If you believe that your teenager has ingested a harmful substance call 911 immediately. Havenwood specializes in helping teenagers who have drug and alcohol problems. We would be happy to consult with you to determine how we can help–CALL NOW.
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While some consider experimentation with drugs and alcohol to be normal rites of passage for adolescents, experimentation can very easily, and very often does, lead to increased usage and even dependancy/addiction. While experimentation for a short period of time may not result in long-term, harmful effects, prolonged use of drugs and alcohol will almost always lead to significant, long-term problems. Knowing the signs of teenage drug and alcohol abuse can help parents identify problems early and allow them to work with their teenager to prevent further serious problems and even death.
Risk Factors for Teenage Drug and Alcohol Abuse
In some ways just being in highschool now days is a risk factor for teens when it comes to drug and alcohol use. Studies indicate that nearly 100% of students graduating from highschool have experimented with marijuana and/or alcohol. The average age of first exposure to marijuana is 14 while the average age of exposure to alcohol is 12. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are also become popular teenage drugs of choice and their usage is increasing. Other popular illegal drugs that are being increasingly used by teenagers include PCP, cocaine and ecstacy.
Risk factors that can lead to a serious drug and alcohol problem in teenagers include:
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Familial history of drug abuse
- Feeling like an outsider
Warning Signs of Teenage Drug and Alcohol Abuse
There is no single, reliable warning sign of teenage drug and alcohol abuse. There are, however, various warning signs of teenage drug and alcohol abuse that parents should be aware of. Watching for these signs can help parents identify a potential problem and, under proper professional advice, intervene to assist their teenager. The following warning signs might be helpful in determining whether a teenager has a drug or alcohol problem:
- Emotional signs of teenage drug or alcohol abuse. Sudden mood swings, irresponsible behavior, lack of interest in activities of former interest, personality differences, low self-esteem, irritability
- Physical signs of teenage drug and alcohol abuse. Repeated health problems, lingering cough, fatigue, frequent headaches, red and glazed eyes
- Social indications of teenage drug and alcohol abuse. Changes in friends and preferred activities, changes in style of dress, less attention to personal appearance, run-ins with the law, taking money or valuables from home
- School problems associated with teenage drug and alcohol abuse. Dropping grades, discipline problems (frequent principal visits), decreased interest in school and extracurricular activities, truancy, increased tardiness, negative attitude
- Family problems associated with teenage drug and alcohol abuse. Deliberate withdrawal from family and family oriented activities, violent outbursts, starting arguments, breaking curfew or sneaking out at night, breaking family rules
Most Common Drugs/Substances being Abused by Teenagers
While marijuana and alcohol are the substance most commonly abused by teenagers, parents should be aware that, sadly, the only limitation on the kind and type of substance being abused is the bounds of the teenage imagination. Struggling teenagers are often seeking a means to feel different than they are currently feeling–not necessarily high but simply different. Struggling teenagers are also not generally capable of thinking through the harmful, even deadly, effects of abusing substances to feel different. As a result, many of the substances being abused by teenagers are extremely dangerous and even deadly. Parents should be aware that there is a significant rise in teenagers abusing the following substances:
Illegal/Illicit Drugs (to name a few)
- Marijuana (illegal in most states)
- Heroin
- Opium
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Methamphetamines
- Speed
- PCP
- LSD
Prescription Drugs (to name a few)
- Pain killers (codeine, morphine, methadone, Fentanyl)
- Anti-anxiety drugs (Ativan, halcion, valium, Xanax)
- Sleeping medications (Ambien, sonata, Lunesta)
- Methylphenidates (Concerta, Ritalin)
- Cough medications (Dextromethorphan)
Household Chemicals (to name a few)
- Paint thinners
- Gasoline
- Nail polish remover
- Glues
- Spray paint
- Cleaning fluids
Effects of Drug/Alcohol/Chemical Abuse on Teenagers
Since teenagers brains and bodies are still developing, drug abuse in teenagers can have a drastic and detrimental impact on both brain and body. The following represents some of the serious side effects (some of them permanent) of teenage drug abuse”:
- Slowed development of brain and body (sometimes resulting in smaller brain size and lower than average body size)
- Loss of short-term memory
- Cognitive/learning difficulties
- Underdeveloped motor skills
- Lack of motivation
- Impaired emotional and sexual development
- Deviant behaviors and conduct disorders
- Inability to judge or understand risks
- Depression and suicidal tendencies
- Eating disorders
- Personality and psychiatric disorders
- Damage to blood vessels in the brain which can lead to strokes, convulsions and other nervous system disorders.
- Reduced brain function which can lead to coma and even death.
What should a parent do if he/she believes their teenager is abusing drugs/chemicals?
If you believe that your teenager has ingested a harmful substance call 911 immediately. Havenwood specializes in helping teenagers who have drug and alcohol problems. We would be happy to consult with you to determine how we can help–CALL NOW.
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Eric Allred was born and raised in Rigby, Idaho. He grew up on a family farm where he learned the value of work. He graduated from Rigby High School and attended Rick’s College, now known as BYU-Idaho. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Utah State University, received a master’s degree in organizational behavior and human relations from the University of Phoenix and a second master’s degree in marital and family therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute. Eric has been involved in Rotary and was president of a local Rotary Club. He enjoys being with his family and doing outdoor activities such as fly fishing.
Chase was very fortunate to start in this industry as a struggling 17 year old kid looking for a mentor and something to be passionate about. Wilderness therapy was Chase’s first stop in this industry and was truly a transcendental experience for him. Chase has an enormous love for this line of work and the power that it has in creating change in everyone involved. Chase’s biggest belief is the power a mentor, strong, healthy relationships, and accountability can have on anyone, especially youth. Taking a very relational approach to his work, Chase has always been very relatable to the students he works with. Being able to understand and relate to a vast variety of the same struggles as a lot of the students he works with has been able to help him continue to grow, learn, and teach. Chase believes that with great rapport and trust, he can use his experience to continue to coach and train new staff, and has the ability to find those staff with the passion for this industry, and help them grow. His love and passion can be felt the moment you talk with Chase about this industry and he passes that on to others he works with. In his spare time you will find Chase cheering for the Eagles, Yankees, and Mavericks, hanging out with his brother, learning more about Eastern Psychology, and continuing to grow and learn.