Angst, depression, rebelling and other behavior problems are always more closely associated with the teenage years more than any other time in a persons life. It is no wonder then how often parents can have difficulty distinguishing real signs of trouble from normal teenage behavior. Common signs that your child is using drugs or alcohol may be right under your nose but they might be explained away by "growing pains" or "relationship troubles" and other excuses. Unfortunately turning a blind eye to the problem only feeds the problem and the consequences become more dangerous for the teenager and his or her family. Drug and alcohol problems such as abuse, dependency, and addiction often perpetuate themselves and always get worse.

Spencer Recovery Centers have been helping teenagers get and stay clean and sober for over a decade. If your teenager is exhibiting any of these signs we encourage you to call Spencer's Teen Family Program for help with your adolescent.

Close friends are using drugs and alcohol
Defiant to authority
Depression
Lack of motivation
Lying
Unusual sleeping and eating patterns
Erratic mood swings
Paranoia
Quick to anger and get violent

There are other changes that a family will notice their teenager is going through that seem to be unusual and escalating. Changes in attitude and personality can be brought on peer pressure, emotional problems or trouble with school. However, when these problems seem to be increasing often the changes are due to alcohol and drug abuse. Adolescents are experimenting with alcohol and drugs at an earlier age than ever. The National Institute on Drug and Alcohol Abuse reports in their Monitoring the Future survey reveals that a common age for marijuana use is 14 years old and kids as young as 12 use alcohol.

If you have noticed major physical, emotional, social and school changes in your teenager it is important to take action now. View the rest of this site to learn more about Spencer's Teen Family Program.