Drug Use in Teenagers

• Reasons for teenage drug use
• What are the signs?
• Treatment for Alcohol Abuse Disorder is Possible

Drug use is rampant today, with over 20 million Americans suffering from a Substance Abuse Disorder. This degenerative disease prevents users from modulating their intake of the drug, despite the overwhelming disadvantages it may pose to their health and social lives. Long-term drug use is tied to changes in our brain's reward pathways and its response to dopamine, leading to users having difficulty with their decision-making faculties and their ability to control their inhibitions.

Despite this information, a majority of patients never seek help for their addictions. This can mainly be attributed to the social stigma that persists around drug addicts, which pins the blame firmly on the users and fails to account for other factors, like genetics, socioeconomic status, and pre-existing conditions like chronic pain and mental health disorders. There is also a lack of access to trained professional help or rehabilitation facilities, like reputed drug rehabs in Austin.

Drug use amongst youths aged 12 to 18 is on the rise. This may be due to a variety of factors, ranging from increased access to drugs owing to the availability of the internet and social media, as well to the glorification of drug use in media. A lack of education about the harms that drugs can cause can also be related to this rise.

The signs that your teenager is using drugs can be varied, depending on the substance, but some common signs include:

• Changes to their speech patterns
• Red or Bloodshot eyes
• A persistent cough
• Dilated or constricted pupils
• Changes to their appetite
• Changes to their energy levels
• Decreased performance at school
• Secretiveness

If your child is suffering from a substance abuse disorder, seeking professional help is the best step. Although it might be tempting to manage the symptoms by yourself, managing the symptoms of detox with professional help, such as Briarwood Detox in Austin TX, can prove difficult.

Understanding teenage drug use is just the first step. If you're concerned about a young person in your life, these additional resources from Briarwood Detox Center can help you navigate the path forward:

• How to Talk to a Loved One About Addiction — Communication strategies for approaching difficult conversations about substance use with teenagers and young adults.
• Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders — Many teens struggling with substance use also face mental health challenges; learn how integrated treatment addresses both.
• How to Support a Loved One in Detox — Practical guidance for families supporting a teenager through the detoxification process.
• When a Loved One Refuses to Go to Detox — What to do when a young person denies they have a problem or resists professional help.

For immediate support or to discuss treatment options for a teenager struggling with substance use, call Briarwood Detox Center at (866) 710-7710. Our compassionate team understands the unique challenges facing young people and their families, and we're here to help 24/7.