Signs of Drug Abuse

Signs and Symptoms of Teen Substance Abuse

Drug and alcohol abuse is a growing problem among youth in the United State and around the world. Their effect are felt through every demographic in our country, and it is crucial for parents to understand and be on the lookout for the signs of drug abuse and symptoms and chemical dependency and abuse.

Physical

Physical dependance on chemical substances is difficult in the world of psychology and pharmaceuticals. Physical dependance occurs as the body adjust to the intake and becomes more tolerant of the substance over time, meaning; the increased level of chemicals are needed to achieve the same results.

In addition, as the body changes to handle those chemicals, sudden reduction in chemicals can result in illness and other physical symptoms.

Unfortunately physical dependance can happen even if individuals take prescription according to their doctor’s orders. Dependance is not specific to teen drug abuse but is often a biproduct of addiction.

In most cases, many teens experience nausea, headaches, sweating, shaking, and more. These are signs that the body is searching for the chemicals to replace those that were lost.

Emotional Instability

The psychological effect of drug abuse that causes emotional instability can also become a major problem. Teens dealing with chemical dependency often exhibit unpredictable behaviors, especially if they have gone thru an extended period of time between using.

While chemical substances affect all people differently, there are strong links between substance abuse and depression and rage. Depression is generally characterized by a loss of interest in activities and a withdrawal from people. This can be followed by irrational anger and outbursts when family members or even friends try to initiate conversation or express concern. Some chemicals are known to cause extreme violence in users as they release a burst of energy with each use.

Family And Social Implications

The family and social implications of substance abuse by teens can extend beyond home life and have a long-term effect on loved ones friendships professional relationships and more.

While immediate family members are often on the frontlines when handling substance abuse the reality is that substance abuse impacts all aspects of the user’s life and can result in failure to handle the stresses of everyday life and even criminal activity.

In the case of teen drug or alcohol abuse students begin failing in school and skipping classes regularly. They may also stop coming home or run away for days at a time.

Teenagers will withdraw from friends that are not supportive of their drug or alcohol use as they fear getting in trouble or losing trust so they may ingratiate themselves among other chemical users over time.

On weekends and during months when this no school teens who are struggling with addiction seek a fix in the home stealing alcohol or other items from family members. Teens with jobs during the summer or after school may stop showing u or will fail to perform task as directed often leading to disciplinary action by their managers.