High-functioning Autism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment

 Teen Drug Addiction Warning Signs: What to Watch Out For

Adolescence primarily serves as a stage of transition from infancy to maturity, and for teenagers, it frequently denotes a time of experimentation. To fit in with their peers and allay the fear of being excluded from the group if they don't give in to pressure, they might be open to trying new things, such as other drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol. But frequently, substance misuse that started out of curiosity can become out of control and quickly go from abuse to addiction if the issue is not appropriately treated.

The use of drugs is growing exponentially, especially among teenagers in today's society. The situation has gotten worse as a result of the abrupt pandemic outbreak and the protracted lockdowns. How can we now comprehend that drug usage has developed into an addiction, and what should a parent of a teenager be aware of? Let's explore the subject further.

 Addiction to drugs explained 

A persistent and overwhelming want to engage in maladaptive behavior's that provide immediate sensory rewards, regardless of the negative consequences, is the hallmark of addiction, a neuropsychological disorder.

 

Drug addiction is a chronic and recurrent brain condition that includes drug use and abuse despite the negative effects. It is included in the group of substance-related disorders. Drug abuse can alter the brain and cause addiction. Drug addiction is regarded as a "relapsing" disease because the changes in the brain brought on by the disease can be long-lasting. This may suggest that even after years of abstinence, those in recovery still run the danger of relapsing...

 The significance of identifying warning signs

Despite parents' best efforts and intentions, some teenagers may still fall prey to drug addiction and misuse in their neighborhood. In such situations, it is essential for parents and guardians to enroll their child in a treatment facility without delay. It's crucial for parents to recognize the signs of adolescent drug or alcohol abuse. Many parents could erroneously believe that a teen's altered behavior's is the result of "teenage angst" and choose to disregard the warning signs. Teenagers may wind up acquiring a full-blown addiction, often known as a substance use disorder, when parents ignore the warning symptoms. Teenagers who display indicators of substance misuse require early intervention.

Warnings

Every drug will have a unique set of symptoms when it comes to identifying drug misuse, however there are universal signs that are present regardless of the drug being abused.

Warning Physical Sign

• alterations in appearance
• a significant transformation of appearance
• Arms or legs with bruising or markings
• various fashion preferences or the use of garments to conceal imperfections.
• Having an unexpected weight increase or decrease
• big or prickly pupils
• bloodshot or reddened eyes
• discomfort or bleeding from the nose
• puffy eyes and a bloated face
• bad hygiene
• not making eye contact
• begins chewing gum or mints to mask their breath

 

Health issues

• increased weariness and drowsiness, falling asleep at untimely times
• Unusual lack of energy throughout the day Has turned clumsy, appearing to lack coordination or balance
• Has times of extreme vigour or sleep deprivation, followed by protracted intervals of "catch up" sleep.
• Cold, sweaty palms or trembling hands
• patches or blisters on the mouth
• frequent sweating
• headaches and nausea
• Slurred or fast-talking speech

Behavioral Warning Sign Alterations in personality and attitude

• an abrupt personality shift
• abrupt loss of interest in things they usually love doing
• Unreliable behaviour
• Stupid decisions and illogical speech
• Generally disinterested
• goes out a lot and frequently violates the curfew
• Providing justifications for lying

alterations in academic performance

• declining grades/stopping to participate in class
• not being able to perform well in class
• not attending crucial appointments
• avoiding correction or criticism
• missing work or school
• being introverted or secretive

Social behaviour changes

• damaging interactions with family or friends, or social isolation
• breaking the law committing socially unacceptable acts like theft, fighting, or violence
• Giving up or skipping out on activities that were formerly essential to them or brought them joy in order to consume drugs. Resisting correction or criticism.

Psychological Warning Signs

• psychological red flags
• changes in mood and irritation
• Unstable or abrupt mood changes
• Inability to maintain concentration on a task An increase in hatred or aggressiveness towards oneself and others
• too agitated or exhausted
• inadequate drive
• low ability to control inhibitions
• Impulsive
• taking risks means taking risks.

both anxiety and depression

• isolated or depressed
• Anxious Fidgety
• Crying I'm exhausted

Environmental Alert Symbols

• Unusual odours in their bedroom or on their clothing
• Notwithstanding the absence of any medical or drug-related equipment in your teen's room, there are pharmaceutical bottles or packets there.
• A bedroom door lock
• making cryptic phone calls
• disappears for a protracted time

summary of red flags

 

If a person has abused drugs or alcohol for a longer period of time, the detox and withdrawal process will be more challenging for them. Understanding the warning signs and symptoms of teen drug use makes it simpler to determine whether or not a teen drug intervention programmed is necessary.

Early intervention is crucial.

Since the effects of juvenile drug misuse are severe, it is crucial to seek therapy as soon as the problem is identified. Teenagers frequently try new things, but if drug use is not dealt with, it may soon become out of hand.

Do not be reluctant to seek the assistance of a licenced psychiatrist or psychologist as soon as you start to discover substance usage. It's critical to step in and address the underlying problems that caused your adolescent to try drugs in the first place. However, protective qualities including a solid parent-child bond, self-control, academic proficiency, and a sense of belonging in the community can help to mitigate dangers and keep your teenagers away from drugs and alcohol.