The teen years are full of changes for both your teen and yourself. Their ever-changing hormones, societal pressures from peers and social media, and their blossoming independence can be challenging to navigate.
And then there’s concern over teen substance abuse. Many teens face the temptation to experiment with substances. The use of alcohol, marijuana, vaping, and other dangerous substances often begins in these formative years. Of course, not all teens will give in to the pressure or curiosity of trying substances, but it’s crucial to be on the lookout for signs that they may be dabbling in them.
But what do you do if you find out your child is participating in teen substance abuse? How do you talk to them about it without making them feel judged and unsupported?
In this article, we’ll get into just that – how to recognize the signs of teen substance abuse and how to have an intervention that is helpful, supportive, and effective.
Understanding the Need for an Intervention With Your Teen
As a parent, it can be challenging to come to terms with the fact that your teenager may need an intervention regarding substance abuse. But it’s vital to recognize the signs and prioritize your need to take action for their current and future well-being. Teen substance abuse can have long-lasting effects on their life if left unaddressed.
It is essential to remember that an intervention is not about placing blame or punishing your teenager. Instead, it is an opportunity to express your concerns, offer support, and guide them toward seeking help. An intervention is a conversation, not a confrontation.
When you fully understand the need and importance of intervention for teen substance abuse, you can approach the process with empathy and compassion to ensure more positive outcomes.
Signs Your Teen May Need an Intervention for Substance Abuse
No parent wants to face the reality that their teen is using substances. But when those signs are clear, it’s time to take action before things get out of control. While your teen may not necessarily be addicted to whatever substance they are using, it’s still important to have a discussion.
As a parent, it’s easy to underestimate the severity of the symptoms of substance abuse. They may be using drugs or alcohol more often than you realize, and it could lead to addiction, even if they aren’t yet at that point.
While every teenager is different, there are common warning signs of teen substance abuse that indicate a need for intervention.
Behavioral Changes
Pay attention to sudden or extreme changes in your teen’s behavior, such as aggression, defiance, or secretiveness. These changes may indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Academic Decline
If your teen’s grades drop significantly or they have lost interest in school, it could be a sign of teen substance abuse or mental health struggles. Monitor their academic performance and communicate with teachers to better understand their situation.
- Physical Symptoms
Look for physical signs like bloodshot eyes, unexplained weight loss or gain, changes in appetite, or lack of personal hygiene. These may indicate teen substance abuse or other health concerns.
- Social Withdrawal
If your teen isolates themself from friends and family, it could be a sign of underlying issues. Pay attention to changes in their social interactions and try to determine the reasons behind their withdrawal.
- Risk-Taking Behavior
Reckless behavior, such as driving under the influence, engaging in unsafe sexual activities, or displaying a lack of regard for personal safety, can be signs of underlying issues requiring intervention.
How to Have an Intervention With Your Teen
If you are concerned about your teen’s drug or alcohol use, you must take action. It’s crucial to understand that you can never be too safe or intervene too early, even if you think they are just experimenting with substances.
It’s crucial to adequately prepare for an intervention and ensure you present your concerns in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental way. You also need to prepare yourself for resistance and high levels of emotion from your teen. Preparation is key.
Preparing for the Intervention
Select Your Intervention Team
It is crucial to choose the right individuals to be part of your intervention team. Select people who have a positive influence on your teenager and who genuinely care about their well-being. This may include immediate family members, close friends, mentors, or even professionals such as therapists or counselors.
Ensure the team members are willing to commit to the process and are prepared to offer support and guidance throughout the intervention. It’s important to have a united front and a collective understanding of the goals and expectations of the intervention.
Setting Goals and Expectations
Clearly define the intervention’s goals and expectations. Determine what you hope to achieve through this process and communicate these objectives to your intervention team. It is vital to establish realistic goals that focus on promoting your teenager’s well-being and encouraging positive changes in their life.
