But, this protection is removed when prescription drugs are taken by someone else. As a child transitions to an adult, this natural life cycle can be challenging, but it also provides many opportunities for personal growth and achievement. There are several reasons why adolescents and teenagers may become addicted to drugs and need teen rehab.

Find a local take-back program in your area that will take unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal. Ask your community law enforcement officials for more information. Do not flush medications down the sink or toilet unless specifically instructed to do so.

Types of Substance Use Among Teenagers

Learn everything you can you can about teen drug abuse drug abuse and addiction. There are many resources available that can provide you will helpful information. Having a child who has a prescription drug abuse problem can be a complicated issue to deal with, but it is imperative that you address the problem as soon as possible before things get worse. If you are unsure how to go about helping your son or daughter, there are a number of resources available, including your family physician who can point you in the right direction. One of the most dangerous combinations of prescription drugs involves opioids and benzodiazepines.

Signs of a substance use disorder, such as being unable to perform at school because of drugs, demonstrating withdrawal symptoms when drugs are unavailable, or being unable to reduce their drug use. While very few teens report daily alcohol use, around one-third of 12th graders admit they’ve used alcohol within the past month. Learn about risk factors, prevention, and how to end the cycle of drug abuse in teens. Youth with substance use disorders also experience higher rates of physical and mental illnesses, diminished overall health and well-being, and potential progression to addiction. The social acceptance of drinking among people of legal drinking age can lead many teens to view alcohol as relatively harmless. Research suggests teens are more likely to binge drink; this may have to do with the fact that their impulse control hasn’t fully developed.

Helping a Loved One or Family Member with the Treatment Process

Talk to your child about your concerns and encourage his to open up to you about any specific concerns or issues he or she may be facing. You should also speak to your child about the recovery process before taking him or her to a treatment center. Prescription pain relieverssuch as oxycodone and hydrocodone may be prescribed for teenagers following sports injuries, broken bones and dental procedures such as removing wisdom teeth. Our treatment centers accept private payment, out-of-network benefits, and in-network benefits. Those who are living with chronic pain often don’t realize they are taking a substance with highly addictive qualities. They have a legitimate medical reason for taking these substances and don’t realize that over time they may be developing an addiction.

If your teen frequently took prescription drugs for an athletic injury or post-surgery relief, there is a chance he or she may already be hooked. Every prescription left in your medicine cabinet – whether Xanax or Percocet, Vicodin or Adderall – puts your child and his or her friends at high risk of drug abuse. As a parent, it is imperative to take proper measures in your home to protect your child from prescription drug addiction down the road. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, alcohol and tobacco are the two most common substances teens abuse.