Signs of
Addiction
EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF TEEN SUBSTANCE ABUSE
SIGNS THAT YOUR TEEN NEEDS HELP
Raising a teenager is a uniquely stressful experience. This developmental stage is full of changes. Your child is growing, making new friends and establishing their independence. It’s not uncommon for him to begin trying on new identities or experimenting during this phase.
However, when mood swings combine with significant behavioral changes, it could be a sign that your son has developed a problem with substance use. If your teen has become moody and withdrawn, lost a lot of weight or begun acting out, it may be time to intervene.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR CHILD IS ON DRUGS?
While every teen experiences addiction differently, a few warning signs are consistent across the board. If you answer “yes” to several of the below, it is likely that your son needs professional help.
- Does he say that he needs help or can’t stop on his own?
- Does your son appear to live a double or secret life?
- Does he avoid or refuse drug testing?
- Does he exhibit social anxiety or social awkwardness?
- Do consequences not seem to have an impact on his behavior or attitude?
- Does your son appear to have a long reason for everything and finds a way to blames others frequently?
- Is your son defensive, especially around questions regarding drugs and alcohol?
- Is your son defensive of his friends who you know use drugs?
- Does your son have a growing tendency to isolate and distance himself from his family?
- Is your son easily upset and has sudden shifts in emotions?
- Have his sleeping patterns changed?
- Have you noticed a change in peer groups?
- Have you observed significant changes in school performance, athletic or job performance?
- Is your son frequently nervous, agitated and having a hard time sitting still?
- Have you noticed a rise in aggression?
- Have you observed symptoms of depression?
- Has he become less and less motivated?
- Has your son experienced any kind of trauma?
Don’t wait for your son to hit “rock bottom” before seeking help. If you observe any signs of a substance use disorder, early intervention can help your son achieve a better outcome.
KNOW THE SIGNS AND SEEK TREATMENT
If you have observed escalating symptoms, don’t wait for things to get worse. Problems at school, heightened secrecy and behavioral problems rarely improve on their own. Many people believe that their son must hit “rock bottom” in order for intervention to be effective; in reality, this could not be further from the truth. Research shows that early intervention generates the best outcomes for those misusing drugs and alcohol early in life.
As a parent, it’s hard to fully understand what our teens are going through. What appears to be experimental substance use in this critical period can transform into a full-blown addiction later in life. We encourage concerned parents to seek evidence-based, clinically sophisticated treatment from an accredited facility like ARCH Academy.
We know you may have questions about addiction, treatment and academics. To learn more about the recovery process followed here at ARCH Academy, please contact our Admissions office. Our helpful staff members will walk you through everything you need to know before getting started.