You also want to set expectations for each team member’s role during the intervention. Outline the responsibilities and guidelines to ensure everyone is on the same page. This will help maintain a structured and organized approach during the intervention.
Choosing the Right Time and Place for the Intervention
Selecting the right time and place for the intervention is critical for its success. Choose a time when your teenager will likely be receptive and relatively calm. Avoid scheduling the intervention during times of high stress or when they may be under the influence of substances.
The location should be private, comfortable, and free from distractions. Your home or neutral space, such as a therapist’s office, can provide a suitable environment. Ensure that the space allows for open communication and provides a safe space for your teenager to express their feelings.
Conducting the Intervention
Opening Statements and Expressing Concern
Begin the intervention by having each team member share their prepared opening statements. These statements should express their love, concern, and support for your teenager. Focus on describing specific behaviors observed and how they have impacted the individual and their relationships.
Ensure each team member’s statements are concise, respectful, and non-judgmental. Emphasize that the purpose of the intervention is to help your teenager rather than to place blame or criticism.
Presenting Consequences and Offering Help
Clearly communicate the consequences of not seeking help or making positive changes. Delivering these consequences with love and concern is essential, highlighting the potential adverse outcomes if things don’t change.
Offer concrete solutions and resources to help your teenager overcome their challenges. This may include options for therapy, support groups, treatment centers, or educational programs. Providing them with a roadmap to recovery can offer hope and motivation for change.
Use Active Listening and Empathy
Allow your teenager to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without interruption. Validate their emotions and let them know their voice is heard and respected.
Avoid becoming defensive or argumentative. Instead, demonstrate empathy and understanding, even if you disagree with their perspective. This will help create a safe and supportive environment for open dialogue.
Dealing with Resistance and Emotions During the Intervention
It’s important to acknowledge that resistance and heightened emotions are common during interventions. Your teenager may react with anger, denial, or defensiveness. Here are some strategies for dealing with resistance and emotions:
- Stay Calm and Composed
Even if your teenager becomes confrontational or emotional, do your best to remain calm and composed. Responding with anger or frustration will only escalate the situation. Take deep breaths, practice active listening, and respond with empathy and understanding.
- Anticipate Challenges and Prepare Responses
Consider the potential challenges or objections your teenager may raise during the intervention. Prepare thoughtful responses that address their concerns and emphasize the importance of seeking help.
- Enforce Boundaries
Enforcing boundaries and maintaining a respectful environment during the intervention are crucial. If your teenager becomes verbally or physically abusive, it may be necessary to pause the intervention and reconvene later. Prioritize everyone’s safety and well-being.
- Offer Support and Reassurance
Throughout the intervention, continuously offer support, reassurance, and encouragement. Let your teenager know that you love them, believe in their ability to make positive changes, and are committed to supporting them throughout their journey.
By approaching resistance and emotions with patience, empathy, and understanding, you can navigate these challenges and keep the intervention on track.
BOLD Health Can Help: Compassionate, Effective Addiction Treatment for Teens in San Diego
We recognize that addressing teen substance abuse can be challenging, overwhelming, and emotional for all parties involved. If you’re planning to have an intervention with your teen, seeking addiction treatment for teens in San Diego, or want to partner with a psychiatrist for teens in San Diego, we’ve got you covered.
Whether your teen is experimenting with substances, facing addiction, or has become addicted, our physician-led team of addiction experts is here to help. We’ll take the time to get to know your teen so fully that we can tailor a holistic treatment plan to meet their needs. We’re also here for you if you’re looking for a mental health professional to lean on.
Our team of psychiatrists for teens can not only help your child overcome or avoid addiction, but they can also help them better understand themselves. When they know who they are on a deeper level, they’ll be better equipped to make smarter decisions in the future.
Our treatment options include:
- individual therapy
- group therapy
- family therapy
- medication management
- intensive outpatient programs (IOP in San Diego)
Intervening in your child’s life and steering them on the right path is one of your most important jobs as a parent. And we’re here to support you and your child along the way.