Finding drugs in your teen's clothing or a drawer in his or her room could alert you that your teen has a substance abuse problem. However, there are other signs that may accompany a chemical addiction. Although no singular sign may be enough to conclude that it's an addiction, multiple signs of substance misuse are good indicators. Here a few signs of teen substance abuse:

Missing Alcohol or Medication

If you have a regular collection of alcoholic beverages in your home for guests or special events, you may notice that some of the items are missing. If you replace the missing items and find that more alcohol is missing again without explanation, your teen may at fault, especially if there is no one else in your home who could have accessed the beverages. 

Additionally, if you or another family member takes prescribed drugs and some of the medicine is regularly missing, your teen may be self-medicating. Often, narcotic drugs that are prescribed to alleviate pain are able to produce an addictive high and can become habit-forming if abused.

Socializing with People Who Use

If your teen's friends have recently changed to a group that you know delves in drugs or alcohol, it is a good indication that your teen may also be drinking or using drugs. Kids who are chemically addicted need access to the substances that they have become dependent upon. As a result, they may tend to surround themselves with people who can offer a ready supply. In addition, before a kid can become addicted, there must be an introduction to the addictive substance. Young people who regularly indulge in drugs or alcohol are often willing to share.

Decline in Grades

An abuse problem can affect your child's grades. Even if your child is attending school regularly, it may be difficult for the youngster to concentrate on his or her studies while the teen is not sober. The child may also be more apt to sleep in class if he or she has become addicted to a depressant. On the other hand, the youngster may display erratic, rebellious behavior while under the influence of a stimulant.

There can be many different reasons, such as peer pressure or depression, associated with a teen's chemical addiction. If you suspect that your teenager has a substance abuse problem, he or she will need help to overcome the addiction. Consult with a counselor from a drug abuse treatment facility, like DayRise Recovery, as soon as possible. 

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