Being a parent or guardian of a teen or young adult means you’re always worried about the decisions they are making. Could they be using drugs so much so that they have a substance abuse problem? Could they have an addiction?
There is no exact way to know if your teen or young adult has an addiction. Many times, a parent will suspect it, which is usually a sign that there may be a problem. Yet, the only way to really know what is happening or what your teen is up against is to reach out and ask. Open the conversation with your teen or young adult about what’s happening. A simple chat can be a way to learn if they are engaging in substance abuse.
The truth is, having a conversation about addiction does not always lead to honest answers or even an open dialogue. Often, young adult or teen users have no idea what they are doing is going to have a negative impact on their lives. Or, if they do, they may be unsure how to stop it.
Drug and alcohol addiction can lead to complex problems for years to come for your teen or young adult. One of the best tools to help them get on the road to recovery is knowledge about the signs of addiction. If you think that your teen is struggling with addiction, professional help is available. At Zelus Recovery, we offer adolescent addiction treatment programs in Idaho.
5 Ways to Spot Addiction in Your Teen
There are many tell-tale signs that your teen or young adult may have an addiction. Some of the most common indicators include:
1. Agitation or Feeling Ill When They Do Not Have Access to Drugs
If your teen or young adult seems to be ill when they are with you, it may be a sign of drug withdrawal because they won’t abuse drugs in your presence.
2. Changes in Behavior
Another potential drug addiction indicator is if you notice your teen or young adult engaging in risky behavior or being aggressive when it’s out of character for them.
3. Long Periods of Isolation
Teens and young adults need privacy, which is perfectly normal. However, if they often prefer to be alone rather than to be around supportive family or friends, this could be because they are trying to hide an addiction.
4. Problems with School or Work
Teens or young adults that suddenly have problems with school or work may be neglecting their responsibilities in order to abuse drugs or alcohol.
5. New Groups of Friends
While it’s normal for teens or young adults to explore different social groups, sometimes the wrong crowd can be a negative influence.
It can be hard to tell the difference between addiction and just a teen being a teen. But, substance abuse often leads to problems with health and overall wellbeing. They may also exhibit more emotional outbursts related to depression or anxiety.
What to Do if You Suspect Substance Abuse
When it comes to addiction in teens and young adults, being aggressive about getting help is essential. Even if your child is younger than this and you suspect they are at risk, it’s important to reach out to find help for them. Because their brains are still developing, addiction at a young age can carry over into more complex problems throughout their adult life. Sometimes, this can even include more complex addictions.
If you suspect substance abuse, reach out to us for help. Learn about our programs, including:
- Teen drug abuse treatment
- Teen alcohol abuse treatment
- Addiction counseling services
- Early intervention services
- Intensive outpatient program
- Outpatient treatment program
We also offer dual diagnosis treatment. That means we can help with mental health disorders that may have led to their drug addiction. That includes depression, anxiety, or trauma. Let us help your teen or young adult find their way forward no matter what they are facing.
Take the First Step Today by Calling Zelus Recovery
If your teen or young adult uses drugs or could be addicted, don’t wait to get help. Instead, reach out to our professionals now, learn more about what we do to help young adult men and women to achieve their best future. Addiction does not have to define their life. Learn more when you call Zelus Recovery at 208.518.0797 or connect with us online.
