Drug Rehab

Young Adult Drug Rehab

The adolescent lure:

Addiction, to any kind of substance, be it alcohol or drugs is a serious problem amongst teenagers. In fact alcohol is considered as much as a drug as cocaine and marijuana. But alcohol is the most popular choice amongst the vulnerable teenagers of today. Though most indulge in alcohol, some do intake substances and drugs like household chemicals, prescription and nonprescription medication and most common, illegal drugs like marijuana and cocaine.

Nowadays there are drugs like Ecstasy and speed that are gaining popularity amongst these teenagers. As easy as it is to simply 'try' alcohol or drugs, it's even simpler to become addicted to it. Ask any smoker how he started smoking, he will most definitely tell you it started out as an experiment and now is an addiction. Addiction is never easy to get rid of.

The peer pressure:

We need to understand the reason as to why teenagers feel the need to indulge in drugs. It is important to understand that these reasons are generic. Most teens have a need to 'fit in', to be a part of the social clique. To fit in they will do things like drug abuse. This is the number one reason for drug abuse among teens, peer pressure.

Another reason is that they find it exciting; the risk of doing drugs is appealing to them. Depression is another major factor for drug abuse. Parents play an important role in this too, those teens who feel neglected, isolated or are abused by their parents are also drug users.

Drug abuse among teens has some serious risks. Teenagers lack the ability to cope with the hazards of the harmful intake. There are some serious dangers included in drug abuse among teenagers. * Drugs can cause serious damage to the brain. They cause irreversible damage to the brain, which includes literal shrinking of the brain. * Taking drugs and driving is a serious offence as per the law. But besides having legal consequences, it causes accidents that lead to death and disability among teenagers. * Aids, pregnancy and STDs are common among teenagers who have unprotected sex because of drug abuse. Drugs make teenagers do irrational things and that includes unprotected sex. * Teenagers who indulge in the abuse of drugs are often victims of violent crimes like rape, assault and robbery. * Drug abuse among teenagers also is the main reason for drowning, death by fire and suicide. * Taking drugs affect school activities of teenagers

The risks:

Indulging in substances like heroine, cocaine, marijuana, crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy and other such drugs can cause serious risk to teenagers. * Drug abuse has the highest rate of fatalities among teenagers. The cause of death varies; it could be suicide, overdose, homicide or accidents. * Drug abuse leads to behavioral changes and affects teenagers adversely. Teenagers who are drug users become negative, suffer from low self-esteem and are depressed. * Teenagers who use drugs can later become drug addicts and this is a very serious issue as it is difficult to let go of any kind of addiction, especially one that can be harmful to the body and cause serious medical problems.

It is important to guide teenagers and help them understand that it is not so difficult saying 'NO'. Peer pressure is one thing, but indulging in drugs is something that is simply not acceptable. Help your child or teenager understand that no amount of pressure should break their resolve of not using drugs or taking alcohol.

TIPS:

Communication

Communication is very important in helping your teen fight his addiction. It can be hard, especially if your teen is angry and unresponsive. But don't ever give up trying to talk to your child.

Counseling

Find your teen a good counselor. While communication between you and your teen is important, a trained counselor will be able to help your teenager work through some important issues.

Self Esteem Building

Be sure and help your teenager to build his self esteem. Help him to find a talent, and support him by giving him opportunities to use that talent.

Tighten Up

It may be necessary to "tighten up" your home and your rules for a while. As your teen shows good progression, reward him by gradually giving him back his privileges.

Stop Looking for Blame

Often parents spend unnecessary time blaming themselves for their child's drug addiction. It's important to stop doing this. No matter what kind of parent you have been, make a goal right now to be there for your child.