The Fine Line of Drug Abuse and Addiction

Teenagers as young as 12 and 13 years old have already started experimenting with drugs, and maybe have already found their drug of choice, at least for the time being. This is not serious to them because they don’t expect to become addicted, because most of the time, they tell themselves that they can stop at any point in time. The problem with this line of thinking is that the crossover from drug abuse to addiction is unnoticeable at first. There is a very fine line between use, abuse, and addiction.

Intervention

If drug abuse and addiction is apparent, intervention must be done immediately. Getting a group of people together and having an intervention of tough love is one of the most difficult things in the world to do, but it is also one of the most loving and caring things to do, that is, if it is done correctly. It must be done with compassion, not anger; forgiveness, not judgement; soft spoken words, not yelling. If you and your family try to intervene without planning, and getting advice first, you may scare your teen away.

You must avoid this at all costs. Obtaining a therapist that has experience in counseling teens with addiction problems, can give you the knowledge you need to conduct this intervention properly. The truth is, even if you do conduct a proper loving intervention, your teen may still run away. Don’t be surprised if this happens.

Make sure you tell them before they leave that they are always welcome back with open arms no matter what happens. Give them that free will and the space they need, because, if you do not, you may never see them again. Or, the worst could happen, an overdose, and even death.

Counseling Teens With Addictions

If the intervention does work and your teenager doesn’t run for the hills, then the next step is to get him or her to begin counseling. It may not be important at this time to demand the teen stops using. If it is a drug that is going to cause physical as well as mental withdrawal, then forcing your teen to stop immediately is the worst thing you can do. They can end up so sick that they start using all over again anyways.

Counseling teens with chemical dependency issues is not easy for any counselor. However, a counselor will know how to help or give referrals to the teen with detoxification and rehabilitation needs. After your teenager has detoxed from the drug(s) he or she was using, rehabilitation may be a necessary next step. After that, recovery is going to be a life long process that he or she is going to have to fight hard for. This is another reason why it is so important to be extra sensitive towards your teenager, no matter what stage of their recovery process they are in.

To overcome addictions, it’s very hard work. This is why a counselor must be a part of the process as long as necessary for counseling teens with addiction problems. If the young adult maintains a good rapport with the counselor, it just might be the very thing that keeps him or her from relapsing.Those who are older and addicted may not want to get help. They may fight against the need for a counselor.

Counseling for young adults and teens to stay clean is somewhat easier, because the teenagers don’t necessarily have a lot of experience or knowledge regarding the truth about addictions. Their hearts are pliable and easily influenced. However, a counselor will influence the teenager in a positive way towards sobriety and give him or her the tools necessary to remain sober. It is always easier when you have someone on your side, no matter what happens in life.

Quick Tips For Teens to Stay Clean

• Non Judgemental Environment

• Loving Persistence

• Give Lots of Personal Space

• Incorporate Fun Family Activities

*The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Never substitute, disregard, or delay seeking professional medical advice and assistance for any health or mental issue(s) you have or are concerned about because of something you have read.