair – Get the Right Help

Listen up parents, your teen is at that age where alcohol consumption will happen at the next party, under the bleachers at schools or in an abandoned house on the way home. The use of alcohol and drug abuse is not only affecting adults, but teens as young as 12 years are starting to experiment.

The reasons vary from higher level of availability, both from their schools, parties or from their “friends” in the popular group. All types of substances are causing teens to become abused or addicted including cocaine, meth, heroin, alcohol and prescription drugs. No question that all by themselves or combined are very dangerous. The consistent use can lead to severe addition and physical dependence without proper treatment – critical. Becoming familiar with the signs of alcohol and drug abuse is crucial, but getting them the best recovery treatment is imperative too.

Teen Alcohol Abuse

Simply, this means that your teen is drinking excessively and recklessly. Similar to drug abuse where the signs are more elevated in nature. The causes again may vary, but the physical signs of alcohol abuse in teens such as: persistent cough, increased fatigue, changes in weight, unexplained injuries, hangover signs like headaches and nausea, lack of concentration, short attention span, mood swings, being defensive and angry, irritability and mood swings. Teens emotional signs of depression, problems in school like bad grades or skipping class, lack of focus or interest in hobbies, having new friends you know little about, lying, running away, manipulating, stealing money, secretive and suspicious activities and getting into legal trouble.

As a Parent, What Can You Do?

Detox is the main treatment method offered to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. With alcohol and drug abuse or any addiction, withdrawal symptoms are often very severe and uncomfortable. From nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, body tremors or spasms, irregular heartbeat, sweating and chills among other side effects. No question this can be a miserable and very painful way to go. However, if the support and fight to change is stronger than what got your teen there in the first place, a light will be at the end of this tunnel.

Recovery from Abuse and Addiction

This is quite similar regardless of the drug used. It all starts with the detox program to guide them through the various stages of recovery. This may include cognitive behavior therapy, group therapy, family therapy and/or private therapy. It is all part of the overall alcohol recovery program. Once you find the core of what drove your teen to start abusing it is the support of the family, school, community to rally around and show that there is hope, compassion and they are a part of a world that needs them too.

Adults can make poor choices as much as teens do without the experience. It is important, to keep the door open and dialogue flowing freely. To work on being understood is a two-way street where a lot of love and support should meet. Hang in there it does get better.