Aspergers Teens: Drug Abuse and Addiction

Whether you are a parent, grandparent or any other person who cares about an Aspergers child's future, it is important that you be knowledge about how to prevent drug abuse. It's hard for us to imagine that an Aspergers child we love could end up using drugs. But chances are, many Aspergers children will be faced with, "Should I, or shouldn't I?" As parents we must teach our kids to know that the answer is, "I shouldn't, and I won't."

If you suspect your Aspergers teen has been using drugs or drinking alcohol, it's important to act quickly: the longer your teen abuses substances, the more likely they are to become addicted. If you do find the problem is beyond your expertise, there are teen drug treatment programs that specialize in the special needs of this population.

Be especially scrutinizing as you determine the drug rehab program that meets your Aspergers child's specific needs.

Chemical dependency in Aspergers teens is a treatable condition. The first goal of treatment is abstinence. The chemically dependent child must stop using alcohol or drugs. This sometimes requires a period of medical detoxification.

Once alcohol and/or drug use is stopped, Aspergers teens may honestly feel that they have the desire and ability to remain sober. This period can last days, weeks or months before cravings (the obsessive pressure to use) return. To reduce the risk of a relapse, the Aspergers teen must address personal problems and life issues related to the chemical dependency.

Some of those issues are addressed in group therapy, individual counseling sessions, educational lectures, and discussion groups in chemical dependency treatment. The therapy process helps chemically dependent teens obtain the insight and skills needed to understand and deal with problems associated with their alcohol and drug use. They learn to deal with their problems from a psychological, emotional, and spiritual perspective as well as from a physical perspective. After treatment, personal problems and other major life issues can be handled at a higher level of functioning.

Treatment for chemical dependency is available in residential settings, in outpatient centers, and now online.

The Parenting Aspergers Resource Guide: A Complete
Resource Guide For Parents Who Have Children Diagnosed
With Aspergers Syndrome.