We all want to know how to spot substance abuse and alcoholism in our loved ones. Doing so, we have a strong chance of preventing tragedy or even saving a life or lives from the devastation of addiction. The life of a child or a teen, however, is both vulnerable and ever-changing. Today’s teens have the potential to change the future of our country; further, they have the potential to become addicts, criminals and societal delinquents. This largely depends on your actions as a parent. Hence, it is of vital importance that you know and can spot the 8 warning signs your teen may be abusing prescription drugs.

Warning Signs To Watch For

Bear in mind that pills are incredibly easy for teens to obtain. Whether from friends or from their very own home medicine cabinet, prescription drugs like Oxycontin, Vicodin, Xanax or Adderall have emerged as some of the most popular and dangerous substances amongst today’s high school-aged youth.

If you notice something is “off” with your teen, watch for a few of the following specific physical/mental phenomena:

-Interrupted sleep patterns/sleeplessness.
-Shift in energy levels.
-Careless attitude towards personal care/hygiene.
-Mood/personality changes (snappy, depressed, anxious, etc.)
-Strange/unusual friends coming around.
-Lack of interest in food.
-Dilated pupils (commonly seen in opiate users.)

Teens that are using drugs often have trouble sleeping or go through periods where sleep is increased, and then where they cannot sleep at all. Their physical appearance will deteriorate and they may show support for drugs or the drug culture.

Attitude and mood changes can be major and anger, sadness or even anxiety can start because of drug use.

There will also be problems at school like dropping grades and even inability to handle responsibility.

Do Further Investigation And Talk To Your Teen

Granted, any one of these above mentioned phenomena could be indications of other issues—troubles in school (not understanding materials), hormones, poor diet, general stress, etc. You cannot assume that simply because you see one or more of these abnormalities that the sole answer is prescription drug abuse. The next step is to use open and honest communication to talk with your teen about what is going on in his/her life.

We highly encourage that parents establish relationships with their children/teens with regard to the subject of substance abuse as early in life as is appropriate. Waiting for the appearance of drug use indicators is simply too late. Develop a strong relationship, make your position on drug abuse clear and continue to watch for these 8 warning signs your teen may be abusing prescription drugs.

Get Help From The Right Places  

Over time, it may become clear to you that some real issues have developed in your child. Remember, you are not the first person to have had this difficulty and thousands of addiction cases are cured each year. Although initial shock, disappointment and fear/anxiety for your teen is completely normal and natural, do not lose hope—there are treatment resources available.

Act quickly—this is important. Do not wait to see if the problem will “take care of itself.” Prescription pharmaceuticals are powerfully addictive on a cellular level, and require expert assistance to treat.

Be wary of programs or treatment specialists who insist upon the use of other prescription medications to treat the dependency, for this could make the problem worse in future months. Seek a program that is drug free and will work with your family to build a successful and happy future, free of dependency altogether.

For more information on spotting teen warning signs of use contact Narconon today.

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/10/20/8-warning-signs-your-teen-may-be-abusing-prescription-drugs/

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