Addressing adolescent addiction problems: When your teen has problems with drugs
We all want to bring up children in the way that they will become useful people in the society. This duty is becoming difficult by the day thanks to the abundance of drugs on our streets and neighborhood. The pain parents go through with their teens is overwhelmingly disturbing. Just imagine discovering for the first time that your son/daughter whom you have believed is honest, discipline and trustworthy is doing drugs! It is painful, frustrating, confusing and annoying. But even with that state of confusion we still have a duty of addressing teen’s addiction problems objectively. Doctor Dalal Akoury is an addiction veteran expert who has over the past two decades been working with all categories of addiction complications and she is going to be of great help to us in addressing teen’s addiction problems.
Doctor Akoury explains that under such situations it is important that as a parent or guardian you remain calm in the way you approach your teenage child with this disturbing issue. Yes you are angry and disappointed but you still need to be sober in handing this situation. It is important that even as you address your children, they should get the tone of a concern and loving parent and not that of a police officer or a high court judge. They (teens) needs to feel that they are still loved and are being supported come out of this drug problem. And so that you are not caught off gourd, it is important that you are aware of the signs indicating that your teens are abusing drugs
Addressing adolescent addiction problems: Warning signs of teens abusing drugs
It may be true that experimenting with substances many not result in abuse, it possess a challenge in the sense that early introduction to drugs is a risk factor to serious future addiction. Statistic also indicate that teens are at risk of addiction during transition like when moving from one school to another or from highs school to college. Doctor Akoury therefore advices that parents needs to be very observant to some of the following teen’s red flags of addiction.
- Sudden bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils resulting in application of eye drops to mask these signs
- Skipping class; deteriorating grades; consistent disciplinary actions at school
- Missing money, valuables, or prescriptions at home
- Sudden change in hobbies and telling lies about new hobbies and activities
- Dropping one group of friends for another and being secretive about the new peer group
- Seeking for more privacy by locking doors and often avoiding eye contact and just sneaking around
- Acting unusually isolated, reserved, angry, or depressed
Addressing adolescent addiction problems: Possible actions parents may take
Rules and penalties – Stern action points needs to be in place. Teens must never feel that it is business as usual when they make mistakes. All this must be supported by both parents and no spouse should relent when penalties are being executed.
Be observant about your teen’s activity – Be informed of who your teens keep as friends. Occasionally walk around inspecting possible drug dens around your territory or home. Ensure your teens understand that privacy is a privilege which when violated, can be withdrawn and therefore this luck of privacy is a penalty to them for using drugs
Motivate your teens to focus on other interests and social activities – You can do this by expose them to much productive hobbies and activities like team sports.
Discuss with your children about any underlying issues – Drug use can be the result of other problems. Is your child having trouble fitting in? Has there been a recent major change, like a move or divorce causing stress? These are fundamental issues that can lead them into drugs.
Finally children can be rebellious to their parents and so seeking help from other authorities, they are likely to heed and get transformed. That is why doctor Dalal Akoury and her able team of experts are every available waiting to help you get the best out of your teens. Make a point of contacting us today for a life changing session with your teens.
Addressing adolescent addiction problems: When your teen has problems with drugs
