Teens are not different to adults in that they can become addicted to everything adults can. From drugs to gaming to sex, teens can have the same addiction type behaviours.
It is true that teens who use drugs before age 15 will be 7 times more likely to become addicted than those who started at 21 years old. It is also likely that a lack of family structure and emotional support may be predictive of a teen turning to drugs.
There are some warning signs that may indicate drug use/addiction in teens however some of the following can indicate depression too – its likely that the teen may be suffering both:
- Alcohol, smoke or other chemical odours on your child’s or their friends’ breath or clothing
- Obvious intoxication, dizziness or bizarre behavior
- Changes in dress and grooming
- Changes in choice of friends
- Frequent arguments, sudden mood changes and unexplained violent actions
- Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Loss of interest in usual activities or hobbies
- School problems such as declining or failing grades, poor attendance and recent discipline problems
- Trauma or frequent injuries
- Runaway and delinquent behavior
- Depressed mood or talk about depression or suicide; suicide attempts
Although we know what happens to the brain when someone becomes addicted, we can’t predict how many times a person must use a drug before becoming addicted. A combination of factors related to genes, environment, and development increase the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction:
- Home and family. Parents or older family members who abuse alcohol or drugs, or who are involved in criminal behavior, can increase young people’s risks for developing their own drug problems.
- Peers and school. Friends and acquaintances who abuse drugs can sway young people to try drugs for the first time. Academic failure or poor social skills can also put a person at risk for drug use.
- Early use. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, research shows that the earlier a person begins to use drugs, the more likely they are to progress to more serious use. This may reflect the harmful effect that drugs can have on the developing brain. It also may be the result of early biological and social factors, such as genetics, mental illness, unstable family relationships, and exposure to physical or sexual abuse. Still, the fact remains that early use is a strong indicator of problems ahead—among them, substance abuse and addiction.
- Method of use. Smoking a drug or injecting it into a vein increases its addictive potential. Both smoked and injected drugs enter the brain within seconds, producing a powerful rush of pleasure. However, this intense “high” can fade within a few minutes, taking the person down to lower levels. Scientists believe that this low feeling drives individuals to repeat drug use in an attempt to recapture the high pleasurable state.
If you are worried about your teen or a friend its important that they are educated about the long and short term effects of drugs and their behaviour. Seeking help as early as possible is important as early intervention has a higher rate of success.
Addiction can be Overcome
There are many methods that can help teens to overcome addiction which, with insight, can be learnt quickly resulting in them leading productive lives. Addiction may feel hopeless and helpless but it can be overcome with the right support and interventions.