Child & Adolescent Counseling

Adolescents and teens don’t have it easy. Rapidly changing minds and bodies aren’t the only things they deal with. There’s the pressure to “fit in”, find their place, and make their parents proud. They’re trying to cultivate healthy interests and come up with goals for their futures. This kind of pressure can lead to mental health disorders or substance use disorders. When mental health or substance use affects a child, it affects the entire family. 

At BHS Pickens, we see how your child’s pain hurts you. We understand how easy it is to fall into unhealthy patterns at that age, and we lead with compassion. Through science-backed research and master-level clinicians, our goal is to help your child regain their sense of safety, independence, and confidence. 

Why Do Adolescents Use Drugs, Tobacco, or Alcohol?

Addiction can affect anyone at any phase in their lives, and sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason for it. Even so, it’s hard to deny that certain events or circumstances put teens at risk for drug or alcohol use. Let’s discuss a few of those risk factors.

Exposure. Whether we like it or not, drug and alcohol use is everywhere. Television and magazines aren’t the only places teens are exposed to this. Sometimes, they see friends or family members doing it. When kids are surrounded by alcohol or other drugs at school or home, they begin to normalize it. This leads to teens trying it because it’s common, or because their friends are doing it. A child’s home life and social circle are standard risk factors for drug and alcohol use at a young age. 

Mental Health Disorders. Mental health disorders easily go undiagnosed in adolescents and teens. Hormones and moods are already so unpredictable at that age. It can be difficult to discern the difference between normal teen behavior and a problematic mental illness. Undiagnosed mental disorders in adolescents will often lead to drug or alcohol use to “numb” those big feelings produced by depression or anxiety. These are the feelings that should be addressed head-on. They’ll use drugs or alcohol as an “escape” or a way to cope. 

Lack of Self-Confidence. Self-esteem is a major stumbling block in middle and high school. At this age, children are comparing themselves to their peers regularly. They struggle with “measuring up”, fitting in, their image, and more. Some teens will feel vulnerable in social situations. They may turn to alcohol or drugs to give themselves confidence. 

FAQs About Adolescent Counseling