Presently, teen substance abuse in is a growing problem. The Office of Adolescent Health reported that 32 percent of high school students had taken drugs. Plus, 13 percent of PA teens admitted to first drinking alcohol before age 13. Generally, teens are pressured to experiment by their peers. Nonetheless, trying addictive substances just once is risky. After all, teens have young, naive brains that aren’t used to alcohol or drugs. For that reason, the substance’s effects are usually much stronger. Teens often feel they’re invincible from addiction and physical harm. Meanwhile, teens might continue using the substance and become dependent on it. Getting professional help is often needed from a great addiction treatment resource like this North Carolina adolescent treatment center.
Signs of Substance Abuse in Teens
By and large, the drug substance abuse signs are similar whether age 16 or 66. For example, teens will become more emotionally volatile than normal. Often, they’ll become defiant against rules and curfews. Likewise, teens may get in fights at school or skip entirely. Not to mention, they’ll lash out and lie when confronted about drugs or alcohol. However, you will notice physical signs of substance use like bloodshot eyes. Teens will exhibit changes in their sleeping and eating patterns. When high, teens will have slurred speech and clumsy movements. Sometimes, they’ll have lapses in their memory from blackouts. There are many other signs teens need teen substance abuse treatment in NC, including:
- Neglecting their hygiene and chores
- Wearing long sleeves to conceal marks
- Changing their social group of friends
- Stealing money or pawning valuables
- Spraying perfumes to mask odors
- Hiding stashes of the substances
- Disappearing for long periods
Getting Teens Into Drug Abuse Rehab
Of course, finding cases of teen substance abuse in NC is the easier part. Ordinarily, parents and guardians can notice the signs to look for. Next, the challenge of getting angsty teenagers into rehab follows. First, you must plan an intervention. To explain, you need to calmly yet firmly address their substance use face to face. Second, encourage them to speak about what they’re feeling. If they resist and shut down, then talk about how it’s affecting you. Third, talk about the adolescent rehab center North Carolina offers. Instead of fighting, ask why they’re against seeking professional help. Here, you’ll hopefully be able to ease their fears and answer their questions. Ultimately, getting your teen to enter therapy willingly is the goal of rehab success.
How to Find Teen Substance Abuse in NC Treatment
Fortunately, Pennsylvania has some of the finest addiction facilities in the country. In particular, there are many high-quality, accredited centers to pick from. Even so, only some offer programs that treat teens. Therefore, look for substance abuse options expressly for ages 12 to 18. Seek clinical staff experienced in treating young people. Namely, they must be comfortable admitting teens for various services, such as:
- Alcohol rehab
- Heroin rehab
- Opioid rehab
- Cocaine rehab
- Marijuana rehab
- Meth rehab
- Hallucinogen rehab
Overall, don’t disregard drug or alcohol use as a rebellious teenage phase. In reality, using substances will damage their still-developing brain. Eventually, they could face legal trouble that will severely hurt their later life too. So, locate teen substance abuse in NC solutions right away to protect their future.