The signs of teen drug abuse can be hard to decipher between substance abuse and typical teenage behavior. It is common for teenagers to become more independent and experience mood swings as they get older. At Bayview Recovery, we understand that you might not always know if your teen is abusing substances or not. If you have concerns, it is crucial to speak with a professional to help figure out what is going on. When you intervene early because you uncover a substance abuse issue with your teen, they will have a better chance at finding recovery over the long term. Call Bayview Recovery today at 855.478.3650 to learn about the treatment options available for your teen.
Signs of Teen Drug Abuse
There are many signs of teen drug abuse that can mimic other physical or emotional problems. If you notice a marked change in how your teen is behaving, they have mood swings, or you have noticed physical differences, it’s time to start asking questions. Your teen may be feeling anxious or depressed or dealing with a situation you are not aware of at school. Communication is essential, and you will want to ask your teen what is going on. Signs of teen drug abuse include:
- Valuable items missing from your home
- An unkempt appearance, lack of self-care
- Volatile mood swings that aren’t related to normal growing up
- Significant or rapid weight changes for no apparent reason
Substance abuse can be easy to hide in the early stages, but it becomes harder for anyone addicted to substances as the abuse continues. Talk to your teen about your concerns if you believe they are abusing drugs. As a parent, your goal is to keep your child safe and protected. Ask questions, and if the answers you receive don’t make sense, it’s time to seek a professional’s help.
How to Talk to Your Teen About Substance Abuse
Teens are notoriously belligerent about talking to their parents about what is going on in their lives. However, this does not have to be the case. Your teen is learning how to become more independent, and you are not going to know everything going on in their life. You want to be clear that your child can trust you not to freak out if they come to you with a big problem. This is a trust that builds up over time. When substance abuse is an issue, it will help to:
- Speak as calmly as you can about what your concerns are
- Think about what you want to say before you sit down to talk
- Offer your teen help and try not to be confrontational
- Be persistent with your questions when you are worried about substance abuse
There’s no easy way to talk to your teen when you think they are abusing substances, but you have to make an effort. Talk to a professional ahead of time if you aren’t sure what to say. It will not hurt to seek the advice of someone who has experience with teens and substance abuse, so you can better understand what you can expect. Stay invested in helping your teen, and try not to get too angry. While you may be reasonably upset, this often makes teens shut down even further. Keep your goals in mind, and don’t be afraid to tell your teen what your worries are.
Get Help For Teen Drug Abuse Today
If you are worried about teen drug abuse and believe your teen needs to go to drug rehab, we are ready to help. At Bayview Recovery, we provide substance abuse services to help your teen break free from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Contact us today at 855.478.3650 and learn more about the treatment programs we have to offer.
