What Are The Signs Of Drug Abuse In Teen Girls? Cleburne, TX Experts Explain

A teenager’s “rebellious phase” is part of the growing pains that parents learn to live with as their children mature. But what if this rebelliousness leads to things like drug and alcohol use? It’s actually more likely than you think, especially in girls. If you’re concerned about whether your daughter is at risk, here are some signs experts say you should watch out for, as well as treatment you can consider in the event that your daughter is struggling with addiction.

The Gender Gap is Closing

While rates of addiction among teenage girls have historically been lower than those of teenage boys, a study by NEJM Evidence found that the gender gap has been narrowing in recent years. The U.S. Department of Education attributes this to unique vulnerabilities that adolescent females face: young girls are susceptible to mental disorders, with a National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reporting that more than twice as many girls report depression compared to boys; girls are also more likely to have body image issues, engage in risky sexual behavior, and experience abuse, all of which are key risk factors for addiction.

Substance Abuse is Especially Dangerous for Teenagers

According to experts, teenage girls, like teenage boys, often misuse prescription medications, illicit drugs, or alcohol. These substances can disrupt the development of regions responsible for impulse control, memory, decision-making, and learning; addicted teenagers are also more likely to abuse substances later on in life and are at higher risk of mental health issues, abuse, injury, and death. As a result, parents who notice signs that their daughters have developed an addiction are strongly encouraged to enroll them in a rehab center dedicated to treating adolescents.

Signs of Addiction

Experts from Clearfork Academy, which has a girls-only addiction treatment facility in Cleburne, TX, explain that the earliest signs of drug use are often innocuous things that you may be tempted to write off as just teens being teens—things like avoiding eye contact, withdrawing from family and friends, and losing interest in school or hobbies. But if your teen starts doing things like ignoring curfews, breaking household rules, lying about their whereabouts, or making secretive calls, you should suspect something is going on, especially if these are all accompanied by declining academic performance.

Physical symptoms are a little easier to notice. Most substances in excess will cause bloodshot or glazed eyes, frequent nosebleeds, sores around the mouth, or sudden weight changes. An addicted teen may also appear extremely fatigued or often break out in cold sweats.

If you notice these symptoms alongside the aforementioned behavioral changes, you should take action and enroll your daughter in a rehab program immediately.

Treatments For Girls

Teenagers have specialized needs compared to adults, and this doubly applies to girls. As a result, your daughter may have the best chance of recovery if you enroll her in a rehab program developed specifically to treat addiction in teenage girls.

Patients will usually first undergo a medically supervised detox program to support safe cessation of any substances they are addicted to. They will then receive therapy to address co-occurring mental health disorders that may have contributed to the development of their addiction.

Many residential treatment centers also offer recreational therapies and outdoor activities in their programs to help teens stay engaged, boost their self-esteem, and learn how to express themselves in a healthy manner. The principle is to treat the whole person, which will lessen the chances of relapse even after treatment has ended.

What You Can Do As A Parent

Addiction isn’t something that most families can deal with on their own. It’s a serious and complex disease that warrants professional care, and that’s okay. The best thing you can do for your daughter is be compassionate and understanding. A parent’s support is one of the most powerful remedies for addiction, and sometimes it makes all the difference between relapse and abstinence.

Clearfork Academy
City: Fort Worth
Address: 7820 Hanger Cutoff Road
Website: https://clearforkacademy.com/
Phone: +1-888-430-5149
Email: info@clearforkacademy.com