While addiction can occur at any age, substance use disorders are more likely to start during young adulthood or in the teenage years. Recurring use of drugs or alcohol can rewire the brain, making it difficult to simply quit—especially during the teenage years when the brain is still developing.
Teen addiction is a serious problem, but it can be tough to tell whether your teen is in need of help. Call (866) 330-8729 for a consultation for your teen, and read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of teen addiction.
The signs of addiction in teens vary dramatically.
In the beginning stages of addiction, the signs and symptoms may seem like normal behavioral changes in a teen. In other cases, the signs can be a lot more severe. These include:
- Shifts in mood or behavior
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Changes in friend groups or a loss of interest in activities
- Skipping school
- Declining grades
- Dramatic mood swings
- Trouble with the law
In many cases, teens experience problems with addiction and mental health issues simultaneously. That’s why Rosecrance offers treatment for dual-diagnosis mental health disorders.
When should teens seek treatment for addiction?
As a parent who only wants the best for their child, it can be tough to admit when your teen needs help. You may hope that your teen is just rebelling or going through a phase of experimentation.
Remember, the teenage years are a time of dramatic change. You might believe your child will “grow out of it,” but teens who experience a substance use disorder are likely to continue to struggle as adults. The sooner you can seek treatment, the better.
If you believe your teen may need addiction treatment…
It’s not too early—or too late—to schedule a consultation. Whether your teen is exhibiting many or just one or two of the signs and symptoms of addiction, now is the best time to prepare them for a lifelong journey on the road to recovery.
Rosecrance offers resources for parents, including our ebook “Getting Past No” to help you seek treatment for a reluctant teen.
Rosecrance has been helping teens for over 100 years. Call (866) 330-8729 for more information about our inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for teens.