7 Tips for Helping Your Teen Overcome an Addiction Problem

Everyone who has raised an adolescent knows that they can be grumpy and distant at times. It is an entirely normal part of growing up. But what about teenagers that may be struggling with challenges that aren't readily apparent? It's critical to distinguish ordinary teen behavior from odd. The possible reasons behind their unusual behaviour may include bullying, alcohol use, smoking, gang violence, or any other.

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Parents nowadays are specifically concerned about their child's physical well-being. When we talk about teenage physical health,
  substance abuse is a significant concern for them. Substance abuse is described as a practice of hazardous use of any substance to alter one's mood. 'Substances' can comprise alcohol and other drugs (whether legal or not) as well as substances that do not qualify as drugs. Although teens who experiment with drugs do not become drug abusers or drug addicts, adolescent drug usage is hazardous.

If you ever find that your child is abusing drugs, you should be concerned. Drug addiction is on the rise as a public health concern among youth. The following is the most incredible method for assisting your teen in overcoming an addiction problem:

1. Consider the situation 

A person's brain does not get fully matured until they are in their mid-20s. We, as parents, need to study the anatomy of a child's brain and how it works to assess the damage caused by substance use. Drug usage in teens is prone to damage the young brain throughout their lives. If your kid's condition is severe, you should get them admitted to a rehab center. These centers offer many services. One of them is medical detoxification; this facility proves to be an effective solution to overcome drug addiction and is core when treating an addiction problem. Their expert network of doctors and extensive program list allows individuals to start living a life free of drugs and alcohol. 

2. Communicate the right behavior

Setting explicit limitations on the behavior you expect from them is one way to do that. A combination of suitable punishments and positive reinforcement can aid in encouraging the desired behavior change. Clearing your children regarding your expectations and the penalties for crossing borders will improve your chances of success.

3. Talk nicely to your child

It is normal for a parent to experience anger, sadness, humiliation, and frustration when they learn that their child is addicted to a certain kind of drug. It would be beneficial if you did not conceal these emotions unless used to form accusations, judgments, or criticism rather than healing. Refrain from using words that are angry or judgmental when speaking with a child about substance usage. Suppose if your child has a friend with drug addiction, avoid calling them a "druggie" or "junkie." Such inappropriate words, as well as your voice tone, can influence how your child reacts to what you're saying. The impression of condescension, judgment, or sarcasm may form, spoiling the connection that you're trying to establish in the conversation. 

4. Listen to them carefully

Ask your child politely, 'what's been going on?' and they'll be more than eager to tell you. You need to pay close attention to what they say.  Neither interrupt nor raise your voice or end the conversation on a bad note. It will leave a mark on their brains. After you hear from them, make sure to tell them you love them and will do whatever it takes to help them. It's better not to have a conversation in a group setting as your teen may feel embarrassed, and that won't assist either of you.

5. Ask your child's friends to help 

Those that truly care about your child will come forward to help them. If this is not the case, you may need to locate a new group of friends who will be 100% supportive of your goal. You can even include family members who you think can help you walk through this challenging period. Solicit the assistance of friends and family members. Let them know that you might need to call them in the middle of the night, and if they're willing to help, you probably won't need professional assistance.

6. Attend events without drugs 

Partying without drugs is an excellent way to shun these substances. Look for events that will not entail drugs. It's probably safe to go to the movies, but you may want to wait a little longer. Plan non-drug-related activitieswith your teen, an art lesson, or maybe cook your favorite recipes more often.

7. Create a 6-week clean challenge

Recovering from a drug is not as easy as it may sound. Especially without a proper treatment program, it can be a long journey. But if you want to work hard in achieving your ambition, do everything in your capacity to help your child stay clean. How? Join support groups specifically for teens and younger people that have people going through the same experiences as your child. Your child can be a part of real-life discussions about substance use that your child may miss out on at school. Attending a support group will not only help them stay clean but throughout the path of recovery. In addition, they will learn to take care of themselves.

 

Conclusion

'It's understandable to be scared if your child has an addiction problem. However, you can ensure that your child steers clear of such harmful addictions with the right precautions. Start with considering the situation and then communicate. Listen to what they have to say, and don't hesitate to call your child's friends to help. If that's not enough, create a 6-week clean challenge – this will help your child overcome any addiction problem he has right now. Best of luck!