Teenagers can be naïve about many things, and one area that this is most obvious is in their belief that they are indestructible. They don’t recognize that their behavior has consequences, and that some of those consequences can be to their health, or even their very life.
Using drugs and alcohol tends to be one of the areas where they just don’t see the connection between their behavior and what it could mean to their health. In the early stages of substance abuse, they just see and feel the enjoyment that they might be experiencing. By the time they get to the stage of being addicted, they are unable to comprehend the magnitude of the problem. As a parent you will have to step in and get your child medical treatment. Oftentimes this means that a teen intervention might be necessary.
Addiction as a Disease
If you have a teenager who is addicted to drugs, but does not recognize their need for help, you will need to take control of the situation as if it were any other disease that might affect his or her wellbeing. In reality, addiction is a disease and should be treated as such.
Unfortunately, addiction can progress significantly if left untreated. This can lead to deterioration of the body, cause changes to a teen’s still developing brain (which can become permanent), and even damage their internal organs. If left untreated, teen addiction can lead to death.
Teenagers typically do not fully understand these risks to their health and welfare. Part of that comes from their lack of experience, and part of it can come from denial. Another aspect of their lack of acceptance of the risks is that teens tend to think about right here and right now, with no regard for the future. This factor often prevents them from recognizing the danger of their situation as a drug abuser.
Reasons for Medical Treatment of Addiction
Because addiction is a disease that affects the body and mind, professionals should medically treat it. There are many reasons to get your teenager medical treatment as quickly as possible, including but not limited to the following: