Preparing Teens for a Successful Return to School: Nurturing Mental Health and Preventing Adolescent Substance Use Disorder

As teenagers prepare to return to school, a myriad of challenges can affect their mental health. There is pressure to do well in school, work a part-time job, make the cut for a sports team, and be socially understood and included. Returning to school after the summer break can exacerbate existing mental health issues and trigger relapses into adolescent substance use disorder.

As teens navigate the complexities of adolescence, the return to school can stir up feelings of anxiety, stress, and isolation, especially if students lack support or feel misunderstood. The beginning of the school year comes with scholastic expectations that can lead to a vicious cycle, where substance use becomes a means of self-medication to alleviate the corresponding stress: a toxic coping mechanism. Parents, schools, and communities need to recognize these challenges and create support systems that address the mental health needs of students to create an environment of understanding, empathy, and encouragement during the school year.

Temptations are available for teenagers who may succumb to pressure. While teenagers are at school, they may feel inclined to take unprescribed Adderall as a way to combat academic pressure or activate a burst of energy. However, this misuse of Adderall is like running a car without gas – it will inevitably lead to burnout and exacerbated mental health symptoms.

In social settings, adolescents may have access to alcohol, vaping, marijuana, cocaine, or other substances. For teenagers who feel socially excluded, resorting to substances may feel like a way to fit in. Teenagers in this environment – who make friends based on their common interest in substance use – are subject to negative influences, which can lead to negative consequences impacting adolescent development.

As a parent, you need to stay vigilant in observing your teen’s behavior patterns. If you see that they are experiencing a tumultuous emotional situation, such as being cut from a sports team or on the receiving end of a breakup, it’s important to provide support. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of addiction and other mental health disorders is critical.

Adolescents become susceptible to substance use during triggering transitional periods in their life. Their moods may change rapidly, making them more irritable than usual and more susceptible to isolating themselves from family and the things they love. The use of substances may disrupt sleep and eating patterns. Be aware of sudden declines in their grades. If that is the case, school should not be the priority when you are concerned for your teenager’s well-being – their health is.

Embrace Healing and Recovery at Our Teen Residential Treatment Facility

At Lotus Behavioral Health, we offer personalized treatment and expert substance use disorder care programs to help your teenager transform their life. Our whole-person approach focuses on healing the mind, body, and spirit to guide teenagers on a sober path.

As behavioral health leaders, we are committed to empowering adolescents with substance use disorder. Together, with the support of a strong family network and a caring community, you can count on our dedicated team to provide the professional help your teenager needs.

Lotus Behavioral Health believes that a united effort is what makes the difference. As a teen residential treatment facility, we are equipped to help your adolescent transform with hope, love, and healing.

Part of our treatment for teenagers at Lotus Behavioral Health is dedicated classroom time to focus on academics. By integrating their school’s online education opportunities into our program, we make sure that students prioritize their education while they receive necessary therapeutic care. We set aside time and attention for teenagers to continue their schooling throughout the healing process, ensuring they do not fall behind academically during their time with us. In fact, we often see students build strong academic habits during their time at our teenage drug rehab in Orlando, Florida.

Through our personalized online learning environment, our residents have the chance to spark their interest in learning and see it as more than just a responsibility. As a result, our adolescent residents not only find hope and healing but also rediscover their potential to do well in school. Restoring their confidence in their academic abilities helps them adjust to in-person schooling once they complete our residential treatment program.

Help Is Here

If you are a parent of a teenager with a substance use disorder, reach out to the Lotus Behavioral Health team for additional information on our services and the different levels of care we offer at our adolescent treatment facilitylocated in Central Florida. You can start the process by visiting our Admissions page, where you can view more information about a complimentary brief assessment to determine eligibility.

For more information, contact Lotus Behavioral Health for an intake consultation at (833) 948-2273 or visit our website.