Just as we take the necessary precautions to watch for signs of major illness, these same measures must be employed to watch for and prevent substance abuse and addiction amongst your friends, family and loved ones. Whether you are a parent or not, the epidemic of street and prescription drug abuse amongst youth is relevant to you. If you are a parent, it is especially vital that you learn the 8 warning signs your teen may be abusing prescription drugs. Knowing these like the back of your hand can prevent tragedy or even fatality.
Make a Connection With Youth
Looking at your average teen, the wide emotional, physical and hormonal changes can make it difficult to discern indications of mere individuality versus actual signs of substance abuse. This is why first and foremost, whether you are a parent or not, you should work hard to establish strong connections with the children and teens in your life. Having superficial relationships with young people will make it especially difficult to help them if ever they needed it.
Many parents make the mistake of not discussing drugs and alcohol with their teens. Sadly, some parents even feel that providing their children/teens with alcohol at a young age, this will prevent later difficulties or even make the parent look “cool.”
Statistically speaking, most teens who abstain from drugs and alcohol when offered, do so because they fear their parents’ disapproval. Even just expressing your (negative) opinion about underage drinking, marijuana, pills, etc., could prevent a young person from getting mixed up with drugs or alcohol.
Indications of Substance Abuse
Of course, during the teenage years it is completely normal to see signs of excessive fatigue, moodiness, appetite changes, etc. If you know your teen well enough to know something out of the ordinary is going on, try looking for any of these 8 warning signs your teen may be abusing prescription drugs:
1. Drastic changes in energy levels—whether high or low.
2. Lack of care for personal image, or changes in personal care routines.
3. Indications of failure or struggling in school.
4. Sleep habits/patterns changes.
5. Pinpoint pupils or glassy eyes.
6. Major changes in friends.
7. Personality changes—he/she might be depressed, angry, withdrawn, etc.
8. Appetite shifts.
Again, any of these warning signs might present themselves in a regular, drug free teenager. If you know the individual well enough, however, you will notice a combination of these indications. If you look closely, the warning signs are all there.
Long Term Reactions to Prescription Pills
The body reacts to prescription drugs in the same way it does to street drugs, alcohol and even coffee. By becoming tolerant to these substances, the body requires more and more of it to feel the same reaction. After a long enough time of taking prescription pills like Vicodin, Oxycontin, Adderall or Valium, the user will start to feel symptoms of withdrawal. This indicates that a physical dependency has formed, and medical attention is vitally important.
The longer someone uses these drugs the more physically dependent one becomes on these substances and the more difficult it is to quit.
Narconon reviews on prescription drug addiction indicate that the problem can be treated but it requires an address to the basic factors underlying the individual's addiction. For more information on treating prescription addiction or to get someone help now contact us today.