Being a teenager can be difficult. Teenagers often fall into destructive patterns if they are not careful. The influence of peers coupled with their search for their own identity can lead to several different issues.
One issue that sometimes develops is drug abuse. If you’re wondering if your teenager is abusing substances there are some signs you can look out for. Take a look at them.
Changes In Eating and Sleeping Patterns
There is always something not quite right when you notice a dramatic change in your teenager’s sleeping patterns. You may notice that they start sleeping a lot more than they normally would or a lot less.
They may also lose their appetite, or you may find that they are not eating as much as they used to. Either way, this dramatic shift in eating patterns along with some of the other signs that will be discussed is sometimes a warning that your child needs help.
Not just from you but from a professional. There are specialized rehab centers such as a suboxone clinic, or alcohol rehabilitation center available.
Changes In Mood
Dramatic changes in your child’s mood are also indicators that they may be abusing a drug.
You may brush it off at first thinking that it’s just a normal reaction to being a teenager but over time you may notice that the moodiness continues. They may also get agitated more easily.
They may avoid situations where they have to speak directly with you.
If your child suddenly goes from one that’s happy to someone who’s always agitated or angry there is a reason behind it and this reason could be drug abuse.
Change in Friends
Another thing you may notice when your child is abusing drugs is that they have a lack of interest in their previous hobbies and they may even find a whole new group of friends.
These friends may be completely different from the ones they had before. One thing that may stand out to you is the fact that the behavior of these new friends is different from your previous friends.
Your teenager may start hanging out with kids that have deviant behaviors. They may also start dressing differently to fit in with the crowd or they may start neglecting their hygiene.
Physical Signs
There will also be physical signs that your child is using drugs. For example, you may notice that they have bloodshot eyes, tremors, and seizures.
They may seem clumsier and unsteady on their feet. All of these are clear indicators that something is not quite right.
Get Help
When your teen starts abusing drugs, the best course of action is to get help as soon as you can. It might be difficult to get them to consent to help so you may have to do some kind of intervention to get them into a rehabilitation program as fast as possible. If you don’t do this, it is likely that they will spiral out of control and this could have a lasting impact on their physical and mental health.
Taking the time to get the right type of help is critical to pulling your teen away from this dangerous path.
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