Drug and alcohol addiction are frightening things. They can destroy lives, entire families, careers, and more. However, one of the scariest things is to learn that more than 23 million people, ages 12 and over, are in need of treatment for addiction.
As if the number itself isn’t scary, it’s even more frightening to know that there are children that are addicts. It’s not always easy for a parent to see that their child has a serious problem, and not all of these addicted teens have families that are there to notice.
Signs Of Addiction In Teens
There are many signs and symptoms of addiction, to both drugs and alcohol. Most of these cross over between adults and teens. But if your teen seems to be showing any of these changes in their mood, actions, and life, you may want to investigate. If you find your teen is addicted, abusing, or even just using drugs, get them help immediately.
They Stop Hanging Out – Teens that are addicted will find a new circle of friends. It’s likely their old friends don’t like the new lifestyle they are leading, or they are just hiding their actions from them out of shame. You’ll find they spend less and less time with, or talking about, their old friends.
Their Attitude Changes – Addict’s, both adults and teens, can have an extreme attitude change come on. They will be more irritable and more quick to anger. They may also become more private and even more paranoid.
Their Eating Habits Change – They may also stop eating, or beginning eating less or less healthy. They may skip meals often.
They Get Less Sleep – Drugs can also greatly affect a person’s sleep habits. The lack of sleep they get could be part of the contributing factor to their attitude change as well.
They Neglect Responsibilities – When you become an addict, your next high is the most important thing to you. That means that your teen may stop doing chores at home, they’ll care less about homework, and other responsibilities.
They Stop Doing Things They Love – One of the biggest signs that most people notice when it comes to addiction of any kind is a change in the things that they once enjoyed doing. Where your teen may have once enjoyed sports, now they’ve quit all the teams. Maybe they loved video games, but you’ve since noticed their systems are nowhere to be found.
People that have dealt with teenagers and addiction know that it is a difficult situation to handle. If you come on too strong they may leave and you may never see them again, but if you don’t do something you could lose them as well. Be a listener, let them know you are there for them, and do what you can to get them to want the help they need.
Originally posted on March 18, 2016 @ 10:30 pm
