How To Spot Drug Abuse In Teenagers

Source: https://asiaent-life.com

Drug abuse can occur for a variety of reasons. Some drugs are simply very addictive, even after just one dose. In other cases, drug addictions arise due to peer pressure — and in the worst cases, as a coping method for abuse or trauma. In some instances, the abuse will be for prescription medication, in other times for illicit drugs, and others still, for alcohol. 

All instances can be very dangerous during the teenage years as their brains are still developing, and even alcohol, which is legal for you to drink, may have negative, long-lasting consequences in later life. 

Source: https://www.addictionlabs.co.uk

How to Spot Drug Abuse 

Drug abuse will exhibit differently for everyone. That is why it is important to know your child and their behaviors. All teens grow and change through puberty, yes, but the changes that arise due to drug abuse are different than growing out of the color pink, or no longer being interested in sports. 

1. Strange Smell

Alcohol or drugs that are smoked often leave a residue you can smell on your teen or on their clothes. Some smells, like marijuana or alcohol, are going to be more noticeable than others. 

2. Mood Changes 

Mood changes, irritability, sudden depressive episodes — all of these and more are worrying to any parent, and are typically a sign that you need to seek professional help ASAP. Even if your teen is not abusing drugs or alcohol, there is likely something wrong with their mental health that they themselves cannot deal with on their own. 

3. Change in Behavior 

Some behavioral changes are normal. A son gradually stopping a sport because he realizes he is far more interested in art, is not a bad change in behavior. When your child stops what they love suddenly, and does not seem passionate about anything in exchange, that is when you need to be concerned. 

4. Change in Grades 

If your child’s grades suddenly drop for the worse, you have cause to worry because it is not always an indication that they simply don’t understand the course material. Rather, it could be they have something else occupying their time and attention. This doesn’t always mean drugs — a new relationship can be just as distracting — but it does require an intervention. 

5. Secrecy

Not being honest or forthright, and generally being secretive and cagey is often an indicator that your teen is hiding something that they don’t want you to know about. 

Source: https://www.orlandorecovery.com

What to Do When You Have Spotted Drug Abuse 

If you believe your teen is abusing drugs, or you have evidence of their drug abuse, then know it is not just on you to solve the issue. There are drug programs in Vegas and elsewhere that are doing really great work to help teens get to the source of their issues, overcome their addictions, and continue on with their lives sober and responsible. 

Drug abuse and mental health often go hand-in-hand, and if your teen has become addicted, you need to know the signs so that you can recognize the problem and then get them the help they need. 

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