Noticing & Treating Teen Substance Abuse
If you’re the parent or caregiver of a teenager, you probably already know about mood swings and shifts in attitude far too well. Some of that is normal throughout the teenage years. After all, they’re going through a lot of emotional and physical changes. Those “stereotypes” are in place for a reason.
Mood swings might be normal, but it’s also important not to disregard them.
If those shifts in mood and attitude coincide with other behaviors and issues, it could be a sign that something far more serious is going on. Potentially, it could indicate that your teen is dealing with substance abuse.
Obviously, substance abuse is nothing to take lightly, but it’s also not something that should be thrown around as an accusation without noticing some of the common signs.
What Are the Early Warning Signs of Teen Substance Abuse?
Noticing signs of teen substance abuse can be challenging. They might be masked by mood swings or other “normal” behaviors. But you know your child better than anyone, no matter their age. Pay attention to red flags like:
Changes in sleeping habits
Withdrawing from things they typically love
Spending time with new friend groups
Becoming more aggressive
Breaking rules
They might also show physical signs. Things like rapid weight loss, nosebleeds, and tremors can all be signs of substance abuse.
The Progression of Addiction
Addiction doesn’t happen overnight. Substance abuse takes time. Your teen might start out trying a certain drug or drinking casually. So, it might take a while before you notice any of the signs above.
In everyday interactions, you might also notice an increase in poor hygiene practices, problems with school, or even unusual behaviors like breaking curfew or not following other house rules. When they talk to you, they might avoid eye contact or become defensive quickly. You know your teen better than anyone. If these behaviors aren’t normal or common for them, consider them a red flag.
Unfortunately, by that time, it’s likely they’ve been abusing their substance of choice for a while. That can be hard for any parent to swallow, but it doesn’t mean you’ve “missed” anything. It also doesn’t mean it’s too late to get them the help they deserve.
What Can You Do?
When you notice signs that your teen might be struggling with substance abuse, it’s easy to feel defeated. It’s also very important to help them the “right” way so they don’t try to push away or lean more heavily into the substance they’re already abusing.
While you shouldn’t force a conversation, make sure your teenager knows you’re there and you want to support them. It’s okay to let them know you’ve seen some things you’re concerned about regarding their behavior and the changes they’re going through. But don’t be accusatory or make them feel guilty or ashamed.
Substance abuse typically starts because deeper issues are going on beneath the surface. Your teen could be struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.
One of the best things you can do for your teen is to get them into a rehabilitation program. Often, outpatient programs can allow them to continue to live a relatively normal life, attend school, etc. If you’re worried their abuse has turned into an addiction, an inpatient rehab program might be a better fit.
Additionally, don’t ignore their mental well-being. Seek help from a therapist who specializes in these behaviors, and allow them to work with your teen to get to the root cause of their substance abuse.
If you’re worried about your teenager struggling with substance abuse and you’re not sure where to turn, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Feel free to contact me for more information today.
