Teenage years are a time when children’s behavior begins to change, and their preferences are gradually shifting. They tend to think from several angles. Their palates are changing. Above all, kids find amusement in activities detrimental to their health and society. And, there is no easy way to tell if a teen is involved in substance addiction. The prospect of your child abusing drugs is terrifying.
Your child may appear to be a child to you, but they are most likely dealing with adult issues. As adolescents learn how to function in the real world, some are healthy and good. Some, however, are not. But, as previously stated, it’s impossible to figure out what they’re into unless you notice different indicators in them. You might be the only one who observes something unique about your child’s conduct as a parent.
Addiction in a child can rip apart the trust fabric that is so important in a family. Therefore, early detection and intervention are mandatory to save your child from falling into the trap of menace. We’ve put together a list of warning indicators that can help parents figure out whether their children are abusing substances.
1. Mental Health Concerns
Decision-making, judgment, impulse control, emotion, and memory require parts of the brain that are not fully matured until the mid-twenties. As a result, young people are more eager to accept changes than adults. Taking risks includes experimenting with tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. It leads to changes in mood and mental health issues like depression. A qualified mental health practitioner can assist in determining whether mental health disorders are present and if so, can give addiction therapy. There are several types of addiction therapy that health care providers can use in a treatment plan to assist youngers in overcoming their addiction.
2. Personality Changes
An addictive personality in kids can lead to several changes in their behavior and daily life activities. They start to lose their identities, becoming approval seekers developing lifelong demand for praise from others. These children become secluded and fearful of others, particularly authoritative adults. They are emotionally unstable and can go from being pleased to being aggressive in minutes. Addictive children can react defensively, aggressively, paranoidly, anxiously, and negatively to various events and people.
3. Physical Signs
You may notice a change in your teen’s appearance, as well as a lack of hygiene. In children, addiction can cause a loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss. They have red or watery eyes, a blank face, and are constantly sniffing. Sweating and trembling are common in such children. They have chilly, sweaty, or shaky palms, as well as nausea or vomiting. It’s also probable that they won’t be able to sleep or wake up at the same time each day. Substance misuse can make your child tired, and in the worst-case scenario, there may be threats or attempts at suicide.
4. Shifts In Social Circles And Relationships
The addicted teen switches friends and refuses to introduce new people to the family. When a child begins to abuse alcohol or drugs, one of two things typically occurs with their peers. Either the child’s friend group varies dramatically, with old friends leaving and new friends appearing, or the child has many sets of friends. They tend to associate with people that share similar behaviors. For example, they become closer to those who encourage addictive behaviors or are the primary source of drug or alcohol supplies. Children also tend to distance themselves from family members due to the fear of being caught. They also stop communicating about their issues and asking for help.
5. Absence In School
Addiction manifests itself in a shift in a child’s conduct at school, yet most schools lack the resources to recognize the issue. Parents should keep an eye out for signs like tardiness and attendance problems, as well as a drop in grades. Make direct contact with the school. Try not sticking to automated phone messages, as your youngster may delete them before you arrive home from work. Children are more likely to become involved in shady drug-addictive habits, resulting in frequent absences from school. To keep a check on your child, make sure to pick and drop the kids personally and keep an eye on their peers.
6. Financial Concerns
Drug addicts frequently turn into drug traffickers, returning home with inexplicable sources of revenue. Alternatively, children may begin stealing from siblings or parents. Notice things in your house, especially those of high value. Look for lost gaming consoles, jewelry, CDs, or iPads, and keep an eye out for falsehoods. Besides, your adolescent will always ask for money, and you have no idea where it goes. Or maybe you’ve spotted your teen lugging about a lot of cash. Addiction can even lead to children stealing in public. The sudden need to consume drugs can lead to a wide range of social issues, including the emergence of thieves.
7. Secretive Behavior
Addicts may engage in a certain type of secretive behavior that may raise suspicions about them. Your child could be one of those inherently more reserved and introverted persons. If an introverted child withdraws more or an extrovert becomes quiet, you must pay attention to the signs. Locking the room door, vanishing for an extended period, avoiding eye contact, and lying about their activities are some of these signals.
Bottom Line
It’s reasonable to wonder how you could have prevented your child’s addiction or what warning flags you could have missed. And, perhaps more importantly, at what point does drug use or misuse become an addiction? These are difficult problems with equally difficult answers. The good news is that research has identified concrete early warning signs and symptoms. If recognized and treated these symptoms, can assist adults in steering children away from hazards that may make them more vulnerable to addiction. And the first step is making significant lifestyle changes that can help your child get back to normal. Your child will most probably require detoxification assistance to get off the addiction. Withdrawal from substances such as alcohol can be difficult without the help of a specialist. As a result, you should seek professional care as soon as you notice these symptoms in your child.
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