Teen Cocaine Abuse
- Teen Cocaine Abuse
As we close out the first decade of the 21st century, teen cocaine abuse is a continued concern with parents, educators and drug rehab professionals around the country. More than almost any other illicit drug, cocaine carries a battery of social, physical and psychological consequences for those young people who become addicted to it. The following information provides a primer for parents who are either concerned that their children have been experimenting with cocaine, or may have already become addicted to the drug.
Signs and Symptoms of Teen Cocaine Abuse Parents who want to know if their kids are using cocaine need to be aware of the hallmark signs and symptoms of use among young people:
- Dilated pupils
- Decreased appetite
- High activity levels
- Talkativeness
- Argumentative behavior
- Nervousness
In addition to these symptoms, parents should also be on the lookout for obvious signs of cocaine use such as drug paraphernalia in the teen's room or car, cocaine residue found around the house, stealing money to fund cocaine use and other negative behaviors or actions that would indicate the child needs money (and is secretive about the reasons why).
Why is Teen Cocaine Abuse so Dangerous?
During the teenage years, an individual's mind and body are going through crucial stages of development. Cocaine can interfere with the full development of key brain functions as well as a variety of internal issues such as:
- The Limbic System - The brain's reward system is altered significantly by cocaine use. Over time, cocaine makes it hard for the brain to experience pleasure without the presence of the drug.
- The Immune System - Cocaine and other drugs can cause damage to the immune system, leaving the body unable to effectively fight infections.
- The Reproductive System - Cocaine has been found to severely impair the development of the internal organs that men and women need to reproduce.
What Parents Can Do About Teen Cocaine Abuse
The greatest weapons parents have in the fight against teen cocaine abuse are information and communication. By understanding the tell-tale signs of cocaine use, parents can make a fast, accurate determination regarding their child's drug use. But that information means nothing without communication. Parents must be proactive - and never hope "that the problem simply goes away on its own." Adults must confront their children about the problem and help them get the appropriate treatment for it is too late. Showing that they care is what parents can do to turn the tide away from cocaine use.
Treatment for Teen Cocaine Abuse
Luckily, parents are not alone in their fight against teen cocaine abuse. Teen drug treatment centers are specially equipped to help young people and their families break the cycle of cocaine addiction before it has any long-lasting effects on the individual. Drug rehab for cocaine addiction treats the physical and psychological addiction to cocaine - and also addressed social issues unique to teenagers such as peer pressure and self-image problems. The drug treatment programs at Newport Academy providing individualized care for young people and their families. Through counseling and cutting-edge treatment programs, every young person who enrolls at Newport is given a chance to defeat drug addiction and live the rest of their lives with passion, love and fulfillment. For more information, contact Newport Academy today.
