Addiction for Teens
Teenagers are receptive to addictive behaviors.
Is your teenager dealing with a drug or alcohol problem?
Does your teenager stay online via cell phone or Internet for hours at a time? Perhaps your teenager compulsively plays video games to the exclusion of tasks that need to be completed.
You may be worried that your teenager is sexually active or is obsessive about sexual behaviors.
The bottom line is that in society today teenagers are exposed to many sources that can result in their development of addictive behaviors.
Statistics support the trend.
According to a 2017 survey by the CDC, 19.8% of teenagers “have been offered, sold, or given an illegal drug on school property,” and 28.9% have smoked. In terms of sexual relationships, 9.7% of teenagers have had sexual interaction with four or more partners.
“By age 15, 29.8% of teens have had at least one drink.” (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism).
Addiction has consequences for your teenager.
Academic performance can decline, and drugs and alcohol can create behavioral problems.
Your teenager’s health can be threatened by overdosing on drugs and creating an increase in the potential for accidents.
Many of these consequences can extend into adulthood.
Addictive behavior requires professional care.
Counseling can help teenagers overcome their struggles with addiction.
Through counseling, teenagers can explore and resolve underlying issues that contribute to substance usage as well as other forms of addiction.
Understanding how the brain works, psychoeducational activities, and helping teenagers develop a strong relationship with themselves are ways to address specific problems.
Teenagers need to develop a sense of purpose and have supportive community.
The main goal of counseling is to help the teenager gain a life without addiction and one that has moved beyond relapse.
Experience guides my approach to counseling.
Addiction in teenagers is at the forefront in our country, and I have been on the frontline here in Colorado working with those that have been impacted by this disease.
On a personal level, addiction affected my parents personally; so not only have I studied it, but I also witnessed it first-hand and understand the ripple effect that those closest to it may experience.
Your family can get the support they need.
If you are looking to work with a mental health professional, call our office today at (719) 749-6860.
We are skilled at helping teenagers work through childhood traumas, identify coping skills, and live with forgiveness and grace.
My approach is holistic. I believe that you must treat all aspects of the addiction, not just the behavior or symptom.