According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the rate of teen drug use other than marijuana has dropped off to the lowest rate in more than two decades.
But even with the rate dropping, there are still many signs of drug use in teens that you should be looking for in your child. The last thing you want is to rest with a sense of false security and see your child suffer. Read on for advice for identifying early signs.
Signs of Drug Use in Teens
There are several different signs that can signal drug use in teens. Many of them are behavioral changes since the physical signs of drug use can take longer to develop.
1. Changes in Academic Performance
If your kid starts to lose their motivation for school, then they may be developing a drug problem. If your child used to be a high achiever but now seems more content to sit in the back of the class and doze off, then their attention may be going elsewhere.
2. Decreased Interest in Activities
When a child starts to use drugs, you will begin to see a drop off in their level of activity. Where they might have gone outside after school to play before, they will spend more time indoors and in front of the television.
3. Social Changes and Complaints from Teachers
If your child is using drugs, they will gradually make new friends. They will want to surround themselves with other people that are using. You may also hear from their teachers that their behavior in school has changed.
4. Unexplainable Disappearances
If your child doesn’t come straight home from school or disappears for hours at a time, then they may be running off to use drugs. Make sure you monitor your child to see where they are going if you suspect them of using.
5. Irritability
If your child is using drugs, then they are likely using some of their sleeping hours to get high. If you notice your child seems to be irritable and not getting enough sleep for no reason, then they may be using.
How to Know When It’s Time to Choose an Inpatient Rehab
If you have noticed that your child has been demonstrating some of the behavior changes mentioned in this article, then you may need to seriously consider getting them help.
The longer you wait, the more you risk your child’s habit developing further and them coming into contact with harder drugs that have a higher potential for addiction.
Check out a place like Inspire Malibu as soon as you realize your child is using drugs regularly if you want to give them the best chance possible for recovery.
Not only will they be able to learn new coping mechanisms for their impulses, but they will also be in a place where they won’t have access to their drug of choice making them more likely to be successful kicking the habit.
More Advice for Fathers
After reading this article, you should have a much better idea of how to identify signs of drug use in teens. With this information in your arsenal, you will be better equipped to protect your child from the dangers of drug use and abuse.
Check out our other posts for more advice for fathers today.
