Four Signals Your Teen May Have A Drug Addiction

Every parents worst nightmare comes true when they find out that their child is addicted to drugs. Many times parents don’t know what to do and resort to traditional discipline which drives their child even further away. Parents need to equip themselves with as much factual information as possible and a solid plan of action on how to combat this problem. You also have to realize that the best offense is a good defense and by catching an addiction early make the difference between a problem that they overcome in the teen years and a life long addict. Here are some warning signs of a drug addictions:

Grades are declining: Has there been a sustained decline in your child’s school work? Are they not interested in going to school anymore and constantly look for excuse not to go to school? Does your teen seem unconcerned with failing tests or papers? This can be the beginning signs of an addiction. If you start noticing falling grades and a lack of interest in doing well in school, then it’s time to investigate further and find out the reasons why. Catching drug use early can avoid a difficult recovery later.

Change in Attitude: Typically when your child enters their teen years, it’s natural for them to begin acting rebellious and tend to break away from their family. However, if you notice a sudden increase in secrecy, especially in your own home this should trigger red flags for you. Look for things that are beyond just teen rebellion.

Not knowing where your child is: Does your child say that they’re going to school and then not show up? Or do they leave the house without letting you know where they’re going? If you notice a sudden onset of such behavior, begin delving in deeper. At the beginning of a drug addiction many teens would rather avoid their parents than explain what they are doing. Insist that you always know where your child is, and make sure that you have a way to contact them if need be.

Missing valuables in the house: If you had $100 in your wallet but for some reason you can’t find it anymore, this may just be a sign of your own absent mindedness. However if this seems to happen with a certain regularity, then it can very well be a sign of a growing drug habit. Teens with a drug habit will ask for money but will not justify what it’s for. They will also steal and pawn valuables in the house to feed their drug habit. Your teen can also turn to criminal activities outside of the home, for example, stealing from other individuals. If your teen suddenly develops a leaning to criminal activities investigate the reason why.

Even though these are all great indicators of a drug habit, they may not be enough. Parents are the first and only line of defense against drug addiction. Even though there are many centers and programs available, you are the one responsible for the well being of your child. So make sure you keep track of your child’s progress and if faced with this situation, seek help. As a parent it’s up to you to make sure that your communication with your teen is always open. Keep in perspective that their views may not meet your own and they even develop seriously flawed opinions based on their world view, however they still deserve the right to be heard and respected. Show them that respect and you may very well avert a very serious problem in your child’s life.