How The Arbinger Principles Can Help Your Teen Fight Substance Abuse

How The Arbinger Principles Can Help Your Teen Fight Substance Abuse

Substance abuse, or the regular use of alcohol, drugs or other controlled substances, is one of the most common issues that teens face. While their desire for independence places them in situations where they can be tempted, they are not emotionally or mentally mature enough to handle the addictions that may result from their experimentation. Substance abuse can get out of hand for many reasons, and while treating the triggers and temptations are an individual process, there are programs available that help people learn how to utilize self-control. One such program is the Arbinger Principles.

The Arbinger Principles

Teens and adults that have substance abuse problems often turn to anger or continued use as a first response when they are presented with a challenge or frustration. Substance abuse, when it becomes a real problem, tends to be a solitary activity and teens may push others away when they attempt to help. Alternately, they place themselves in a victim role, which they feel negates them from taking responsibility for their actions. The Arbinger program can help your teen learn how to turn his life around and gain the skills he needs to remain on the right path. In addition, he will learn how to communicate effectively and develop the kinds of relationships that will allow him to maintain his sobriety.

The Arbinger Principles, created by the Arbinger Institute, trains individuals to use empathy and self-control to redirect their anger issues into positive motivational action, while using accountability to expose and eliminate negative thinking and take responsibility for personal actions.

The four steps to accountability include:

  1. See It – Acknowledge and recognize the full reality of each situation.
  2. Own It – Accept responsibility for your contribution to the events that led to the situation.
  3. Solve It – Change the situation by implementing solutions that are helpful.
  4. Do It – Commit to following through with the solutions you have identified, even if they are difficult.

Daily practice of the principles taught by the Arbinger Institute help participants experience on a daily basis that good communication and personal responsibility ultimately leads to better self-control and the skills needed to lead a happy and healthy life. As these guidelines are implemented and reinforced, aggression, victimization and solitude are reduced and more positive habits can take their place.

For more information on how to help your teen, visit our sit at Help Your Teen Now

Request Free Admissions Information

Step 1 of 3 - Your Contact Info

Written by Natalie

4 Jan, 2016

Recent Posts

My Teen Is Failing School, Now What?

My Teen Is Failing School, Now What?

It can often surprise some parents when they find out that their teens are failing school. Teens can be reluctant to share information about what they are struggling with until they have no other choice. Is your teen struggling at school? Have you found yourself...

Parenting a Troubled Teen With Your Ex

Parenting a Troubled Teen With Your Ex

Parenting a teen can be challenging enough for parents who live together and have a strong positive relationship. If a teen faces troubles, pressure is added to the relationship. This pressure could stress and strain even the strongest of relationships. For parents...

The 5 Most Common Parenting Pitfalls to Avoid

The 5 Most Common Parenting Pitfalls to Avoid

There’s no doubt that parenting is a part of our lives filled with ups and downs. One day we may feel we’re doing great at parenting our kids. The next day we may feel we’re getting nothing wrong. What can you do to help be the best parent to your children? We’ve got...

My Teen is Struggling With Self Identity

My Teen is Struggling With Self Identity

It can be easy to dismiss the rollercoaster of emotions that your teen struggles with as a regular part of adolescent development. While it is undoubtedly true that the teen years see young people dealing with many aspects of their lives, some things should be a red...

Is Your Teen Manipulative?

Is Your Teen Manipulative?

No one enjoys being manipulated by their partner, friends, or coworkers. We often develop a keen sense of awareness of what manipulation may look like by those around us. But we also usually don’t think that manipulation could be coming from within our very own...

Why More Teens Are Struggling With Vaping More than Ever

Why More Teens Are Struggling With Vaping More than Ever

Studies just a few years ago pointed to an alarming rise in the number of teens vaping. Today, those numbers continue to rise, even with new information about the health risks that can accompany vaping. As a parent, you may be wondering what steps you can take to keep...

You May Also Like…

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *