How To Spot The Signs Of Drug Abuse In Teens

Your child was your baby, someone you cradled to sleep, fed, clothed and bathed and thought you would be close forever. Then one day they grew up and slowly started become distant. You may be able to sense a chance in a child's attitude in the way they speak or there lack of. There’s no easy way to determine if your teen daughter or son has fallen into the wrong crowd, or has started using drugs because they learn or a taught to hide the typical symptoms of substance abuse. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t showing some very subtle signs of being under the influence of drugs and trying to hide it from you. There are a few things you should look out for if you suspect your child is becoming an addict.

Mood swings

One of the earliest signs of someone using drugs is the immediate hormonal and psychological change. The human body was not designed to have drugs shoved into its system; therefore it reacts in an uncontrollable way sometimes. If you find that all of a sudden, your child starts to snap at you, is down in the dumps for no apparent reason, look deeper into the situation. Now, of course, symptoms of abuse within worsened behavior are not to be confused with your average teenage pubescent sulkiness and rebellious nature. A lack of communication and slow response is definitely not normal. If they agitated one moment, then happy the next, then out of nowhere become angry or sad, this is a warning sign; frequent mood changes in on day are not normal.

Physical signs

Drug abuse takes its toll on the body, and some clear signs can be seen for this. Bloodshot eyes, wide dilated pupils and red, flushed cheeks are a clear sign of substance abuses. If your child has the shakes, or shivers, along with always feeling drowsy and fatigued, it may be time to search their room for drug paraphernalia.

Getting them help

If you catch it early and confront your teenager about their drug problem, it could quickly be treated with good effects. Hardcore addictions take years to form, so if you catch them while they’re young, their bodies and minds are better suited to getting off drugs and see life in a different perspective. There are rehab center facilities with medical and clinical directors. You can learn more as some companies have a well laid out introduction to their services and how you can access them. Most insurance plans cover rehab, so the real question is which center is right for your child and why.

A deeper connection

They’re at that age where they have become distant from their parents, purely because of the generational gap. You have both grown up in a different era of music, technology, science, social standards, culture, and fashion. But, you can still connect with your child. Try to get to know their interests. They don’t expect you to be their hip new friend, but they do want to know you care about the things they like, even if you don’t find them particularly interesting. The importance of just talking and listening should never ever be underestimated.