In general, there are multiple reasons why teens start using drugs. They have different mechanisms of brain functioning. Moreover, the addicted individuals also have their own behavioral patterns affecting their decision-making (Films Media Group, 2006). For instance, Dylan reports cases of anxiety, aggression, and a specific attitude to life, proclaiming that death is not the worst thing that could happen (Films Media Group, 2006). For this reason, he started using marijuana as one of a ways to relax and avoid bad thoughts and feelings. In other words, it is possible to assume that traditional problems peculiar to teens and their emotions might have triggered the development of addiction.
Dylan’s parents have some options to deal with the situation and break up the addiction. At the moment, they are enrolled in Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) which is offered to adolescents and is free as social services pay for it. It is a good way to assist Dylan in his recovery and attract attention to the problem (Films Media Group, 2006). Moreover, the parents can also try a specific cognitive-behavioral therapy widely used nowadays to treat addiction and help people in such states (Kim & Hodgins, 2018). It would help to address the causes of the problem and modify Dylan’s behaviors to ensure he does not have new reasons for using drugs.
One recommendation for Dylan presupposes changing their attitude toward a teen and cultivating better relations within the family. Specialists state that inability to find a common language with parents is one of the common causes of using drugs and becoming an addicted person (Kim & Hodgins, 2018). For this reason, family therapy or attempts to establish better relations between all members might help Dylan to struggle with negative thoughts and eliminate the major causes of using drugs.
References
Films Media Group. (2006). The adolescent addict. Films On Demand. Web.
Kim, H. S., & Hodgins, D. C. (2018). Component model of addiction treatment: A pragmatic transdiagnostic treatment model of behavioral and substance addictions. Frontiers in psychiatry, 9, 406. Web.