The mind of a teen can be a frustrating thing to try to navigate for a parent. As a parent, you want to be able to notice any red flags when your child needs help, but teen addiction can be easy to hide. Being a busy parent, it is natural to be preoccupied with work, home obligations, family obligations and a multitude of other daily tasks that it can be easy to miss the warning signs of addiction. Many signs that your teen is suffering from addiction can easily be dismissed as them being moody or going through a phase. When do you know that a member of your family is teetering on the edge of an addiction and when do you start to look for professional help? Here are a three signs that your teen has an addiction.
Isolating Themselves
Many former substance abusers report that isolating themselves was how they handled addiction. If you have a child that normally is very social and gradually starts to gravitate to being alone frequently, you may want to start taking notice. Living with a teen who is an addict may be easy to chalk up as your teen goes through a stage. If you are afraid that it is more than a stage and could be an addiction, start talking to those who spend the most time with your teen: their teachers. Be sure to have a free-flowing dialogue with your teen’s teachers and ask them questions about any changes they have noticed in your child too. You can also consult a thailand rehab centre (or one situated near your location) to talk to a professional about what you can do for your child. They can provide you with information on various de-addiction methods and courses for teenagers.
Make sure you keep the lines of communication open with your child as well. Ask them about their friends and any social plans they have. If you discover that your child is addicted to drugs or alcohol, you may immediately want to see a doctor who can prescribe treatment. If the situation is beyond their control, they may even refer your child to a rehab center like Fusion Recovery, where experienced professionals may help your child overcome his addiction over time.
Catching Them In Lies
You always want to have trust in your children, but the bottom line is that teenagers battling with addiction make it a habit to lie. As a parent it is always important to follow up with your kids about where they are and who they are with, but especially so if you suspect that your teen is dealing with drug and/or alcohol abuse. Monitor their cell phone activity as well as where they are spending their cash. Checking up on your teen may seem like spying but you also want to make sure that they don’t have a serious problem in need of professional help.
Change In Attitude
A drastic change in the attitude of your teen can be a huge warning sign that something is wrong and is often a sign that “that something” involves drugs and alcohol. If your teen that was once an open book is now giving you very short answers or snapping at you, this may be a sign that something is amiss.
You know your child better than anyone but it can be easy to miss the warning signs of addiction in teens. Do your research on why your teen or even teens in general turn to drugs. Dr. Neil I. Bernstein, lists popular media, boredom, and a means of escape as just a few reasons why teen try drugs in the first place. Always have open communication with your teen to ensure that they are doing well and if they are addicted to drugs or alcohol that they seek the appropriate help and support.
