If you observe the following behaviors, your teenager could be abusing drugs and alcohol.
- Rapid and frequent mood changes
- A sudden drop in grades
- A recent change in friends followed by an overall change in attitude
- Increase in “keeping secrets”
- Red or glassy eyes (adolescents may keep a bottle of Visine available at all times)
- Distorted time sense
- Depression
- Impairment in short-term memory
- Sleep disturbances
- Caring less
- “The Munchies” – Decrease in appetite but an increase in craving for sweets
- Sick more often
- Increase in discipline problems both at home and at school
- Finding drug or drug paraphernalia
If you begin to notice these symptoms in your kids, don’t just ignore them and “hope that they will grow out of it.” Drug abuse tends to be progressive and typically gets worse over time. There is frequently a direct relationship between teenagers’ decreased interest in healthy activities and their increased usage of drugs. The more drugs they do the less they want to do anything else. When appropriate, seek out help for your kid and have him or her drug tested if needed. Early intervention can make a difference.
New Dimensions Can Help!
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms or problems, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.
Our affiliate, MHThrive, provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.