Austin Davis, LPC-S

27/09/2022

There are many different approaches to treating teen substance use disorder (SUD). One of those is Family Systems Therapy (FST), an approach that addresses the family dynamic as a whole.

In FST, the family is seen as a system where each family member plays an important role within that system.

This approach can help break down barriers that prevent an addicted individual from seeking help.

FST can focuses on a few different things, including:
- Unity
- Being human
- Teamwork
- Accountability

Curious about the role family systems therapy can play in teenage substance use disorder treatment? Read my new blog post here-

Family system therapy has shown promise in addressing teen substance abuse. For more information on teen treatment, call Clearfork Academy at (888) 966-8604.

23/09/2022

It can be difficult trying to determine whether or not to drug test your sober teen, however, careful consideration should be given to your relationship with your teen first.

Before giving a drug test to your sober teen, there are a few things you can do:
✔️Talk before you test- Try having an open and honest conversation with your teen about these concerns.
✔️Educate yourself- See where the pros and cons of drug testing align with your concerns.
✔️Reach out for help- Reaching out to a professional can be a difficult step, but can benefit your teen and your family.

Read my new blog post HERE to learn more about drug testing your teen, and what you can do to help -

If you suspect your teen has returned to problematic substance use and want alternatives to home testing, call Clearfork Academy today at (888) 966-8604.

20/09/2022

If you’re concerned about your teen, don’t let those questions go unanswered. As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Addressing the problem early gives your son or daughter the best chance of success.

We know it can be intimidating to initiate the conversation. What to say, what not to say… It feels heavy. But the truth is, you don’t want to wait to start asking questions until it's too late. It’s never too early to start the conversation.

15/09/2022

Confronting your teen about their substance abuse is one of the hardest steps for your teen’s healing, but it’s important in order to help them get the treatment that they need.

Here are just a few helpful suggestions for bringing up this topic with your teen:
1. Gather evidence- This is key to showing your teen that you know the truth.
2. Prepare for backlash- Your teen may excuse their substance abuse as a result of your past substance use. Transparency is key and avoid letting your experience be used as justification.
3. Educate- Educate yourself on the risks of teen substance abuse and emphasize those risks to your teen.

Confronting your teen about suspected drug abuse is something no parent ever wants to face, but there are resources out there that can help them.

Read more about this topic in my new blog post HERE about how to address this situation, and get the help your teen needs -

Confronting your teen about suspected drug abuse can be challenging, but it's necessary. Learn more from Clearfork Academy by calling (888) 966-8604.

05/09/2022

When parents hear the term 'substance abuse', they often think of drugs found outside of their home.

💊 What many don’t know is that the drug issues affecting teens the most these days are substances that can be found in their own homes, like prescription drugs.

🚫 Prescription drug abuse is popular among teens as they are easily accessible and are misinterpreted as being “safe” since they're prescribed by a doctor.

When taken inappropriately, they can be very dangerous. Side effects of many prescription drugs include:
- Drowsiness
- Changes in heart rate
- Changes in body temperatures
- Nausea
- Seizure

So, as parents, what can you do? Monitoring, safely storing, and disposing medicines are ways to prevent access/prescription drug use in your home.

If you think your teen may have a problem with alcohol and/or other dangerous substances, connecting them with a treatment source is crucial. If you have questions or need help, please reach out to me.

Read my blog post here fore more- https://clearforkacademy.com/2022/07/30/what-are-the-current-trends-in-teen-drug-use/

01/09/2022

Today marks the first day of National Recovery Month.

During this month, we celebrate the successes made by those in recovery, and spread awareness and education about addiction treatment and mental health services available to those wanting to embark on the road to recovery.

The path to recovery isn’t easy, but with the right support and resources, it IS possible.

Where are you at in the recovery process with your teen who's struggling with substance abuse?

30/08/2022

The digital world can be a great place, but can also have just as many dangers, including increased risk of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying refers to using electronic communication to bully and send abusive messages or images to someone. It can occur on all forms of digital devices that your teens use, making it harder to unravel whether or not it is happening to your child.

There are some warning signs that may be able to help indicate whether your child is a victim of cyberbullying. Some include:
- A sudden change in their mood or behavior when they’re on digital devices
- Physical changes like weight loss or low energy levels
- Poor academic performances
- Withdrawing from activities that once made them happy

The effects of cyberbullying can have detrimental consequences on the lives of teenagers. Read my new blog post HERE to decipher the warning signs as well as how to help-

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that hinders the quality of life. With help, your teen can prevail. Learn more by calling Clearfork Academy at (888) 966-8604.

27/08/2022

Va**ng is a growing trend amongst our teens and adolescents, but the most unsettling reality of it all is that due to lack of research on e-cigarette products, users don’t truly know how damaging va**ng can be.

There are a number of reasons why your teen might v**e. Some include:
- Peer pressure
- Affordability
- Flavoring
- Unique va**ng features
And so much more.

The harmful effects can be long-term, and if an addiction to va**ng is developed, it can be a very difficult thing to quit.

In my new blog post, we discuss more on the signs and risks of va**ng, as well as what to do to help your teen quit.

Va**ng is a dangerous trend that continues to affect teens. To learn more about how you can help, call Clearfork Academy today at (888) 966-8604.

23/08/2022

As a parent, it can be hard to admit when you don't have all the answers. As the parent of a child struggling with substance abuse, this can be downright terrifying.

I've uploaded a video where I talk about some resources to help you and your family through this difficult time- https://youtu.be/oBHxZTteT64

Blog for more information on these resources- https://info.clearforkacademy.com/substance-abuse-resources

Remember: you're not in this alone. Please reach out to me if you have any questions.

20/08/2022

You may have heard of ketamine as it’s used in medical settings, but the unsettling reality about the drug is that it is also widely being used recreationally by individuals seeking a dream-like, euphoric effect.

This can not only lead to long-term physical and mental health damage, but it can also increase the risk of addiction.

The effects of ketamine are relatively short-lasting, including:
- Slower breathing
- Unconsciousness
- Hallucinations
- High blood pressure
- Amnesia

But although the effects can be short-lasting, the long-term effects on the brain and the body can outweigh short term use of the drug.

In my new blog post, we discuss ketamine and how it can worsen mental health disorder as well as increase the potential for substance abuse and addiction.

Read my new blog post HERE to learn more about ketamine and what treatment can look like - https://clearforkacademy.com/2022/06/16/what-is-ketamine/

15/08/2022

Va**ng is quickly taking over the teen and young adolescent population, but in spite of that, there's still mixed discussion on the its true dangers.

What makes va**ng so dangerous is that it contains highly concentrated levels of ni****ne, which is also a stimulant that can impact the body and brain negatively.

Whether it's something your teen has not even considered, it’s important to discuss the harmful impacts of va**ng through an informed discussion.

11/08/2022

As parents, we want nothing more than for our children to be healthy and safe. You may go the extra mile to ensure that you create an environment for them to thrive in, but despite your hard work, it can still be shocking when your child succumbs to substance use.

As parents, one of the things you can control is how much you know about teen substance use, and what you can do to help your teen if they ever fall victim to addiction.

In my new blog post, we discuss what parents should know about teen substance use, identify warning signs, and more.

Early intervention is the key to arresting problematic substance use in teens. If your teen is struggling, call Clearfork Academy at (888) 966-8604.