Drug addiction is a common problem in the United States. It is particularly common among the youth, even though adults heavily abuse drugs too. Addiction has become so serious that it is difficult to raise a teenager in America without watching closely for drug abuse.
But even with all the efforts parents make to survey their children, they can never be able to do so perfectly. Teenagers are particularly daring and would occasionally go off the radar of their parents and other relatives. At such moments, they could easily attempt a cigarette or some other drug. Before they know it, they‘re escaping home everyday to take a dose.
So how can a parent tell when their child has started doing drugs? How can we tell if and when our teenagers have a drug addiction? Let’s read on to get some clues.
Symptoms of drug addiction are in categories. From physical to behavioral to school-related signs, parents can identify changes in their children and tell if addiction has become the order of the day.
Physical signs
When a teenager becomes a drug addict, his physical condition starts changing. His hygienic conditions deteriorate, he becomes clumsy and suddenly loses appetite. His lips become dry, burnt or sooty, together with his fingers. Addicted teenagers will witness unexplained frequent body injuries and seizures, frequent nosebleeds associated with cocaine and meth, as well as headaches, nausea and vomiting. They will also develop a common colds, high temperatures and severe depression. They will also lose weight drastically.
Behavioral signs
When teenagers become addicted, their behavior is slightly altered. Most parents have the tendency of relating these changes to adolescent life. But a closer look will tell you that something’s not quite right. In addicted teenagers, you will notice a dramatic change of the victim’s entire social circle.
They could become much more violent and hostile, reduce their communication considerably, and lose their self-control. Such teenagers will also be hyperactive; they will avoid eye contacts, engage in petty theft and change their sleep patterns.
In school, their academic performance will reduce considerably; they will lose concentration and eventual start skipping classes. They could also become rebellious. You will tell that a drug addict is around the corner if you observe drug wrappers, alcohol containers and butane lighters in the environment. You could also get the smell of alcohol and other drugs in the bedrooms of the addicted teenagers.
Parents and friends and other relatives ought to be watchful therefore, so they can figure out when their teenager has a drug addiction.