In line with a national trend, a staggering 45% of California youth aged between 12 and 17 are grappling with mental health challenges, as highlighted by a UCLA policy brief. Among them, nearly a third endure severe psychological distress. This alarming statistic sheds light on the prevalence of mental health struggles among various segments of the adolescent population, encompassing economically disadvantaged individuals, multiracial youth, gender-nonconforming teens, and foreign-born adolescents.
One concerning repercussion of these mental health issues is the tendency for teens to resort to self-medication through addictive substances. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or even excessive use of social media and video games, adolescents may seek solace in these behaviors as a means to alleviate anxiety, depression, or other emotional turmoil.
Our Services
While our primary focus is assisting teenagers, we also extend our services to young adults. Whether it’s mental health challenges or learning disabilities, we’re here to provide:
Guides for Understanding and Action
Recognizing the Signs:
Parents must remain vigilant to detect signs of self-medication among their teenagers. Some common indicators include:
- Mood Swings: Sudden and drastic shifts in mood, from euphoria to despair, could signal underlying issues.
- School Avoidance: Chronic absenteeism or a decline in academic performance may point toward struggles teens are attempting to cope with.
- Changes in Social Behavior: Withdrawal from social activities or sudden changes in friend groups could indicate underlying distress.
- Physical Symptoms: Unexplained weight loss or gain, changes in sleeping patterns, or neglect of personal hygiene can all be red flags.
Practical Solutions for Parents:
- Open Communication: Foster an environment of trust and open dialogue where your teen feels comfortable discussing their emotions and struggles without fear of judgment.
- Education: Equip yourself with knowledge about the signs and risks of addiction and mental health issues. Understanding these topics will help you recognize and address them effectively.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish substance use, screen time, and social media usage rules. Consistent and firm boundaries can help prevent excessive self-medication behaviors.
- Monitor Social Media: Monitor your teen’s online activities. While respecting their privacy, be aware of any concerning content or interactions that could indicate distress.
- Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Teach your teen healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, hobbies, mindfulness, or creative outlets.
- Seek Professional Help: If you suspect your teen is struggling with mental health issues or addiction, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. A therapist or counselor can provide invaluable support and resources tailored to your teen’s needs.
In addition to these strategies, parents can also turn to intervention specialist services for assistance. Assisted Interventions Inc. is one such organization that offers intervention specialist services to help parents arrange interventions and transport them to designated treatment facilities nationwide. At Assisted Interventions Inc., we specialize in providing targeted intervention strategies tailored to meet the diverse needs of teenagers and families. Our experienced intake team conducts a thorough assessment, ensuring a trauma-informed approach that considers factors such as race, gender, and identity.
By staying proactive, utilizing practical strategies, and seeking specialized assistance when needed, parents can play a crucial role in supporting their teenagers through the challenges of mental health issues and steering them away from harmful self-medication behaviors.
Why Choose Assisted Interventions Inc.:
Guiding Teens & Young Adults to Brighter Tomorrows:
- Specializing in Intervention Strategies for Teens & Young Adults
- Dedicated Team for Adolescent Mental Health and Sobriety
- Tailored Support for Each Individual’s Journey.
- Providing Ongoing Care Throughout the Intervention Process
Testimonials
“Joe and his team made what was for me the most anxiety provoking part of this process, the most seamless, nurturing supportive experience. Joe always either took my calls ...returned texts with a reassuring confident manner, or let me know when he was available to speak. Sherman and Richard were patient, yet firm with my son (who I thought was going to be explosive and difficult) and kept me up to date throughout the transport. If not for them and their gentle guidance, this could have been a disaster.”
- February 2022
"Sherman and Richard helped us through one of the most difficult day of our lives. They were kind and calming and kept our son safe and calm throughout a very long journey. ....They updated us regularly and responded to our texts and calls immediately. Our son did not want to leave them at the end of his journey to Wilderness camp, and I suspect when he gets home he will want to get in touch with them. Clinton also prepared us in advance. He and his staff could not be more professional and kind. I am eternally grateful for the help they provided us on that highly stressful day.”
- November 2021
“We were terrified about letting two strangers take our son to Wilderness Therapy far away. We initially spoke with Clinton, who was also wonderful at calming our fears ....and knew these two guys would be a good match for our son. We could not have been more pleased with how everything went. We worked with Jason and Leighton. Jason was the lead, and he was very calm and reassuring. He prepped us a few days before and just before entering our son's room. Our son is a 17 yr old and on the larger side for his age, we were so unsure how he would react. We entered our son's room and spoke to him for about a minute then introduced Jason and Leighton and they took it from there. We disappeared as they prepared our son to go. It went very quickly and smoothly much to our surprise. We heard from them a couple times along the way and afterward. They were great at allaying our fears and keeping us informed. Thank you!!”
- November 2021
