If you are in a situation where you believe one of your teenage child has become addicted to drugs, you are probably facing a myriad of simultaneous emotions like rage, sadness, disappointment, concern, confusion, and helpless. These conflicting feelings make focusing on helping your teen the right way nearly impossible as most parents’ first reaction to drug abuse is some form of punishment.
However, punishing your child might just push them deeper into their drug addiction. That being said, your child will likely react best to your suggestions if you show your genuine concern and talk with them sincerely about addiction and how it can affect the entire family. When you and your teen are ready to start rehab and get the addiction out of the family for good, First Step Behavioral Health will be here to help achieve you and your loved ones’ sobriety goals.
Signs and Symptoms of Teen Drug Addiction
Since teens are going through so many changes in their bodies,many of the symptoms of drug addiction are actually similar to the way some teens change during those formative years. Because of that, you will need to tread carefully when trying to find out whether your child is on drugs or not. That being said, there are certain signs you should look for that are strong indicators that they may have a substance abuse problem:
- You can detect new smells on them, including things like cigarette smoke, marijuana, vapor rub, and others.
- Finding paraphernalia, pills, or the drugs themselves in your teen’s possession and/or in their room.
- Detachment from social activities, friends, family, pursuit of education, or lifelong hobbies.
- Sudden drastic weight changes, especially rapid weight loss
While these all aren’t necessarily definitive signs and symptoms of teen drug addiction, if you notice these, especially in conjunction with each other, you should start paying closer attention to find out what’s really going on. For more information about teen drug addiction and getting help for your child, contact us right away.
