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Nothing compares to your panic when you learn your son or daughter is using drugs. You might be angry, disappointed, or hurt. Perhaps you’re embarrassed, or you blame yourself. Maybe you don’t know what to think.
Maybe it’s all of the above.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 21 million1 U.S citizens required treatment for their addictions in 2016. This makes up 7.6% of the population and includes kids as young as 12.
The concerning statistic calls for action on the part of the parents to recognize the signs and stages of addiction so they can protect their children.
The road to addiction often begins with a simple desire to experiment or try a substance just for fun.
Unfortunately, this one-time experimentation leads to regular use, use of hard drugs, dependency, and eventually addiction.
The best thing a parent can do in this situation is to arm themselves with the facts.
Before you act on any of the above emotions, learn the five stages of drug addiction. Knowing where your child is, you can find out the best way to help them.
Nuggets: A touching animated illustration of addiction.
Experimentation is often the gateway to drug use for many people. Here’s all you need to know about this stage of drug use.
Our modern lifestyle often results in overburdening ourselves, lack of self-care, and physical strain, and can also cause mental health issues.
To escape from the ‘normal, stressful routine’ of life, people tend to rely on drugs to provide them with the calming, relaxing effect they are looking for.
In other cases, users have experienced some trauma- sexual, physical, or second-hand violence- that prevents them from functioning normally.
In an attempt to forget the traumatic event and put an end to the constant reminders of it, they succumb to drugs as an escape.
These instances or situations lead to individuals experimenting with drugs. These experimental users of drugs are looking to find relief, calm, serenity, and an escape from the tragedies of life.
Unfortunately, while their aim might be innocent, their chosen form of achieving that goal is deadly.
The supposed benefits prescribed medication provides are nearly unrelated to the threat they pose in causing addiction.
Also, it’s known that pairing these drugs with alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs can increase the chances of reliance.
Suppose an individual or child is not adequately educated or guided regarding using an addictive medication.
In that case, they might end up getting themselves addicted through risky behavior- taking more than prescribed or mixing them with alcohol/substances- without actually intending to do so.
Not. It is never a good idea to experiment with drugs in any way, especially today. Look, it’s not the 2000s or 2010s anymore where drugs used to be what they were advertised (mostly).
Drugs are now laced with fentanyl, which is highly deadly. Sadly, teens and young adults experimenting now may suffer an overdose.
We often hear individuals saying,
“One time won’t hurt.”
The common phrase might give them an excuse to do what they desire, but it holds no truth.
In the stages of addiction, experimentation is the first stage because this is where the issue begins.
But unfortunately, even that one hit, smoke, or sip can lead to consistent use, which can further lead to dependency or addiction.
There is no healthy or correct way of experimenting with drugs. Lowering the dosage of the substance or drug abuse will not prevent your body’s craving for it or your desire for the calming, relaxing effect again.
In many cases, parents also believe that if they allow their children to experiment under their supervision with tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, they will be able to take the thrill out of the act and prevent their children from doing so behind their backs.
While this technique may work well with a few, most kids return for more just because of how they feel when under the influence.
This is especially harmful to teenagers since many of them are in their rebellious phase or are dealing with peer pressure; this might lead to repeated behavior or steer them towards hard drugs despite the ‘thrill’ of being out of the act.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration stated that almost 20% of Americans had tried some drug.
The reasons behind experimenting are;
As a teenager or adult, you might end up running with the wrong crowd, or perhaps your old friends are falling into the trap of drugs. Feeling left out of plans might urge you to try substances so that you could feel like a friend again.
Similarly, you might want to feel accepted and become friends with the popular crowd. Attending parties or hanging out with a particular group can push you into drug experimentation.
As a way of boosting your mood, relaxing, or feeling good, individuals might use drugs to achieve the desired effect.
Many teenagers use drugs as a form of rebellion. Even if their parents are unaware of their actions, they will continue to do so because they like the feeling of making independent decisions or doing something behind their parents’ backs.
Recreational drugs can boost an individual’s cognitive and physical abilities. In a competitive society, teenagers or adults might feel compelled to use drugs to win the race.
Regular use is when your son or daughter’s drug use becomes more and more woven into their every day. Here’s what to know about the regular use stage.
By this point, your child might have settled on a specific drug they want to use consistently.
But, on the other hand, your child might have developed a habit of using the medicine routine. This might be social- consumed with friends or at parties- or they might also be consuming alone if their purpose is to relax.
The most significant indicator of regular drug use is a change in their daily routines. Your child will take time during their daily routine to use drugs.
You might notice that they spend more time outside the house or with a specific friend.
On the other hand, they might also choose to spend more time alone or away from you, in general.
