Is My Teen Addicted?

No parent wants to ask themselves if their teen is addicted to something. At the same time, not asking the question is far more dangerous than asking it. If the answer is yes, it may be a comfort for you to know that there are affordable treatment centers that have programs specifically aimed at addressing the needs of teen addicts. Though teens do have needs that are similar to adults, they also have issues that adults don’t deal with, and it’s important that those are addressed.

For example, an adult can relocate to make recovery easier, but teens don’t usually have that option. In some cases, it may be that your teen is using drugs casually or on the weekends. While you may not see that as cause for concern, the symptoms below might suggest otherwise.

Has Your Teen’s Behavior Changed?

This isn’t just about attitude or mood swings. The progression in the development of the frontal lobe in teens combined with constant hormone fluctuations can make for the moodiest of teens, even if they aren’t using any kind of chemical at all. Instead, take a look at some of their daily patterns and the changes in them.

• Decrease in appetite: Most teens are going through sporadic growth spurts, so you are likely to notice an increase in appetite from time to time as the body prepares for these growth spurts. However, a significant decrease in appetite coupled with other warning signs could mean that your child is suffering from an addiction or an eating disorder.
• Diminished hygiene concerns: Teens are going through a phase that makes them feel as if the world is a stage, and they are the actor in the spotlight. This means they tend to take their hygiene more seriously and may change their personal style occasionally as they try new looks. When a teen starts to lose concern over his or her appearance, this should serve as a warning sign of addiction, or some other underlying issue.

These are two of the biggest red flags that should be cause for concern. Although the underlying issue may not be drugs or alcohol, if you have found drugs or alcohol in your teen’s possession, it’s time to consider the idea that addiction may be the culprit. Affordable drug treatment centers have no interest in forcing treatment on someone who doesn’t need it, so they offer evaluations to help determine if it’s necessary.

For more information about teen addiction, contact Yellowstone Recovery today at 888-897-1455.