Teenagers today can access various drugs, including marijuana, MDMA, opiates, and prescription drugs. Since not all of them are associated with the same ”symptoms”, it takes more than searching for physical indications like “red eyes” to identify drug use. Now, you may think there’s nothing to worry about, as narcotics abuse is most prevalent in adults. However, research says otherwise. In fact, most addicts begin using substances as early as the 7th grade. They first start with marijuana, a standard gateway drug, only to move on to the more addictive and harmful ones. Since drug use is a significant problem that needs to be cut at its roots early on, parents and caregivers must be able to recognize warning signs of addiction in children. And here, we present you with the red flags to look out for.
Warning Signs of Addiction in Children
Despite the open communication between you and your child, if they have a drug problem, chances are they won’t come to you for advice and help. In fact, they are more likely to hide it. Luckily, addiction isn’t easy to conceal. It comes with a set of tell-tell signs that vary depending on the type of drug being used. Ones that, with keen observation, any parent can recognize.
As their guardian, it’s your job to talk to your kids and explain the dangers of substance abuse. If they haven’t begun using, this could discourage them from taking drugs. However, if you suspect they are already experimenting but can’t just put your finger on it, here are a couple of physical signs to look for:
- Having trouble falling asleep
- Having trouble waking up
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Dilated or constricted pupils
- Bloodshot, watery eyes
- Constant sniffing
- Sweaty and cold palms
- Nausea that may or may not be accompanied by vomiting
- Hyperactive behavior (e.g., talking more than usual, acting overly excited, and similar)
Substance abuse isn’t associated merely with physical signs. Take action if you notice your child is exhibiting any of the following emotional behaviors:
- Lack of interest, especially in family time
- Constant lying
- Episodes of paranoia
- Disorientation
- Frequent mood swings
- Lack of temper
- Lack of motivation
- Poor self-esteem
Disorientation is one of the warning signs of addiction in children that parents and caregivers should pay close attention to.
Of course, not every individual will show these symptoms. They won’t be the same in severity, either. However, if action isn’t taken early on, some of them can become so severe that a parent can no longer recognize their child. If that happens, you should have them see a professional.
Changes in Academic Performance
Warning signs of addiction in children aren’t limited to physical and emotional symptoms. And since both of the above can be attributed to a medical condition or a mental illness, sometimes it’s better to look for environmental signs to be able to paint a whole picture. For instance, if your child has a drug problem, that will likely impact their academic performance. Some may skip class often, resulting in poor attendance. Others may stop studying altogether, resulting in poor grades. Teachers will be able to tell if something’s wrong. However, as they don’t know their kids best, it’s up to parents to take action. Keep a line of communication open with your child’s school to catch a potential change, should it arise.
Money Issues
Wasn’t it like yesterday that your youngster received their allowance, yet they are asking for money again? Have you noticed your cash or jewelry going missing? If the answer to these is ”yes”, they may be experiencing money issues related to substance abuse. They may also be selling valuable items left and right to compensate for the money you won’t give them. Some could be hooked on drugs so much that they end up selling drugs themselves only to afford their own fix.
Change of Friends
Has your kid recently begun hanging out with a new group of friends? Have they abandoned their previous clique? If so, are they secretive about their new one? It’s also possible they won’t bring them home to meet you; they won’t tell you anything about them, let alone let you take a peek at their phone. All of this could indicate your child has begun taking drugs. And guess what? It could be due to the influence of exactly those so-called new friends.
If your child has begun acting weird after starting new friendships, the new clique may have influenced them badly.
Medication Disappearing From the Cabinet
If you have recently noticed that you are going through your refills faster than usual, there’s a chance your child is to blame. A fair number of young adults struggling with addiction steal their parents’ or caregivers’ prescription drugs, especially if the meds in question are ADHD meds or opioids.
Now, sometimes addictions run in the family. So, if you are the one who’s struggling or has struggled with addiction in the past, you must do everything humanly possible to ensure your child doesn’t inherit it, as well. One of the ways to do so is to eliminate all substances from your home, especially if you are keeping them within reach in, let’s say, the medicine cabinet. That way, they won’t have what to steal, but you won’t have anything to test your sobriety.
Missing medicine is a tell-tell sign of dealing with a child addict.
Changes in Appearance
Youngsters pay attention to what they look like at all times. However, those abusing substances aren’t as likely to do the same. In fact, some of the early warning signs of addiction in children include a decline in personal hygiene practices, including showering, brushing their teeth, and combing their hair. Furthermore, they are inclined to sleep less, which could be evident by the protruding dark circles beneath their eyes. They won’t be too bothered about looking disheveled. Instead, they’ll focus more on figuring out where their next high will come from. Therefore, it’s your job as a parent/caregiver to pay attention to the changes in their appearance and hygiene. And if you are not sure what’s normal, engage in a conversation with an expert who can tell you whether their actions are a cause for alarm.
Written by: Michelle Aldrich
About the author: Michelle Aldrich is an experienced writer and advocate for addiction, dedicated to reducing stigma and promoting understanding. As a passionate contributor at Alamo Behavioral Health, she empowers individuals and fosters positive change in the field, using her personal insights to create a compassionate approach in her articles.