5 Signs That Your Teen May Be Struggling With Drug Addiction

Nearly 50 percent of all teens have tried illicit drugs before entering their senior year in high school, and a staggering number of youth meet the criteria for substance use disorder. Over 16 percent of the entire American population is addicted to at least one foreign substance; the largest group is young adults between the ages of 12 and 17. Addiction is a serious disease, and it takes the help of trained professionals along with a strong support system to kick the habit for good. Too many of America’s youth start out abusing illegal drugs to have fun with their friends on the weekends.

Before they realize something is wrong, they’ve developed a physical dependence and usually a tolerance for their drug of choice. Luckily, Visalia Drug Rehab is there to help. Visalia, California, is the 5th largest city in the San Joaquin Valley and one of the most popular cities in the entire state. Unfortunately, that does not insulate it from the rising number of substance abuse cases and overdoses.

Here are five signs your teen may need treatment at the Visalia Drug Rehab Center.

Changes in Behavior or Hygiene Habits

When teens start using drugs and alcohol, one of the first noticeable signs is sudden changes in their behavior or hygiene habits. Sometimes, their physical hygiene can decline or become irregular. Some teens begin sleeping a lot when they start abusing drugs. Teens are naturally moody, but extreme mood swings can be a sign of drug abuse or addiction. For families seeking support and intervention, outpatient rehab in Arizona also offers a specialized approach to address substance abuse issues in teens.

Physical Changes

Young adults naturally go through physical changes, but odd changes that are noticeable could be a sign of drug addiction. For instance, sudden nose bleeds or profuse sweating can be an early sign of withdrawal. Bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils are also a dead give and no, they aren’t just tired. A sudden weight loss can also be a cause for concern.

Sudden Drop in Grades

When teens start abusing drugs, their grades usually start to slip. They fail to focus on their studies, and it begins to show in their grade point average. If your student suddenly can’t wait for school to be over and is only interested in their social outings, it’s a good idea to investigate.

New Group of Friends

If your youngster suddenly has a whole new group of friends, you may want to start asking questions. While this may be normal when changing schools, it typically does not happen in the middle of the school year. Kids often succumb to peer pressure or start doing drugs to fit in with the ‘cool’ crowd at school.

Drug Paraphernalia

Suddenly, finding drug paraphernalia is a dead giveaway. Most kids will say they are holding it for a friend or come up with some far-out excuse as to why they have these items. Honestly, the only reason to risk being found out or getting in trouble is if they are using. Finding drug paraphernalia in your teen’s belongings means they are probably using and may be struggling with addiction.

Get Help at Visalia Drug Rehab

Drug addiction is a serious disease, and it requires the right kind of help to overcome it. Youngsters between the ages of 12 and 18 are currently the largest group of drug addicts. If you suspect your teen may be abusing drugs, look for these 5 telltale signs. If you’ve seen a noticeable change in behavior or hygiene habits, physical changes like sudden weight loss, or even a new group of friends, your teen may be struggling with addiction. If your child’s grades are suddenly dropping or you’ve come across drug paraphernalia in their things, then they may have a problem. The Visalia Drug Rehab can help. If your youngster is struggling with addiction, they will need a qualified treatment center with experienced staff and the right support system at home. Start with the Visalia Drug Rehab Center.