SANCA on Teen Addiction: Troubleshooting for Parents

We often encounter families who desperately want to help a loved one (often a teen) to seek treatment for their addiction.

If a teenager starts behaving differently for no apparent reason – such as acting withdrawn, frequently tired or depressed, or hostile – it could be a sign he or she is developing a drug-related problem. Parents and others may overlook such signs, believing them to be a normal part of puberty.

Major signs of drug use:

• A change in peer group
• Carelessness with grooming
• Decline in academic performance
• Missing classes or skipping school
• Loss of interest in favourite activities
• Trouble in school or with the law
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Deteriorating relationships with family members and friends

Through scientific advances, we know more than ever before about how drugs work in the brain. We also know that addiction can be successfully treated to help young people stop abusing drugs and lead productive lives.

Intervening early when you first spot signs of drug use in your teen is critical; don’t wait for your teen to become addicted before you seek help. However, if a teen is addicted, treatment is the next step.

Why can’t some teens stop using drugs on their own?

Repeated drug use changes the brain. Brain-imaging studies of people with drug addictions show changes in areas of the brain that are critical to judgment, decision making, learning and memory, and behaviour control. Quitting is difficult, even for those who feel ready.

If my child refuses to cooperate, should the family conduct an intervention?

Most teens, and many young adults still being supported by their family, only enter treatment when they are compelled to by the pressure of their family, the juvenile justice, or other court system.

Oftentimes, young people will listen to professionals rather than family members, as the latter encounters can sometimes be driven by fear, accusations, and emotions.

I have heard that teens who use drugs could be “self-medicating” because they feel depressed – How do we handle that problem as well?

It is very possible your child needs to find treatment for both depression and addiction. This is very common. It is called “comorbidity” or “co-ocurrence” when you have more than one health problem at the same time.  Parents should encourage their children to tell all of their health care providers about all of their symptoms and behaviours.  There are many non-addictive drugs that can help with depression or other mental health issues. Sometimes health care providers do not communicate with each other as well as they should so you can be your child’s advocate  and make sure all relevant  health care providers know about all of your child’s  health issues. Your child should be treated for all health issues at the same time. – Acknowledgement: NIDA government organisation.

For professional help in addiction and awareness talks, contact SANCA Vaal Triangle:

Tel – 016 933-2055

Website: www.sancavaal.showme.co.za

Facebook: SANCA Vaal Triangle

Blog: sancavaaltriangle.wordpress.com

Email: sancavaal@mweb.co.za.

Changed Hearts ~ Changed Minds ~ Changed Lives