In an age where drug users can be found in almost all age groups, it can be challenging trying to find out if your teenager is struggling with drug addiction or not.
Knowing how to recognize the signs of drug addiction will be advantageous in helping you find treatment for your teenager if they are addicted. In this piece, you will learn some of the common signs that your teenager could be addicted to drugs.
Physical signs
One of the easiest ways to know if your teenager is addicted to drug addiction is when there are some observable physical signs.
Some of them are bloodshot eyes, sudden weight gain or loss, small or enlarged pupils, looking unkempt, and poor physical coordination. Other physical signs may include insomnia, slurred speech, offensive body scent, pale face, etc.
Isolation and secret behavior
Another way to know if your teenager is addicted to drugs is when they prefer to isolate themselves instead of staying around people.
They might get uninterested in social gatherings because they have found solace in staying alone. This isolation allows them to take drugs undisturbed without being monitored.
A decline in academic performance
If you notice that your teenager is not doing well in their academics, it might be that their addiction to drugs is affecting them. Addicted teenagers are less likely to be interested in schoolwork. The intelligent ones might begin to record average results.
While others who are normally above average might have really low performances. They may not submit assignments early, and they would be less involved in anything related to academics.
Withdrawal symptoms
When your teenager is away from drugs for a while, they might exhibit some withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression, vomiting, mood swings, irritability, goosebumps, etc.
If you notice that your teenager is showing some of these signs, it is best to take them to a counselor or therapist so that they can be properly checked.
Remember that it is important to stand by your teenager if they are diagnosed as addicts. They need your support right from the start of addiction treatment to the end.