Detecting your child’s drug use is essential; here are 8 warning signs to look out for.
A child’s drug use is one of a parent’s greatest fears. When the use of alcohol or other drugs turns into an addiction, it can ruin a child’s life. Addiction in children can also destroy the essential fabric of trust within a family. Early detection and intervention are fundamental. Here are eight warning signs that your child might be addicted.
1. Physical clues (look for more than one and persistence over time)
- Change in eating habits: unexplained weight loss or gain
- Inability to sleep or wake up at usual times
- Bloodshot or watery eyes, dilated or smaller-than-normal pupils
- Persistent congestion and runny nose
- Excessive sweating, tremors, or shaking
- Sweaty palms or cold, shaky hands. Nausea or vomiting
- Extreme hyperactivity or excessive talkativeness
2. Sudden and constant emotional changes
- Loss of interest in the family
- Signs of paranoia, such as being overly secretive or locking themselves in their room
- A general lack of motivation, energy, and self-esteem
- Chronic dishonesty (habitual lying)
- Mood swings, irritability, nervousness
- These changes can become so severe that parents no longer “recognize” their child and experience feelings of loss.
3. Changes in school attendance and grades
Addiction is also reflected through changes in the child’s behavior at school, but most schools lack the resources to identify the problem. Parents should look for signs such as apathy, attendance issues, or a decline in academic performance.
4. Unexplained loss or gain of money
Drug users often become drug dealers, resulting in them coming home with money from strange sources. Conversely, children may start stealing from their siblings or parents. Watch for missing game consoles, computers, or other valuables like jewelry and watches. Be alert to lies such as: “I’m just holding this money for a friend,” or “I was robbed on the subway.”
5. Dramatic changes in friendships
When a child begins to abuse alcohol or use drugs, their circle of friends changes radically. They stop associating with lifelong friends, and “new” friends suddenly appear. Furthermore, they are almost always very secretive about their mobile phone.
6. Uncharacteristic changes in mood or personality
In some cases, youth addiction is accompanied by mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, and the adolescent uses drugs as “medicine.”
7. Missing medications from the medicine cabinet
Many young people with drug use problems will search the medicine cabinet at home or at relatives’ houses. Young people are clever and know which medications contain components that get them high: ADHD medications, sleeping pills, certain anti-anxiety drugs, etc.
8. Deterioration in appearance
Another sign is a lack of personal hygiene. Sloppiness in dress and a general neglect of physical appearance.
Trust your instincts as a parent
We invite you to call us if you have any questions. At CCAdicciones, we are available 24 hours a day.
