Recognizing the Signs of Teenage Drug Abuse
It’s time to make a change and stop teenage drug abuse!
Sometimes it’s not as easy as you would think to recognize the signs of teenage drug abuse but for the parent of a teenager, a firm understanding of the signs and symptoms of drug abuse is vital. If you can recognize the early signs that your teenager may be abusing drugs then you can quickly take action and seek help. Here’s a look at what you should look out for as well as what signs should prompt you to take further action in determining if your teenager has a problem with drugs.
School Related Problems
One of the most prevalent and easiest signs of drug abuse that parents of teenagers can quickly scope out is problems at school. Often times teenagers make great grades, have perfect attendance and take part in school related functions. When drug abuse is a factor, teenagers will often miss classes or miss school all together. Grades may suffer significantly as will interest in school functions. If your teenager is showing these signs of problems at school, it’s not a sure sign of drug abuse but is definitely something that warrants further attention.
Health Related Problems
As a parent you can’t always be sure of the physical health issues your child may or may not have. If you have noticed that your teenager doesn’t have much energy or they aren’t as motivated as they once were then this could be the potential for a drug abuse problem but again it’s not a guarantee. The difficulty with drug abuse in teens is that with many of the symptoms it’s difficult to narrow it down 100% as a drug abuse problem and not another situation such as depression, poor health or other physical changes. If you have noticed health problems with your teenager such as lack of motivation, lack of energy or persistent illness, consider talking with your family doctor about the situation.
Spending Behaviors
Teens like to spend money but if your teenager is making requests for money but they don’t have a reasonable explanation for the request then you should consider asking further questions. Teens who ask for money and can’t explain why they need it or where it’s going may be having some further issues with drug abuse. If you have had money come up missing, you have given your teenager money for a particular item but noticed that the item never made it home or you have had other items come up missing from home then you should consider the possibility of a drug abuse problem.
Behavioral Changes
Finally, a the parent of a teenager you know how your teen acts normally, you raised the child after all. If you notice significant behavioral changes such as seclusion or negative attitudes then you may want to consider discussing these changes with your teen. Many teens who abuse drugs will withhold information about where they are going, who they are going to be with or other important information from their parents. Additionally, if the teenager does not allow you or other family members into their bedroom this too could be a potential sign of drug abuse that should be further checked out.
Getting Help for Teenagers who Abuse Drugs
If you suspect that your teenager is abusing drugs or if you already know for sure that teenage drug abuse is a problem in your family, there is help. Rehab centers for teens provide many of the same types of treatment and therapy that are offered at adult rehab centers but they are geared at the very individual and unique situations that teens are subject to. Teenage rehab centers provide various options for the safe and effective treatment of drug abuse in teens to help them fully recover and also transition back into normal life.
