If you are worried about teen addictions then you need to be able to recognise these 45 drug use signs in teenagers to be aware of.
It is natural for parents to believe the best about their children. When they read news about the rising prevalence of alcohol or teen addictions many are quick to suspect that it applies to others but not for their kids. Although it is almost instinctual for parents to deny possible drug use among their adolescent or teenage children, the fact remains that substance use disorder (SUD) is a real problem among individuals as young as 12 years old.
According to a recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over a million people aged 12 to 17 suffered from SUD in 2018. What is concerning, however, is that the poll also showed that only 172,000 individuals received substance use treatment at a speciality facility. Around 84 per cent or more than 920,000 adolescents did not receive professional help for drug and alcohol addiction.
The large number of young people with SUD who did not receive treatment is disturbing, given that early drug use increases the risk of further addiction later in life. More importantly, taking drugs at a young age can interfere with the normal development of the brain and body, resulting in issues in cognition and decision-making, as well as an increased risk of developing health problems.
Given the prevailing trends in substance misuse and teen addictions among the youth and its harmful consequences, parents must recognize the signs that may point to their teen is’ hidden addiction problem. This way, they can immediately take action to help their child and take them to a facility for teenage rehabilitation in Miami or wherever they may be located. If you are a parent suspecting teen drug use, make sure to check out the following list of red flags that you need to watch out for when it comes to this issue.
Teen Addictions
If you suspect your teenager substance abuse then you will need to look for any signs. These signs of teen addictions can present at home, at school and also in their emotional behaviour.
Signs of Teen Addictions to Look for at Home
Although it is heartbreaking to admit that your child is using addictive substances, you should be wary of the warning signs of such a problem, particularly in your own home. Here are a few of the most common indications that your teen may be using drugs:
- Withdraws from usual family bonding activities, outings, and routines
- Disregards household responsibilities
- Ignores family members and house rules
- Shows an unexpected increase or decrease in appetite
- Mistreats household members physically, emotionally, or verbally
- Begins violating curfew restrictions
- Starts sneaking out of the house
- Unwilling to disclose where they are going or who they are hanging out with
- Rationalizes and defends their inappropriate behavior
- Stays in their room most of the time
- Resorts to lying when asked about their activities or where they are going
- Isolates themselves more than usual
- Skips family meals
- Loses money or valuable items
- Eats breath mints or chewing gum more frequently
- Uses eye drops
- Neglects personal hygiene and appearance
- Wants their clothes washed more than usual
- Needs money all the time
School-Related Signs
Changes in school performance and behavior are common indications that your teenager is going through some problem. While these changes could stem from bullying or mental health problems, there is a great chance that they are signs of drug use. As such, you should investigate and talk with their teachers, guidance counselor, or friends.. Here are the usual school-related signs of drug use that you should watch out for:
- Experiences deterioration of school grades
- Skips classes
- Loses interest in studying or school in general
- Lacks motivation in learning
- Exhibits poor academic performance
- Disregards homework or class activities
- Interacts poorly with classmates, teachers, and other members of the academic community
- Starts disrespecting school authorities and regulations
- Fails to notify you of parent-teacher meetings and other events
- Lies about after-school activities
Physical and Emotional Signs of Teen Addictions
Physical and emotional changes are apparent among young people who have teen addictions and use drugs. Besides the red flags discussed above, you should be on guard if you notice the following signs as they are examples of teenage stress.
- Frequently complains about fatigue
- Finds it difficult to speak or talks incoherently
- Appears nauseous in the morning or when they come home
- Has bloodshot eyes, widely dilated/pin-point pupils, and flushed skin
- Shaking of the hand or feet
- Exhibits runny nose or barking cough
- Experiences drastic weight change
- Adopts unusual dressing habits like wearing dirty or wrinkled garments
- Gets body piercing or tattoos
- Wears outlandish make-up
- Shows apathy, poor morale, and low productivity
- Lacks self-control
- Resorts to aggressive behavior
- Changes friends frequently
- Shows inappropriate laughter or giddiness
- Starts becoming overly secretive and paranoid
While it can be tempting to dismiss the warning signs of a potential teen addiction problems, it is best to err on the side of caution. Should you notice most or all the red flags above, it is best to have a sincere talk with your teen to get the whole story. Never resort to shaming or yelling. Ultimately, you want them to realize that their drug use does not lessen your love, but it is a pressing problem that should be dealt with even if it hurts.
For more related posts read this post on Teenage Depression.
