How to Tell if Your Kid Is on Drugs

Young adults can be especially prone to drug abuse.

As a parent, it can be concerning to see your child struggle like this. If your child is addicted to drugs, they may go from the happy child you raised to an almost complete stranger. You may be wondering if your child is an addict and if they need help with a drug or alcohol detox. At Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches (BHOPB), we often see the negative effects of substance abuse on family relationships. When your addicted child pushes you away, this may be a cry for help. Read on to learn how to tell if your kid is on drugs and how you should approach the situation.

Prevalence of Addiction in Young Adults

In 2018 it was found that out of all the high school seniors in the United States, 58% had consumed alcohol, 47.8% had taken an illicit drug, and 15.5% had abused prescription drugs.¹ Alcohol abuse is also a prevalent issue among young adults, with a whopping 39% of college students engaging in binge drinking, a dangerous pattern of alcohol consumption that can lead to alcohol poisoning, accidents, and other negative consequences.² The high prevalence of substance abuse among young adults underscores the urgent need for effective prevention and intervention efforts to address this problem and reduce its harmful effects on individuals and society as a whole.

While you may want to disregard their bad habits as something they will grow out of, addiction can often blossom from these reckless behaviors, especially in party environments like college. In the blink of an eye, your child who casually drank and did drugs in high school could become a young adult who is dependent on drugs.

Why Do Teens Abuse Drugs?

Drug abuse is so common during the teenage years because of the significant physical, emotional, and social changes that come with young adulthood. This transition can increase a person’s vulnerability to addiction. During this period, individuals tend to have greater independence and freedom and are exposed to new environments and experiences. Unfortunately, such changes can make young adults more prone to substance abuse.

The brain of teens and young adults is still developing and maturing, making the biological changes that occur from substance abuse all the more impactful. Furthermore, these individuals may lack the necessary skills to handle emotional challenges and stressors that can lead to addiction. Social anxiety or low self-esteem may make them more likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Peer pressure may also influence their substance use. Therefore, it is critical to intervene early and implement preventive measures to help mitigate the negative effects of addiction during this crucial phase of development.

Common Signs of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse does not only affect a person physically. It can also destroy a person’s behavioral health. Signs of cocaine use can differ significantly from signs of alcoholism, but there are some commonalities when someone is an addict. As a rehab center in Palm Beach, we want you to be able to recognize how to tell if your kid is on drugs. Once you know that your child is addicted to drugs, if they are at least 18 years old, you can get them the help they need with our treatment programs.

Warning signs your kid is on drugs include:

• Financial issues
• Social withdrawal
• Irritability and moodiness
• Depression
• Noticeable physical changes, like rapid changes in weight
• Lies and deception
• Irregular sleeping patterns
• Acting secretive

If your child is exhibiting these symptoms, there is a good chance that your child is addicted to drugs.

Get Them Help Immediately

If you believe that your child is addicted to drugs, you should get them help immediately. At our Lake Worth drug rehab, we help people struggling with addiction not only through our BHOPB detox programs but through providing comprehensive addiction therapy and mental health treatment. These treatment options have the potential to change the lives of you and your loved one in significant ways. Don’t hesitate to access these benefits.

With our family programs, you can be by your child’s side throughout their recovery. Call  561-220-3981 to get more information about our options for addiction treatment in Lake Worth.

Sources:

1. Monitoring the Future – Trends in Lifetime Prevalence of Use of Various Drugs In Grades 8, 10, and 12
2. Focus – Substance Use Among College Students

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Is Addiction a Mental Illness?

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