The newest Health Research Board survey is out, and it examines substance use among young people in Ireland. Unfortunately, the treatment for cocaine use among young people increased by 171 per cent between 2011 and 2019. Meanwhile, 33.333% of the drinkers aged 15-24 in the country exhibited alcohol use disorder and adolescents ranked seventh out of 35 In Europe when it comes to self-reporting their drinking over the recommended units. While Ireland is its own county, England’s statistics don’t look any better with multiple reports for teen rehab admissions coming in from multiple rehab providers across the country.
‘The awareness efforts for your people are not enough. We need local communities and the government to enforce additional safe activities and opportunities for the young generation to move back into schools and club activity, and away from drugs,’ say addiction experts from Substance Rehabilitation UK.
Cocaine addiction can be a serious problem that requires professional help. It’s important to get help as soon as possible because untreated dependencies will only worsen over time. If you or someone you know has an addiction, please contact a local treatment provider.
How to Help Our Teens?
As mentioned above, providing distractions and different opportunities for development and self-discovery is one of the ways in which we can help teenagers stay away from drugs and alcohol. This doesn’t have to mean going on expensive holidays or buying them fancy gadgets; instead, it could mean spending more time doing things they enjoy, such as playing sports or getting involved in community groups.
It’s also important to remember that while many teens may want to go wild at times, this isn’t always a good idea. For example, if you see your teenager smoking marijuana, don’t give him/her money to buy more – it might just encourage them to smoke more. Instead, try to talk about why he/she shouldn’t do it and how bad it would be for his/her health.
If you think your child has a drug problem, there are several resources available to help you learn more about what steps to take next:
What Is The Best Way To Help A Teenager With Drug Addiction?
Teenagers who abuse drugs or alcohol often experience symptoms like depression, anxiety, and lack of motivation. They may feel anxious about schoolwork, family life, and relationships. They may become depressed and lose interest in socializing. Their grades may suffer, and they may start skipping classes.
A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that kids who were exposed to alcohol during pregnancy had higher rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than those whose mothers did not drink during pregnancy. Researchers believe that prenatal exposure to alcohol may alter brain chemistry, causing ADHD-like behaviours in children.
In addition to these physical changes, some teens develop emotional problems, including low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness, and anger issues. These thoughts and emotions can lead to violent behaviour, especially if a person feels trapped in a cycle of abuse.
If you suspect your teenager has a drug problem, here are some signs you should watch for:
- Sneaking out
- Hiding their expenses
- Keeping more secrets
- Drastic change in eating habits
- Frequent visits to the restroom and change in character after coming back
- Irregularities in sleep routines
- Sudden lack of desire to perform activities they previously enjoyed
- If under prescription, often ‘losing’ or ‘dropping’ pills, actions which require more frequent refills or new prescription before the original one has expired.
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Are There Treatment Options for Teenagers with an Addiction?
There are a number of options for treating teenage substance abusers. Some people prefer residential programs where teens live together in a group setting. Others choose outpatient rehab centers, which allow teens to continue living at home but attend counseling sessions regularly. Still, others opt for partial hospitalization programs, which provide intensive therapy in a controlled environment.
The most effective treatments for teen addictions include both counseling and medication. In fact, studies show that combining counseling and medications is twice as effective as either alone. However, not all teenagers respond well to medication, so counselors play a key role in helping teens understand the reasons behind their addictive tendencies and find solutions to overcome them.
When choosing a treatment program, consider the following factors:
- Location
- Cost
- Length of stay
- Staff qualifications
Programs vary greatly in terms of cost, length of stay, staff qualifications, and location. For example, private facilities tend to be more expensive than public ones, however, they have immediate admissions and accept private insurance. If you’re looking for long-term care, it’s important to look into the quality of the facility’s staff and whether they hold certifications from professional associations such as the Care Quality Commission or the BCPA.
You might also want to ask about the facility’s success rate since this will give you a better idea of how likely it is that your son or daughter will successfully complete treatment.
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How Can I Get My Child Into a Residential Facility?
Most residential programmes accept referrals from doctors, teachers, parents, and law enforcement officials. You may also contact local hospitals or health clinics to see if they offer any services for youth who need help overcoming addiction.
Some residential facilities accept referrals directly from family members, friends, or even other children who have been through similar experiences. It’s best to call ahead to make sure the programme accepts your child’s type of referral.
Partial hospitalisation (PH) is a form of treatment that involves staying in a rehabilitation centre for a few days each week. This allows adolescents to receive individualised counselling while still being able to return home on weekends.
This type of treatment is ideal for those who don’t feel comfortable leaving home during the day or for those whose families aren’t willing to let them go.
When it comes to counselling, it can take many forms, including one-on-one sessions, small groups, large groups, and even family therapy. The type of counselling available depends on the needs of the teenager and his or her family. One-to-one counselling is often used when there is a strong bond between the therapist and patient. It’s also useful when the adolescent has specific problems, such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
In larger groups, participants share their feelings and discuss ways to cope with difficult situations. These types of groups are especially helpful for those who struggle with anger management issues or who have trouble controlling their emotions.
If you dont’t want your child to be a statistic in next year’s Public Health England survey, watch how they behave, be supportive, and help them find an activity which can help them find a better source of energy and adrenaline than cocaine or alcohol.
