Teens are especially vulnerable to drug abuse and addiction because of peer pressure. Often they also lack the understanding of the consequences. Thus, teens go overboard with drinking and drugs. As a parent, you need to understand the warning signs and symptoms of drug abuse. Destinations for Teens can help identify issues. If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, you will want to approach the topic as quickly as possible. The sooner that your teen gets the treatment he or she needs, the better their chances are of long-term recovery.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Teen Drug Abuse?
Your teen may experience physical health complications related to the drug they abuse. For example, if your child uses tobacco products, their teeth may turn yellow or they may develop bad breath. People abusing depressants may be sleepy or clumsy all the time. Those abusing narcotics may seem like they are too happy and maybe very sleepy frequently. Every individual drug type has a range of physical symptoms. Thus, you should be aware of so you can spot them in your child. A sudden change in attitude or mood can indicate that drug abuse is a problem. This is different than noticing that your teenager is having a bad day or a typical mood swing. It is not normal for teens to swing from extreme highs to extreme lows. If you notice this, you should consider it a warning sign. Finding any type of suspected drug paraphernalia can be a warning sign. Some drug paraphernalia includes pipes, syringes, rolling paper, eyedroppers, medicine containers, or unusual containers. If you notice that your teen has experienced a psychological episode, it could be a sign that your teen is using and abusing drugs. Examples of psychological episodes include extreme paranoia, disorientation, and delusion. If your child is suddenly disinterested in things that they once loved, such as a sport or a hobby, you should be concerned. For instance, if your child has always loved playing a particular sport and suddenly has no interest in being on the team, you should explore why. This is often one of the first signs of addiction that parents will notice, especially if their child has recently adopted a new group of friends. Parents can reach out to school officials, teachers, counselors, and coaches to find out more information about the change in behavior.
Find Help at Destinations for Teens
As a parent, it’s easy to brush off your concerns about your child. Perhaps you pretend it’s nothing serious. But teen drug abuse is a larger societal issue. Thus, every young adult is susceptible to this danger. If you notice even one of these warning signs, it is important to have a discussion with your teen and see if they may be abusing drugs. Your child likely will not openly admit it. But it’s important to continue to monitor the situation. Also, seeking help as soon as you feel it’s a problem with Destinations for Teens can stem the tide of the issue. Our qualified, compassionate recovery specialists work specifically with teen patients. Get your child the help that he or she needs today, and put them back on the right path toward a successful and fulfilling life. To learn more about the signs and symptoms of teen drug use, give us a call at 877.466.0620Â We can provide the help and support you need.