As a parent, you want to do everything you can to protect your child from harm. But what if that harm is coming from something you can’t see? Drug abuse is a real and serious problem for many teens today, but it can be hard to spot the signs.
Teens may be tempted to try drugs for many reasons. They may want to fit in with their friends or feel like they’re grown-up. They may think that drugs will make them feel good or help them relax. But using drugs can have serious consequences. Teens who use drugs are more likely to experience problems in school, with the law, and in their relationships, leading you to have to seek out a Calgary drug offences lawyer or one in your area. Additionally, drug use can lead to addiction and other health problems. Keep reading to learn more about how to tell if your teen is using drugs.
Behavioural Signs
Behavioral signs of teen drug abuse can vary depending on the drug. However, there are some general signs that may indicate that a teen is abusing drugs. These signs can include changes in mood or behavior, changes in social circles, and changes in academic performance.
Teens who are abusing drugs may be more irritable or agitated, and they may have mood swings. They may also become more secretive and isolate themselves from friends and family. Further, they may have trouble focusing in school or completing assignments, and they may have a decline in grades. They may also lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. If you are concerned that your teen is abusing drugs, it is important to talk to them about it. You can also consult a doctor or therapist for help, and there are treatment programs for troubled youth available.
Psychological Signs
When it comes to addiction, there are often signs that a person is struggling mentally, even before any physical signs become evident. Different types of drug addictions can take a serious toll on a person’s mental health, and it’s important to be aware of the signs so that you can get help if needed. Common mental health conditions to look out for include the following.
- Paranoia: People who are addicted to drugs may start to feel paranoid or like everyone is out to get them. They may also start to experience hallucinations.
- Anxiety: People who are addicted to drugs may start to experience intense anxiety. This can be accompanied by panic attacks.
- Depression. People who are addicted to drugs may start to experience intense bouts of depression. This can lead to thoughts of suicide.
If you are concerned about your own or a loved one’s mental health, it’s important to reach out for help. There are many resources available, including counseling, therapy, and medication.
Physical Signs
The physical signs of drug abuse can vary depending on the type of drug being abused. However, some of the most common physical signs of drug abuse include changes in appearance and changes in physical health. Appearance-wise, someone who is abusing drugs may look different than they usually do. They may be thinner or heavier than usual, they may have a different hairstyle or clothing style, or their skin may be a different color. Physically, someone who is abusing drugs may have health problems that are not normally associated with their age or gender. They may have a higher-than-average number of colds and other respiratory infections, they may have problems with their digestive system, and they may have problems with their sexual function. They may also have problems with their teeth and gums, and they may have marks on their skin from using needles to inject drugs.
Overall, it is important to be aware of the signs that a teen is using drugs in order to get them the help they need. While some signs may be more obvious than others, it is important to be aware of them all to provide the best help for the teen.
