Here are some of the most common addictions among teens, as well as signs and symptoms of different types of substance abuse treatment.
Some early signs of alcohol or drug abuse among teenagers are fairly straightforward, regardless of the substance involved: a teen may be developing an addiction when he or she suddenly begins to neglect or struggle with school, changes friend groups, distances him- or herself from family, drops activities or sports he or she used to enjoy or alters eating and sleeping habits. However, further signs and symptoms depend on what substance is being abused. Watch for these signs of the most common addictions among teens:
Alcohol
Symptoms specific to alcohol abuse include bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, memory gaps or loss, shaking and poor coordination. In addition, teens may use mints or gum to cover the smell of alcohol. While alcohol is often easily obtained by underage drinkers outside the house, it is prudent to keep an eye on alcoholic drinks that may be stored in your house, which may go missing or be watered down to disguise drinking.
Marijuana
Like alcohol, marijuana can cause a loss of physical coordination and memory, but it can also slow reaction time, induce lethargy, make ordinary or inappropriate situations seem humorous and increase sensitivity to sound, taste and visual perception. Since marijuana is typically smoked, it can cause coughing, bloodshot eyes and a constant dry mouth known as “cotton mouth.” Marijuana also has a noticeable smell, which some teens try to cover with, again, mints or gum. Users may have difficulty concentrating, either on conversations or on their own explanations, leading to a tendency to ramble.
Inhalants
The use of inhalants, chemical fumes that produce extremely rapid intoxication, is more common among younger teens. Unfortunately, inhalants are also some of the most immediately dangerous intoxicating substances. The most common symptoms include disorientation, dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, nosebleeds and marks or sores around the mouth. Teens using nitrous oxide may also have frequent headaches, euphoria and muscle weakness.
Prescription painkillers, stimulants and anxiety medications
One of the most obvious signs of prescription drug addiction is pills going missing from medicine cabinets or around the house. In addition, users with prescriptions may use their medications much more quickly than they would if they were following the prescription schedule, or find alternate sources of medications they have been prescribed in the past even after the course of treatment is done. Teens abusing prescription painkillers or opiates, such as codeine, oxycodone and Vicodin, may become nauseous, confused, constipated or constantly tired. Those using stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin may become euphoric, energetic and unable to sleep. Those using anxiety medications such as Valium, Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax display symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication, including loss of coordination, slurred speech, memory gaps and drowsiness.
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan or DXM is an over-the-counter cough suppressant that causes symptoms similar to those of alcohol intoxication: slurred speech, disorientation and memory gaps. In addition, teens using DXM may become dizzy or nauseous and have mild hallucinations. You may also notice quick, uncontrollable eye movements.
If you find that your teenager is struggling with drug abuse Huntington Beach or alcohol abuse or addiction, you can get help. Don’t hesitate to contact South Coast Counseling today for informational resources on addiction, treatment options and recovery.
Some early signs of alcohol or drug abuse among teenagers are fairly straightforward, regardless of the substance involved: a teen may be developing an addiction when he or she suddenly begins to neglect or struggle with school, changes friend groups, distances him- or herself from family, drops activities or sports he or she used to enjoy or alters eating and sleeping habits. However, further signs and symptoms depend on what substance is being abused. Watch for these signs of the most common addictions among teens:
Alcohol
Symptoms specific to alcohol abuse include bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, memory gaps or loss, shaking and poor coordination. In addition, teens may use mints or gum to cover the smell of alcohol. While alcohol is often easily obtained by underage drinkers outside the house, it is prudent to keep an eye on alcoholic drinks that may be stored in your house, which may go missing or be watered down to disguise drinking.
Marijuana
Like alcohol, marijuana can cause a loss of physical coordination and memory, but it can also slow reaction time, induce lethargy, make ordinary or inappropriate situations seem humorous and increase sensitivity to sound, taste and visual perception. Since marijuana is typically smoked, it can cause coughing, bloodshot eyes and a constant dry mouth known as “cotton mouth.” Marijuana also has a noticeable smell, which some teens try to cover with, again, mints or gum. Users may have difficulty concentrating, either on conversations or on their own explanations, leading to a tendency to ramble.
Inhalants
The use of inhalants, chemical fumes that produce extremely rapid intoxication, is more common among younger teens. Unfortunately, inhalants are also some of the most immediately dangerous intoxicating substances. The most common symptoms include disorientation, dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, nosebleeds and marks or sores around the mouth. Teens using nitrous oxide may also have frequent headaches, euphoria and muscle weakness.
Prescription painkillers, stimulants and anxiety medications
One of the most obvious signs of prescription drug addiction is pills going missing from medicine cabinets or around the house. In addition, users with prescriptions may use their medications much more quickly than they would if they were following the prescription schedule, or find alternate sources of medications they have been prescribed in the past even after the course of treatment is done. Teens abusing prescription painkillers or opiates, such as codeine, oxycodone and Vicodin, may become nauseous, confused, constipated or constantly tired. Those using stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin may become euphoric, energetic and unable to sleep. Those using anxiety medications such as Valium, Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax display symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication, including loss of coordination, slurred speech, memory gaps and drowsiness.
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan or DXM is an over-the-counter cough suppressant that causes symptoms similar to those of alcohol intoxication: slurred speech, disorientation and memory gaps. In addition, teens using DXM may become dizzy or nauseous and have mild hallucinations. You may also notice quick, uncontrollable eye movements. If you find that your teenager is struggling with drug abuse Huntington Beach or alcohol abuse or addiction, you can get help. Don’t hesitate to contact South Coast Counseling today for informational resources on addiction, treatment options and recovery.
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