If you suspect your teen is experimenting with drugs, you
may be wondering which substances they are using and how access was obtained.
The symptoms associated with drug use are many; ranging from slowed reactions
to hallucinations or mood swings. Determining the type of drug and its use
level will help in determining how best to address the situation.
Most Common
The most common substances obtained by teenagers are
typically marijuana, prescription drugs and alcohol. Additional drugs, such as
inhalants may easily be purchased from the neighborhood drug store. Perhaps the
most dangerous of the substances listed above are prescription painkillers –
often found at home, in medicine cabinets. These drugs are commonly prescribed
to patients to address anxiety and pain issues, while later falling into the
hands of curious teens.
Abuse Signs
As stated above, the symptoms associated with drug use
typically depend on the type of substance being used. Teens using marijuana
will often exhibit slower reaction times, red eyes. Teens who abuse painkillers
may experience changes in personality or slurred speech. Hallucinogens such as
mushrooms or LSD cause users to experience hallucinations. Cocaine and crystal
meth use will commonly result in an inhibited appetite, rapid speech patterns
and random bouts of sleepiness. Opiate use is commonly associated with “nodding
off”; or falling asleep mid-sentence.
Addiction vs. Experimentation
The occasional user must be dealt with differently that the
full-blown addict. Some teens may only smoke pot or drink at house parties, or
experiment a few times before realizing it’s just not their thing. Once use
habits become more consistent, teens run the risk of becoming addicted.
Treatment Options
12
step recovery programs for addicted teens are readily available. If you
suspect your teen of a drug or alcohol addiction, our team Above It All team of
addiction counselors is ready and able to help. Give us a call today, and let
us help your kid back on track towards the healthy, happy and productive
lifestyle they deserve.
Today it seems that finding a teen on a drugs is more common than finding one that isn't. It's really sad how teens are finding them and using them to cope with issues such as a breakup.
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