There is almost nothing worse to hear for a parent than that their teen has a drug abuse problem. Whether it’s marijuana, heroin, opioids, or any other substance, drug addiction is a heartbreaking problem for everyone involved. In fact, drug abuse among young people is a rising problem and one that requires intervention in order to find a resolution. However, if you don’t know your teen is using drugs, then how can you help them? That’s why it’s critical to know the signs. Here are five signs your teen is abusing drugs.
#1: Drug Abuse Can Cause Changes In Personality
Drug abuse often brings a change in a person’s personality. This is especially the case with a teenager. A teen is going through a time of development in many ways. Their brain is still developing; they are developing their individuality and personality. Drugs can shape the brain in new ways that are not who your teen really is. Some drugs can lead to mental health problems. If you notice your teen starting to act very differently from the person you know, then they may require substance abuse treatment to get back on track.
#2: Your Teen Is Withdrawn
Drugs can lead teens to withdraw from others because they are so involved with doing drugs. They also may become withdrawn because they feel sad, lonely, or ashamed about their drug use. Some teens withdraw because they want to hide their drug addiction.
#3: Physical Symptoms of Drug Abuse
A clear sign of substance abuse is physical symptoms. This is more evident when the person has been without the drug for a while. They may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as stomach upset, continual runny nose, watery eyes, anxiety, insomnia, flu-like aches and pains, and excessive yawning. This indicates they need drug addiction treatment.
#4: Acting Out Due to Drug Abuse
Some drugs will cause teens to act out in ways you don’t recognize. They may become belligerent or rebellious. Maybe they get angrier than they ever did before. This acting out can be a sign that your teen is abusing drugs. Through a substance abuse treatment program, they will learn how to overcome the addiction and control their emotions, too.
#5: Money Disappearing
Are you noticing money disappearing out of your home? Or maybe your teen is going through all the money they’ve earned in no time at all, and they don’t have anything to show for it. When you ask them about it, they give vague answers. This is a sign your teen needs drug addiction treatment.
Stop Your Teen’s Drug Abuse at Venture Academy
At Venture Academy, your loved one can begin the journey to a whole new future filled with bright hope. We provide the addiction recovery tools that will enable your teen to be successful in the future. There is no reason why they need to continue going in the wrong direction. Our professional therapists are here to guide you through the recovery process.
We offer several evidence-based therapies that are specifically geared toward troubled and addicted teens.
Your first step is contacting an intake coordinator who will fit your teen with the proper treatment program. Our comprehensive treatment center has a wide range of programs to meet whatever your loved one might be facing. Some of the different treatment programs include:
- 30-day assessment and intervention treatment program
- Behavioural treatment program
- Drug and alcohol treatment program
- An electronic addiction treatment program
- Residential treatment programs for troubled teen
Don’t wait until your teen is in serious trouble. Instead, seek out necessary treatment today. Your loved one can break free from the cycle of drug abuse or the behavioural problems that are plaguing them by reaching out to a quality rehab center. They won’t be alone because professionals will walk with them every step of the way. Contact Venture Academy at 866.762.2211 for more details.
