Thrive Girls Ranch & Home understands that you want to find help for your struggling teen girl who may be involved with risky activities. We’re here to help at our affordable, specialized boarding school program, set in a safe, positive and structured environment near Austin, Texas.
What is Risky Activity and Behavior?
It has become very common to see young people experimenting, for the first time, with marijuana at age 12 to 14. Tobacco use may begin as early as age 11 and is very common in most high schools. While many may be able to experiment with the drug of their choice and stop as they choose, others may develop a dependency or move on to become a habitual user of more serious drugs, resulting in serious health problems.
Most teens using drugs may feel indestructible or in denial of any consequences that may come from using. They may have an attitude that they can quit at any time, and it is their life. They are, typically, oblivious to the negative health effects of tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana and may defend their use as “normal teenage behaviors.” As a parent, you look for signs of alcohol or drug use and may be in the dark for some time. Parents are sometimes the last one to know what their child is into even though they may try very hard to stay in touch with their child and their school.
Kids are very good at masking their issues and fooling their parents. Those at risk for developing serious alcohol and drug problems include those:
- Having a genetic predisposition or family history of risky activities
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Lonely/having few friends or social life
The most commonly used substance in high school is marijuana and alcohol. However, OTCs (over-the-counter meds), such as cold medication, cough syrup, sleep aides, diet pills, inhalants, glue or certain solvents, have become more popular over the past decade because of availability and cost. These are being abused by middle school and high school students alike with negative consequences. The use of illegal drugs, such as marijuana, stimulants, cocaine, crank, LSD, PCP, and ecstasy are increasing among young teens all over the US. There are no economic boundaries on drug usage, and it is becoming more acceptable in social circles all over the US. The negative consequences of drug use would include an addiction to more serious drugs, failing grades, disengagement from family, making poor choices that may result in accidents or violence, having sex, or even suicide.
Serious health issues may also be a result of drug or alcohol consumption. Warning signs for parents may include:
- Withdrawing from the family/arguing or breaking family rules
- Skipping school/poor academic success
- Red and glazed eyes, repeat cough, fatigue
- Mood swings from depression, anger, irritability
- Change of interests including peer group
- Stealing from family members or others
As parents notice significant changes in their teen, they must have a comprehensive evaluation done to rule out other possible related disorders that may be treated–as well as the risky activities. Early detection and treatment may certainly result in more favorable outcomes for your child. As a parent, don’t be afraid to confront your child if you suspect that he/she is becoming involved in the use of a substance. Remember that your child is in danger of further harm and is, most likely, not going to come to you for help.
Your Teen Girl Can Change and Thrive
Thrive Girls Ranch & Home offers life transformation to girls who struggle with life-controlling and self-destructive behaviors or attitudes, and risky activities. We provide counseling to each individual girl, plus daily learning experiences and activities that nurture a true change of heart–and help her thrive in life.
We also desire to see every girl discover her God-given potential, and live out our core values of integrity, compassion, community, vision, stewardship, servanthood, and faith in Jesus Christ.
At Thrive Girls Ranch & Home, teen girls receive fully accredited middle and high school curriculum through Alpha Omega Academy. We also offer extensive academic recovery options, and help her prepare to transition into a normal, healthy lifestyle in college, ministry or the workforce. And because we highly value family restoration, parents can visit their girl once a month, and receive good insight on improving family relationships.
Need help with your teen girl involved in risky activities?
We enroll girls (ages 12-17 years) year-round, but we have a limited number of placements.
Please call (512) 545-2226 now.
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Thrive Girl’s Ranch & Home can help your teenage girls who is displaying risky behaviors through our specialized boarding school set in a safe and structured environment. We have a limited number of placements available, so call us today!
