Experimenting with drugs and alcohol is common among teenagers. Many drink or try drugs to fit in, have new experiences, and practice body autonomy. Unfortunately, experimentation can lead to habitual use and substance abuse. For many teens, academic, social, and home stress can lead to self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. Spotting signs of substance abuse can help loved ones help adolescents enter substance abuse treatment programs when they need them.
When you’re looking for adolescent substance abuse treatment programs in Fort Worth, TX, rely on our Fort Behavioral Health team. Our programs provide inpatient and outpatient recovery with a range of evidence-based and alternative therapies to help teens manage addiction and co-occurring disorders. Call us at 844.332.1807 or fill out our online form to learn more about substance abuse signs for teens.
What Is Substance Abuse?
Sometimes, it’s difficult to know the difference between experimentation, social drug use, and substance abuse. No matter the substance, abuse happens when drugs or alcohol interfere in a person’s life. For teenagers, this might mean drugs or alcohol take them away from work, schoolwork, sports, and other extracurriculars. Substance abuse might also lead to self-isolation, self-harm, and changes in social behavior.
Substance abuse often leads to addiction. For some drugs, like meth, cocaine, and fentanyl, addiction can occur after the first or second use. When the brain becomes dependent on a drug or alcohol for certain chemical processes, a person will experience withdrawal. This emotionally, physically, and mentally painful experience is a natural reaction that means the brain has developed an addiction.
Spotting Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse
Signs and symptoms of substance abuse can differ based on a teen’s lifestyle, family history, and trauma history.
The most common signs and symptoms of substance abuse among teens include:
- Changes in mood
- Erratic behavior
- Physical signs like bloodshot eyes, track marks, nasal problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trouble sleeping
- Nightmares
- Panic attacks
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Changes in grades or social groups
Substance abuse can affect every aspect of a teen’s life. If your teen also suffers from a co-occurring mood disorder, their symptoms may get worse with drug or alcohol abuse. While it’s hard to know what a teen is going through and understand their daily mood changes, the signs of substance abuse will continue and worsen the more often a teen uses drugs or alcohol. If your teen is experiencing sudden shifts in mood, increased anger, and changes in social habits, it’s time to talk to our Fort Behavioral Health team about substance abuse.
Substance Abuse Treatment Programs for Your Teen at Fort Behavioral Health
Many things can lead a teen to abuse drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, untreated substance abuse will lead to addiction. If your teen shows signs of substance abuse, it’s time to call Fort Behavioral Health. Our Fort Worth clinic provides a continuum of care for adolescents struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mood disorders. Our master clinicians use behavioral therapies, trauma therapy, EMDR, and mindfulness therapy to help teens thrive.
With dual diagnosis, our substance abuse treatment programs include:
- Alcohol addiction
- Heroin addiction
- Cocaine addiction
- Drug addiction
- Opioid addiction
- Depression treatment
- Anxiety treatment
With a range of individual, group, and family therapy programs, our team at Fort Behavioral Health is here to support your family.
Explore Substance Abuse Treatment for Teens at Fort Behavioral Health
If you’re unsure if substance abuse treatment is right for your teen or you’re worried your teen is abusing drugs, don’t wait. Reach out to our Fort Behavioral Health team online or at 844.332.1807 to learn more about our substance abuse treatment programs and get started today.
