Has your teen been acting strange lately?
Teenagers can be moody and distant, and that’s just part of being a teenager. However, if you think there may be something more serious going on with your teen, you should keep an eye out for some warning signs of drug or alcohol addiction.
You first have to know what to look for. Then, if you find yourself thinking, “My teenager is on drugs,” you have options for enrolling them in addiction treatment programs.
Here are three signs your child is using drugs and how you can prepare them for teen rehab.
1. Possession of Drugs or Paraphernalia
A dead giveaway that your teen is using drugs is finding drugs in their room. Marijuana has a distinct smell that you may notice, but they could also be in possession of drugs that don’t smell like pills that weren’t prescribed to them by a doctor.
Another sign of drug use is the presence of rolling papers, burnt spoons, syringes, bongs, or tin boxes that smell like tobacco or marijuana. These items can be harder to hide, so they may be a better indicator that your child is using drugs.
2. Drastic Behavioral Changes
If your once social and outgoing teen is starting to abandon social gatherings and trade in their old friend group for one that is known to do drugs, it could be an indicator that they’ve fallen in with the wrong crowd and their old friends don’t agree with their choices or the choices of their new friend group.
Another change to be on the lookout for is a change in grades. If your straight A student is starting to get nothing but D’s and F’s, it may be time to investigate their memory loss or lack of motivation.
3. Missing Items
If you start to notice expensive items going missing, your teen could be stealing them to fund their addiction. Try to keep tabs on your money, jewelry, and electronics or catch your teen in the act of stealing to talk to them.
Preparing Your Teen for an IOP Program
If your family decides that an intensive outpatient program is the best way to get your teenager on the path to sobriety, your teen will have to know what’s expected of them. You’ll have to discuss your teen’s addiction with them to make them understand why an IOP program is necessary and what you hope to gain from it.
If you’re wondering how to get your child help for drug addiction, our program focuses on behavioral therapy and individual or group support that allows your teen to continue attending school as long as they attend up to nine hours of therapy each week. All they’ll need is a willing spirit and a supportive family!
A Successful Teen Rehab Experience
Now that you know the warning signs of addiction and how to prepare your teen for an intensive outpatient treatment, you can decide if it’s a good fit for your family. Teen rehab can get your child back on track and happy to live a sober life again.
If you’re in New Hampshire and need a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center, contact us!
