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Helping Troubled Teens Overcome Substance Abuse

Teens Overcome Substance AbuseParenting isn't always easy, and one of the hardest things for many parents is helping their teen deal with a drinking problem. Teenage years are a time of growth, figuring out who you are, and trying new things, but when drinking becomes a problem, it can lead to issues that quickly become too much to handle. As a parent, your advice and support are very important for helping your child get through this challenging time. However, where do you start?  At Liahnona Academy, we offer proven strategies to help you and your teen work through many issues, including a problem with drinking. Our dedicated team is experienced and provides a well-rounded approach to assess the root cause of your teen's issues and provide you with practical and realistic methods to support them along the way. Continue reading to learn what steps you can take to help your teen when they're struggling with a drinking issue, as well as how our team can help.

Learn to Spot the Signs

The first thing you need to do to help your teen is to determine that they indeed have a drinking problem. Some of these signs are sudden changes in behavior, ignoring responsibilities, lowered grades in school, dramatic mood swings, and being secretive. You might also notice an increased interest in alcohol, especially if it is readily available at home. It's important to remember that puberty is a time of change and that some behaviors are normal. However, you shouldn't ignore signs that keep happening or get worse. To assess what behaviors cause concern, monitor your teen for repeated and consistent issues. This doesn't mean disrupting their privacy or accusing them of wrongdoing. Simply observe their behaviors to gauge where they might be coming from. Once a pattern is recognized, consider an open conversation with them, practicing active listening and refraining from judgment. It's essential to approach them with understanding and compassion. Additionally, let them know it is safe to talk to you about their problems without worrying about getting in trouble. Then, listen carefully and validate their feelings. 

Educate Yourself

While you don't need to dive deep into research, it is critical to understand how alcohol abuse affects people. It's also important to know the risks of teen drinking, such as the legal, health, and social ramifications that can happen. If you know the facts, you can give your teenager accurate information and help them make good choices. However, don't approach them with the information in a punitive or condescending way. If the conversation seems like it will be a lecture, they will stop listening before you even start.

Set Clear Limits

Set clear rules and limits for how alcohol can be used in your home, making sure they understand what will happen if they break these rules. Consistency is important, so stick to the penalties you set up if the rules are broken. This might seem easier said than done, which is another area where our team can help. Discipline should provide a lesson for them to learn that can help them become stronger as they grow. All too often, discipline becomes punishment, which is more about control than the opportunity to learn. We can help you understand the difference and work towards empowerment and support.

Encourage a Focus on Positive Mental Health

Teenagers deal with worry, anxiety, and other issues every day. When they don't understand how to process these issues effectively, it might lead to drinking or other forms of substance abuse. In addition to paying attention to the signs and helping them understand the rules, you can encourage them to focus on healthy ways to manage their mental health. For instance, your teen might enjoy participating in sports, art, or music to deal with their feelings. The key is to get ahead of the stress and have things in place they can lean on when needed.  Also essential is ensuring that these things they once used as stress relievers don't become stressors themselves. Again, open communication is essential to assess how your teen is doing and if they have the right tools to ensure proper mental health management.

Contact Our Team For Help

If your teen has a serious or long-term drinking problem, getting professional help is important. Our treatment team includes a licensed psychiatrist, licensed therapists, and five registered nurses, all committed to ensuring your teen learns to make choices that help them thrive. We understand how hard parenting can be, but we also understand the difficulties that today's teens face and aim to ensure they have the skills needed for success. We focus on values, accountability, and a positive peer environment that helps your teen be the best they can be. Dealing with a teen's drinking problem can be hard, but with patience, understanding, and the right method, you can help your teen overcome this hard time. Don't forget that every teen is different and that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your constant help and care for their well-being can make a big difference in their road to healing.

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