Bad habits are so hard to break. I was a smoker for about 30 years and couldn't seem to break the habit no matter what I tried. Every now and then, I was able to quite for a few weeks, but then, when I started smoking again, I smoked far more than I did before I quit. It wasn't until I accepted the fact that my smoking was a real problem and reached out for professional help with quitting. I started going to counseling and learned a lot about my bad habits and why it was so hard for me to give them up. This blog is all about counseling to break bad habits.
Being a teenager is never easy. There are so many changes going on, that life can get overwhelming. When that happens, teens can turn to substance abuse as a way to cope with a life that's out of control. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to identify a substance abuse problem, especially if you don't know what you're looking for. Substance abuse can affect every facet of your child's life – including physically, behaviorally and psychologically. Research shows that 75% of all high school students have used addictive substances. The same research shows that 1 out of 5 of those high school students meet the medical criteria for addiction. If your child has a substance abuse problem, here are some changes that you might notice.
Physical Changes
If your child has gotten involved with drugs or alcohol, the first changes you might notice will physical or health-related. Pay close attention to the way your child looks, such as sudden weight loss, or a change in their personal hygiene. You should also look for signs of health-related issues, such as a sudden onset of unexplained nosebleeds or seizures. Finally, look for signs of slurred speech or uncontrollable shaking.
Behavioral Changes
In addition to physical changes, your child might also develop behavioral changes. Your child might suddenly stop going to classes, or start getting in trouble more often. You might also notice that your child suddenly has a different group of friends. This should be particularly worrisome if the new friends are completely different from what your child would normally associate with – especially if the new group is more hostile or wild in nature.
Another behavioral change you should be aware of will involve close family members. If your child starts fighting with siblings, or becomes combative with you, they may have a substance abuse problem. Substance abuse often causes children to rebel against family standards and rules.
Psychological Changes
Finally, you should look for psychological changes in your child. Substance abuse can cause children to develop significant psychological changes in their personality. Some of the psychological changes you should be aware of include sudden mood swings, confusion, or irritability. In addition, you should also watch for signs of angry or hostile outbursts that are out of the ordinary for your child.
If your child has suddenly changed, and you're not sure why, they may have developed a substance abuse problem. The information provided here will help you identify physical, behavioral and psychological changes that might point to a substance abuse problem. If any of the signs are familiar, be sure to seek help for your child as soon as possible. Companies like Lifeline can help.
Share16 July 2016
