Drugs, Alcohol and the Modern Teen
This generation of teens is the first generation raised by parents who were also exposed to drugs and alcohol use as teens. Before baby boomers became parents any drug or alcohol use by teens was met with alarm, but the current attitude is more relaxed.Today, some adults see trying drugs and alcohol as a rite of passage and think teen experimentation with these things is just a phase. But what if it isn’t a phase? What if experimentation has given way to something more troubling? How can you tell if somebody you know is struggling with addiction?
Are Teens Too Young to Be Addicts?
Trying drugs and alcohol is a gamble and there is no way to tell in advance whether or not you will develop an addiction. Teens are not too young to become addicts. Anybody who uses drugs or alcohol can become addicted.
The signs of addiction are standard and easy to see if you are looking for them. The earliest signs of addiction are often missed because it can be hard to tell the difference between somebody who parties too much and somebody who has a real problem but the later signs of addiction are undeniable. Early intervention is important.
Early Signs of Addiction
Excessive and consistent use of drugs or alcohol could be a sign of problems to come, for example, getting very drunk every weekend or after school. Inclusion of drugs or alcohol in all types of social situations, not just at parties, is another warning sign. Escalating use or use of more than one drug at a time, making drugs or alcohol a spending priority, and suggesting that drugs or alcohol are important parts of having a good time are further signs of future problems.Addicts live in denial and do not like to thinks that drugs and alcohol can lead to problems. In order to feel like using drugs and alcohol is normal people in the early stages of addiction may start pressuring others to use with them. When confronted with their drug or alcohol use they may start making excuses or insisting that they could quit at any time they want.
All too often early warning signs like these are ignored. Once the addict has reached a point where even they can see there is a problem the addiction could be too strong. Even if the addict can see the problems that drugs and alcohol are causing in their life they may be unwilling to seek help. Instead they may take steps to hide their problem from the outside world.
Later Signs of Addiction
Addiction gets ugly very fast. Signs that an addiction is reaching a breaking point include; lying, stealing, drastic mood swings, changes in grooming habits or appearance, quitting extracurricular activities, negative changes in grades and hanging out with new friends.An addict might start using drugs and alcohol at times that can no longer be labeled as social. They may start getting high at lunch time or alone during the day. Addicts may start cycling drugs, partying all night with alcohol then taking an upper pill the next day to deal with the hangover.
Helping an Addicted Friend
If you think that a friend may be struggling with an addiction the best thing you can do for them is go to their parents. Do not try to get them help on your own. Addicts can be very crafty people and covering up their addiction quickly becomes part of their lifestyle. They get very good at fooling people and if they can’t fool people they quickly cut those people out of their lives. While it is easy to cut off friends it is harder for teens to cut off family.Unless you have a really good reason to not go to a friend’s parents you should always alert them to your concerns. Loyalty to your friendship is not a good reason to stay quiet. If you can’t go to the parents go to another trusted adult, like a school counselor, teacher or church leader. If you know the name of your friend’s doctor you may even consider going to them for help.
It Is Not Selling Your Friend Out to Get Them Help
People who are struggling with an addiction find it hard to reach out for help. They often have to hit rock bottom before they can face the addiction. People who are struggling with an addiction need friends who are willing to step in and help them when they can’t help themselves. The sooner help is given the better the chances of recovery.Addiction lasts a life time. There is no quick fix and there is no easy way out. You are not being a friend by sitting back and doing nothing. If a friend were drowning you wouldn’t even think twice about helping them and calling 911. Addiction should be treated the same way. If you think a friend is suffering from an addiction don’t stay quiet, act to help them. It is what a real friend would do.
