Teen Drug Addiction
Are you having suspicions that your teen may be experimenting and be a victim of drug or alcohol abuse. Do they seem withdrawn, staying out all hours of the night, or have an entirely new group of friends? Do they seem excessively depressed, nervous, anxious or paranoid? While many of these signs can often be indications of drug abuse in teens, it is important not to assume and accuse your teen too early until you gathered all of the facts. But make no mistake, knowing the symptoms of drug addiction in your teen can not only help you to recognize their cries for help, but could potentially save their lives.
Behavioral Indications of Drug Addiction
One of the easiest ways to detect drug addiction in your teen is by monitoring any widespread behavioral discrepancies. While it is perfectly normal for a teenager to go through mood swings and exhibit erratic behavior, frequent and rash changes of behavior can also indicate drug addiction. For example, when a teen starts using drugs they will generally engage in deceptive behaviors to try to hide their drug use from you. This can involve lying, stealing, breaking curfew, and trouble with school or the police. If your teen is using drugs they may also show a loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed such as sports, hanging out with friends, band, or other after-school activities.
Sudden Change In Friends
Have you noticed that your teenager has been hanging out with an entirely new group of friends from school? While this can often be completely normal, it can also be a tell-tale sign that your child may be experimenting with drugs or alcohol. Also, have you noticed your teenager hanging out with a new group of friends that are older in age than your teenager? Do you notice your teenager staying out later at night with these new friends and coming home sick or vomiting? While this may be a difficult sign to interpret, make sure to closely monitor your teen’s social circle and see if there are any sudden changes that may indicate drug use.
Emotional and Psychological Problems
While it is common for teenagers to experience wild mood swings and emotional instability, sudden changes in emotional and psychological health can often indicate drug use. This can include prolonged depression, isolation, nervousness or anxiety. Your teen may also exhibit verbally or even physically aggressive behavior and have uncontrollable violent outbursts and mood swings. You may also notice your teen having regular periods of unusual hyperactivity, giddiness or agitation. Lastly, you may notice your child being extra lethargic, spaced out, and not quite all there.
Look for the Warning Signs
Because your teenager doesn’t want you to know about their experimentation with drugs, they will do everything they can to hide their drug use. It is important as a parent not to overreact when you may spot some of these warning signs. Instead it is important to do a complete assessment of your child’s overall activities, social circle, as well as their emotional and psychological state. It is also vital to remember that teenage drug use is often a cry for help and a smart and observant parent will be able to notice these signs and help their child before it is too late.
