The rollercoaster known as “the teenage experience” is one of uncertainty. A teenager’s life fluctuates between complete opposites, and often, it is never steadily in the middle. Those internal experiences and the fear of the unknown ignite tremendous stress and anxiety. A teen’s outlook on life is far from perfect, and that is an understatement.
Inconsistent teenage behavior is nothing new. However, between the physical changes and emotionally draining hormonal shifts, teens often struggle to stay mentally afloat. Parents have wrestled with assisting their teens through these transitions for centuries. But are they grappling with “normal” teenage emotions? Or are they showing signs of a problem that could jeopardize their livelihood?
Teens and Their Behaviors
Teens are ticking time bombs. They’re learning to cope with the extreme changes in their bodies and brains. But, when you throw in academic and social pressures, they struggle with locating their identity in society. Teens also lack impulse control. Due to some regions of the brain being underdeveloped, teens act first and process consequences after.
Verbal Aggression is also considered a typical teen behavior, notably in boys. Teenage boys are experiencing significant hormonal changes related to puberty and the natural desire for independence. This tension can cause teens to lash out by yelling, arguing, and occasionally using hurtful words.
Teens are becoming more independent and gradually detached from their families. Although your teen’s early years were probably full of parental engagement, it is normal for them to engage with you a little less entering adolescence. These are the years they spend more time with friends and learn specific aspects of their identity.
Why Do Teens Abuse Drugs?
There is a fragile line between normal adolescent behavior and behaviors that can become dangerous. Teens are naturally struggling with fluctuating emotions and societal acceptance. Those situations can become unsafe for your teen without proper guidance and support.
The Center on Addiction prepared the “National Survey of American Attitude on Substance Abuse.” The survey exposed that about 46% of teenagers experience high stress and anxiety. These teens are three times more likely to abuse marijuana and twice as likely to abuse alcohol. 52% of teenagers said there was a place on or near school grounds where students use drugs, drink, or smoke during the school day. 36% of teens said that it was easy for students to use drugs, drink or smoke during the school day without getting caught.
Do You Suspect That Your Teen Is Abusing Drugs or Alcohol?
Teenagers today battle with significant amounts of depression, anxiety, and stress. Since many of these emotions are heavy and new, they deal with them secretly. For many teens, drugs and alcohol consumption have become the easy fix, or at least they believe them to be.
While healthier options exist, drugs and alcohol are readily available and provide a convenient yet temporary relief. Unfortunately, parents are often left in the dark until it becomes evident and dangerous. If you suspect your teenager is abusing drugs or alcohol, look closely at their behavior.
- Drastic changes in their physical appearance.
- Extreme shifts in their mood and personality.
- Sudden declines in their physical health.
- Detachment from social engagements with family and friends.
- Carelessness with their hygiene.
- Statements made regarding self-harm.
- Attempting to self-harm.
- Smells of smoke and alcohol on their clothes or breath.
- Unusual amounts of sleeping.
How Can You Help?
Remember, teenagers can be ticking time bombs. This particular period in their life is delicate. If your teen has fallen into the dangers of drug or alcohol abuse, here are a few ways that you can help them through it.
- Check their spaces: Teenagers tend to experience issues with substance abuse with close friends. Although they try to hide it from their parents, there are usually bright red flags everywhere. Social media and text messages hold the most information. These are the two places where the truths they hide reveal themselves.
- Be direct: Teens are transitioning into adulthood but are not yet there. They are still developing. Have those hard and honest conversations about substance abuse’s short- and long-term dangers. When discussing this with your teen, remember to be honest about the information you have and open to ways to help.
- Seek professional help: Seeking professional help may alleviate some stress and concern. Teenagers are typically more comfortable talking to an adult other than their parents. Some counselors and therapists specifically work to assist your teenager with overcoming substance abuse issues. They may be more open to discussing those problems and looking for ways to solve them.
Begin Counseling for Teens in Huntsville, AL
If you are looking for an experienced counselor to help support you and your teenager through the stress of trying times, Aspire Counseling & Consulting Services is a great place to start your search. We are currently accepting clients who are seeking counseling or therapy services. If you need more information or are ready to begin counseling services, please follow these steps:
- Contact Aspire Counseling
- Meet with a caring counselor for teens
- Start receiving the support your teen deserves
Other Services Offered with Aspire Counseling
Therapy for teenagers isn’t the only service our team offers. We know that there are multiple mental health concerns you may experience. This is why we are happy to offer a variety of services including marriage and couples counseling, individual counseling, anger management therapy, anger management classes, and depression therapy. We also offer support with continuing education, overcoming eating disorders, and offer online clinical supervision for social workers. Visit our blog or FAQ for more helpful info! If you need more information about our rates, accepted insurance, and services or are ready to begin counseling services, please do not hesitate to call or visit our blog for more information.
