If your teen’s addiction is interfering with their day-to-day life: straining their relationships, making them do poorly in school, or getting them into trouble with the law, they may need to outside help. Enrolling your teen into treatment may be difficult—but it may also be one of the most important decisions you ever make.
It can be challenging to recognize when things are serious enough to enrol your teen into treatment. However, here are some other signs that your teen may be in need of professional help:
- Poor personal hygiene
- Change of friend group
- Shows little interest in family, family activities
- Shows little interest in activities they were once very fond of
- Isolated
- Compromised physical health from drugs and/or alcohol
- Abnormal sleep behaviors
If your teen is experiencing these symptoms (or others), it is important to voice your concern while being both patient and understanding during the conversation. Ensure they know that you are there to support them. Although bringing up the topic of treatment may be hard, it needs to be brought up. Your teen will be most successful if they are willing to go to treatment, rather than dragged there against their will. Encouraging them and educating them (and yourself) on the benefits of treatment may sway their vote.
Image Mike Bitzenhofer
One of the first steps is to set up an appointment with a family doctor, addiction specialist or counsellor at a rehab center. They will be able to provide expert advice to you and your teen about treatment options that best suit your teen and their recovery needs. This can include finding the right treatment center or program for your teen to ensure they receive the best care—and can lead a healthy life afterward.
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