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Is your teenager snuggling with drug abuse?

Looking for signs of teenage drug abuse?
Looking for helpful tips?
Looking for ways to talk to your teenager about drug use?

Looking for family's support?
Looking for treatment for your teenager?

we are here to help you find ways to talk to your teen, to understand drug use and support groups for both you and your teenager.

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Here are some different signs for your teenager about drug use.

changes in your teen's appetite or sleep patterns

an unexplained decline in grades and school performance

withdrawal from old friends and acquaintances

irritability, anger, and other change in personality and demeanour

bloodshot eyes, slurred speech or deterioration of your teen's physical appearance

unexplained weight loss.

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Five tips for parents of addicted teenagers

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Five tips for parents of addicted teenagers

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Strengthen the Relationship by asking questions and actively listening to communicate honestly with your teen.

Encourage Positive Behaviors and Treatment, which includes emphasizing the positives and encouraging desirable behaviours; that way, you are not focusing on the mistake and poor decision-making of the teen as they will have diminished confidence and lower self-esteem.

Create and Reinforce Consistent Guidelines which set clear expectations for your child regarding acceptable and unacceptable behaviours.

Set Clear Boundaries which talks about building firm, clear boundaries with your child.

The last tip is Practice Self-Care which would be for parents who have an addicted child cause burnout could happen when going through something like this; it will give you better tips on better care for yourself.

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Talking about addiction with teenagers can be difficult, but remember that speaking about drug abuse with your teenager can help them recover.

Talk with them quietly when both of you are sober and calm.

Let your teenager know you are concerned and willing to help.

Consider the person’s readiness to talk about their substance use.

Identify and discuss their behaviour rather than criticize their character.

Express your point of view by using “I” statements like, “I have noticed…” or, “I am concerned….”

Listen without judging the person as immoral or “bad.”

Treat the person with dignity and respect.

Please do not force the person to admit they have a problem.

Do not label or accuse the person of being an “addict.”

Have realistic expectations for your teenager. Their behaviour will not change right away.

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The common ones for trigger addictions are

peer pressure

stressful home life

depression

mental instability

excess stress or anxiety

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What You Need to Know About Being a Parent of an Addict.

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What You Need to Know About Being a Parent of an Addict.

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Being a parent, you always want what is best for your children as they grow by ensuring they are safe, protected, and supported. That way, they will grow up and live a happy successful life.

One of the most earth-shattering situations any parents could go through is raising a child suffering from addiction.

as a parent, you should understand that,

Addiction is a disease

you did not cause your child's addiction

It is okay not to like the addiction, don't dislike the addict

the addict is not the only one affected; your whole family suffers from the habit.

You are not alone, speak up, ask for help and be honest.

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What to except in recoveries for you and your teenager

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What to except in recoveries for you and your teenager

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Five tips for parents when leaving their child in treatment for addictions.

Manage Expectations

recovery is a long prosses; it doesn't happen overnight, and it will take time for your child to restore balance in their life.

Be Patient

being patient is the number one key to your child being in recovery treatment; remember that your child may relapse, your child may resist treatment; these are all the steps in your and their journey.

Be Educated

learning about the treatment, your child will receive as they go through this big step in their life, asking the staff at their treatment facility for any resource that will help you learn and understand what your child will be going through.

Be Engaged

being there for the therapy sessions with your teen and reaching out to support groups with other families of people in recovery.

Manage Your Stress.

You may realize that you might need a little therapy for yourself when your child is in the treatment centers, as you might experience a little bit of anxiety or stress due to your child being away from home.

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Nine steps to take when your child comes home from treatment.

Willingly engage in the process of recovery

just remember that healing takes the entire family's help as you have survived this major crisis together; now it is the chance to repair you've bonded.

See this in a new light

as an enduring process, not just a single event, as this is your child's most significant success.

View your teen's recovery as necessary.

Letting your child know that you are there to support them when they come home from recovery is essential to show them support because it can help give them strength.

Respect your teen's return home by expecting what you would of a house guest

treat your child with respect as you would with a house guest.

Put expectations aside

just know that having big plans for your child when coming home might be stressful for them; you can encourage your teen to resume education and work activities at their own pace.

Don't underestimate addiction

create a plan with your teen for treatment plans when coming home, and encourage them to develop bonds with other teens in recovery, which could be in support groups they will be going to.

Be resilient and be prepared

to have counselling in place for your teen and yourself.

Establish mutual boundaries

learn about new boundaries and responsibilities, and be patient but persistent.

There is rarely a good reason to lose hope or give up

this is an opportunity for everyone's personal growth and to be courageous.

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Addict in the Family: Support Through Loss, Hope, and Recovery Paperback, by Beverly Conyers (Author)

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UNDERSTANDING AND HELPING AN ADDICT BY DR. ANDREW PROULX

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These resources have support groups for families and help for your teen.

Addictions and Mental Health Services Hasting Prince Edward.
https://www.southeasthealthline.ca/displayService.aspx?id=73106

Addictions and Mental Health Services - Hastings Prince Edward/ Connexontario
https://www.connexontario.ca/organization?id=1496

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
https://www.hpepublichealth.ca/getting-help/

CAMH
https://www.camh.ca/

Addiction rehab Toronto
addictionrehabtoronto.ca - 1 (855) 558-8461 (Toll-Free)

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There are several apps for parents and teens to get help with their addictions.

Sober Time

this app counts your days of being sober, allowing you to see how far you have come in your recovery.

Simple Habit

this is a mindfulness app which parents can use; this app offers guided mindfulness & meditation, daily motivation, and even conducted sleep sessions.