Like all other forms of drug addiction, teenage drug problems have the capacity to ruin lives and destroy relationships. It’s tempting to think that it’s just an experimental phase and that the child in question will soon stop using drugs.
The worrying statistics speak for themselves: nearly 20 percent of 12th graders have taken prescription medicine recreationally. It’s up to us to know how to help these teens get better.
In this guide, we’ll look at warning signs and how you can help teens battle their drug problems. Ready to learn more? Then read on!
1. Understand That Drug Addiction Can Affect Anyone
Drug addiction can affect anyone. No matter how well-behaved or studious your teen is, they can still have issues with drugs. It is not an issue that only affects people from the “wrong side of the tracks.”
This kind of thinking is very harmful, as parents of obedient and hard-working teens may assume that their teenager’s issues are not related to drugs and miss the woods for the trees. If you think that there’s a possibility your teen has substance abuse issues, don’t discount these worries.
So what do you need to keep your eyes peeled for? Let’s take a closer look at some warning signs of addiction.
2. Know the Warning Signs
Knowing the warning signs of drug addiction lets you catch it early so that your teen can get the help they need. Here’s what you need to look out for.
Loss of Interest In Activities
Drug addiction could make your teen lose interest in old activities that they used to love. Do they no longer want to play sport, write, read, or anything else they used to enjoy?
Breaking Friendships
Has your teen broken friendships with their old friends? Are they hanging out with a new group all of a sudden? Think about what may have driven them apart and whether you approve of the new friend group.
Physical Changes
Have you noticed any physical changes in your teen? Have they lost a lot of weight, are they sleeping more, have they had sudden nosebleeds, or do they have cuts on their arms?
3. Know That Help Is Out There
Seeking rehab for teens is different from seeking rehab for adults but help is available. If you think that your teen has an issue with substance abuse, you need to step up and help them now before it gets any worse.
Staging an intervention is a good idea, and you should look at treatment facilities in your area. Depending on the severity of their issues, they may need to go to an inpatient facility or they may be able to be treated at an outpatient facility where they can stay home during their treatment.
A Serious But Solvable Issue
Teen drug addiction is a very serious issue but it can be solved. You need to take the bull by the horns and help your teen: know that help is available and you are not alone.
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