Drugs and alcohol may be problems at any age. No parent wants to believe that their child abuses drugs or alcohol. However, if we do not keep an eye on our children, they may get in over their heads and endanger themselves and others. Understanding where we may obtain help for our children as well as some of the signs that our child may be suffering is critical.
Why Should We Pay Attention If Our Child Struggles?
No parent can imagine their child struggling with drugs. We believe that they are flawless and would never do drugs. We might be tempted to ignore any signs that our child is struggling with drugs. But according to the CDC 15% of high school students reported using select illicit or injection drugs (i.e., cocaine, inhalants, heroin, methamphetamines, hallucinogens, or ecstasy), and 14% of students reported misusing prescription opioids. In addition, drug use can lead to other risky behaviors that can impact our kids’ long-term health. We also want to develop a relationship with our child so if they are struggling, they feel comfortable coming to us.
Getting Our Child Help
While we may hope we can help our child ourselves if they are dealing with drugs, our child will need professional support. If we think our child is struggling with drugs, we should seek out a rehab program for them. For our daughters in particular we should look for a women’s only treatment program with skilled care staff who understand that the first steps toward healing can be the hardest. When our teens are looking for an escape from drug or alcohol addiction, a recovery program may provide them with the support they need. We want to help them on their journey to a happy, and sober life.
7 Signs to Watch Out For
- Mood, anxiety or conduct issues that progress quickly. A major sign of substance abuse in teens is atypical behavior including low energy and productivity, a lack of self-control or even aggression. Even if our teenager is acting normally, we should check in with them. The closer our bond with our children is, the easier it will be for us to determine if they might be turning to alcohol or drugs, reroute them and set them up for success.
- Inability to cope with minor frustrations. We should be wary if our child starts overreacting to minor situations. Again, how this is different from general teenager behavior can be challenging to pinpoint. However, we know our kids intimately and know when something seems different than usual in their behavior. We should trust our gut instinct if something feels off.
- School performance declines. Failing tests and quizzes, failing grades in classes, and poor performance or behavior in the classroom are strong indicators of an underlying issue. Sometimes this issue is drugs while in others it is simply not having the tools needed to succeed academically.
- Avoiding family or previous peer groups and/or a change in peer groups. Another red flag of substance abuse is poor interactions with family members, friends, and teachers. This is different from teens simply being grumpy. For example, when being given a curfew or told they can’t attend a party typical teenagers might say they hate us or that we are so unfair. On the other hand, getting emotional for no apparent reason such as if we ask them how they slept is a possible warning sign.
- Our teens appear apathetic, sad, or withdrawn. Each of these emotional states is a potential indicator of depression. Some teens who have undiagnosed depression turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate and cope with their internal struggles. Teens with depression are more likely to become addicted to drugs or alcohol.
- We have found drugs or paraphernalia or evidence of possible alcohol or drug use. This is the most definitive sign that our child abuses drugs. The possession of items such as scales, pipes, bongs, lighters, balloons, tabletop vaporizers and rolling paper is all indicative of drug use.
- Signs of intoxication. We should notice if our teen returns home intoxicated. We should watch for pupils that are dilated or constricted, the area around the eyes reddened, difficulty walking, unexplained laughing and giddiness or trouble speaking clearly.