Learning your teen was caught with drugs at school is upsetting, to say the least. Learning they purchased those drugs at school is even worse. Teen drug therapy services can help your child live a healthy, drug-free life regardless of easy access to substances.
For information about our substance abuse treatment for teens, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275.
An Overview of Teen Substance Abuse at School
Though they strive to be, schools are not drug-free zones. A study by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University concluded that 44% of high school students know how to buy drugs on campus.
Half of the teenagers surveyed were certain they could get alcohol, marijuana, or prescription drugs at school if they wanted. Approximately 91% of the students who were surveyed knew a marijuana dealer at school, and 1% said they could buy heroin and methamphetamine from a fellow student.
Concerns about drug use and peer pressure are nothing new for parents, but many adults don’t realize how easy it is for young people to purchase substances if they want them. An effective substance abuse program for teens not only addresses the risks of substance use but also provides clients with the tools they need to resist triggers.
What Steps Should You Take to Protect Your Teen?
Laws vary by state, but selling or possessing an illegal substance on school property may have legal consequences. Even in states that have legalized cannabis for recreational use, this legal status only applies to adults. If you suspect your teen has purchased drugs at school, talk with a school administrator.
If local authorities are involved, the best approach is to stay calm. However, you also do not want to volunteer personal information. Remember, things you say at the moment could be used against your teen later. Even if no charges are filed, it’s still a good idea to contact your family attorney and ask about your teen’s rights.
Ask for any disciplinary measures from the school to be provided in writing. If your teenager is suspended from school, ask if any conditions might allow him to return earlier. Options such as fulfilling community service hours may be available. In the case of suspension, it may be necessary to find an alternative school.
Getting Help: Substance Abuse Treatment for Teens
Whether it was the first time your teen ever purchased drugs at school or the hundredth, substance abuse treatment for teens can be helpful on many levels. Agreeing to treatment can help keep a minor out of legal trouble.
Even more importantly, participating in a supportive, evidence-based treatment program can help your child get back on the right track. A teen treatment program that also provides academic support is ideal, especially if your child needs long-term treatment or has been expelled from school.
During treatment, you can expect the following options:
- Supervised detoxification
- Family counseling
- Dual-diagnosis treatment
- Clinical rehabilitation
- Educational support
- 12-Step addiction recovery
Additional services, such as adventure therapy, trauma therapy, and nutritional therapy, may also be available. Each child is different and responds to different types of treatments.
Working with a treatment center that recognizes your teen’s individuality is key to their recovery. Before committing to a program, ask how treatment plans are developed and what kinds of services are available.
Find Effective Substance Abuse Treatment for Teens at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
Teen substance abuse at school is something to take seriously. Getting help for your teenage boy shouldn’t compromise their education, and at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, it doesn’t.
Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275 if you’re concerned about your teen’s drug use. We can share information about our substance abuse program for teens.
