Substance use has a direct, profound impact on a person’s relationships at any age. When teenage relationships are impacted by substance use, group therapy programs can help a teen make better choices and build healthier relationships.
Foothills at Red Oak Recovery is a treatment center that works with teenage boys. Our substance abuse treatment in North Carolina help teens overcome substance use and learn to build healthy relationships with both friends and family.
To learn more about getting help for your teen, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275 today.
The Connection Between Substance Abuse and Relationships
There is a major correlation between substance abuse and relationships. Regular use of mind-altering substances leads to negative changes in all areas of life. When a teenager is abusing substances, some of the changes you’re most likely to notice include the following:
- Withdrawal or isolation
- Changes in normal activities
- Changes in physical health
- Academic or legal problems
- New friend groups
- Anger, resentment, or emotional outbursts
Substance use changes a teen’s actions, thoughts, feelings, and priorities. This naturally impacts relationships with both friends and family members.
A teenager using substances may stop spending time with old friends, instead preferring new friends who also use substances. If a teen is less social, they may spend more time alone, isolated from peers and family members.
Substance use doesn’t just change who a teen spends time with. It also alters the quality of that time. Substance use is linked to a decrease in empathy and concern for others. A teenager under the influence isn’t capable of being fully present due to the effects of the substance.
The Impact of Addiction on Family Dynamics
Teenagers are just beginning to develop independence and autonomy. In these years, personalities solidify, personal interests are cemented, and peer relationships begin to take precedence over family relationships.
Any family can experience stress or conflict when a teenager begins to place greater importance on peer relationships than family relationships. This is often compounded by the teenage rebellion many parents deal with. It’s common for teens to feel that parental rules and expectations are unfair, especially when their peers’ parents set forth more lenient ones.
All parents go through growing pains with teenagers, and this often impacts the quality of relationships in a family. However, the impact of addiction on family relationships usually means that the issues tend to be larger and more significant.
How Treatment Improves Teen Relationships
The best way parents can support a teen who is abusing substances is to locate a teenage treatment program. Getting a teenager help for substance use improves their physical, mental, and emotional health. It can also lead to radical changes in a teen’s relationships with both family members and friends.
A teen substance use program typically involves group therapy. Teens in group therapy learn communication and conflict skills while working with a group of peers.
Group therapy offers direct instruction and practice in how to build healthy relationships with peers. Teens who learn to develop meaningful friendships are less likely to turn to substances to cope with challenging thoughts and emotions.
Teen substance use treatment also involves family therapy. A therapist can help teens and their parents learn how to communicate effectively and handle conflict productively. Family therapy can increase understanding and healthier relationships for all participating family members.
Foothills at Red Oaks Recovery Supports Families
Substance abuse and relationships are directly connected, and treatment can help heal both. Finding support for a teen abusing substances can also provide the tools for improving relationships and achieving a higher quality of life both now and in the future.
Don’t wait any longer to get help for your teenage boy. Contact us at 866.300.5275 today to learn about teen substance use treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery.