Moreover, there might be a change in their eating and sleeping routines as well. For example, if your son or daughter takes hard drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine, they might sleep less than before.
In addition, other drugs like fentanyl, heroin, and benzos (like Xanax) cause excessive sleepiness or multiple naps throughout the day.
Your son or daughter can also experience an increase or decrease in appetite, depending on the drug being used.
While these warning signs are pretty easy to dismiss since many teenagers now have a habit of sleeping late or eating less, it is still essential to keep an eye out for such behaviors since they can help you prevent an addiction during the early stages.
You should pay more attention to your child’s changing behavior if:
Risky drug use is often referred to as teenagers indulging in risky behavior when under the influence of drugs.
Many teens no longer care about their safety or the safety of others and continue their dangerous behavior for a thrill.
This is not only limited to taking high dosages but also driving when under the influence, indulging in sexual activities without safety, becoming violent with others, or committing crimes such as stealing or property damage.
It can be common to start experimenting with multiple drugs at once. For example, one typical mix of drugs is ecstasy with alcohol or marijuana joint laced with cocaine.
This type of behavior can lead to an overdose or death, and in best-case scenarios, they might end up living their life with physical disabilities caused by brain damage.
If your child is under the grip of substance abuse, you might notice the following behavior.
The 4th stage of addiction is where the individual has created a tolerance for the drug and will need considerable amounts of it to feel the effects.
The change in an individual’s behavior is the first indicator of drug dependency. Since the brain is now used to the drug in the body, it will create a craving for it that will lead to higher doses.
By giving in to the desire, the brain’s chemistry will continue to change, resulting in a feeling of “need” rather than “want.”
By creating this dependency, the body will react adversely if the drug is absent. The body will experience withdrawal symptoms that can be easily recognizable by others. Here’s what you should look out for;
These symptoms are also in line with the symptoms of mental illnesses. Hence, it is essential to differentiate the two by conversing with your child before accusing them of drug abuse.
Dependency is nearly as dangerous as addiction. However, there is a thin line between the two where dependence quickly becomes an addiction.
The two can differ as follows;
Dependency is often noted as the drug’s physical effects on the body, such as high tolerance, adaptability, addiction-like behavior, or withdrawal symptoms. As a result, the individual will indulge in higher doses of the drug and will always be under the influence.
Addiction: It is stated as the complete dependency on drugs. At this point, the user is no longer trying to hide their addiction; they cannot stop themselves from using the substance. They no longer care about the consequences of it or the effects that it will have on their body.
They will also become less social-able and will not keep up with their education, jobs, hygiene, or any aspect of their life that will serve them. They will also experience all the symptoms of dependency.
Drug addiction is often referred to as a mental disorder since the consistent use of drugs has caused a change in the brain chemistry, the brain circuits, and differences in the release of pleasure or happy hormones.
It is similar to any other chronic disease where the organ affected is no longer functioning normally and is causing harmful effects.
Addiction means that the individual can no longer stop without professional help. They now require the drug to keep themselves functioning normally. The drug is no longer want, a craving, but a need.
Individuals suffering from substance abuse disorder are compulsively looking for the next time they can use. As a result, self-control is non-existent. When drugs aren’t able to be consumed they face serious withdrawal symptoms that are incredibly painful.
For some substances, withdrawal symptoms can be deadly if they are not treated by a professional. However, with the right medications, they’ll be able to get through them at least somewhat comfortably and safely.
The signs of addiction are observed through psychological and physical manifestations. They can be easily noticed by any family member or loved ones. Once you’ve picked up on these signs, it is essential to take action. It’s been said that early intervention for addiction is essential, and this is always true.
The most significant symptom is the drastic changes in mood and behavior. Here are the overall signs to look out for.
The effect the individual enjoys from substance abuse is due to the drug’s influence on the brain. After years of research, scientific evidence has proven that addiction disrupts2 three main areas of the brain;
These disruptions are found in the onset, development, and continuity of substance abuse disorders and can result in;
If you notice any of the stages of addiction in your teen or young adult, it is ideal to step in as soon as possible. The earlier your child receives treatment for their addiction; the easier and long-lasting their recovery will be. Early intervention is everything.
The first step to getting help as a parent is to talk to your child. If you suspect such behavior, you should confront it in a non-aggressive manner.
Instead, try to listen to your child and understand their situation. What made them turn to drugs in the first place? Why did they feel the need to continue?
The aim of the conversation should not be to shame or blame but rather to treat your child with kindness and help them understand that the conversation is meant to bring about a positive change.
If your child is resistant to change, try to give them an incentive. Try to keep the motivation in their favor.
For example, rather than saying they will lose privileges such as driving the car, encourage them to get treatment so you can help them buy a car of their own. In most cases, incentives work for teenagers.
Before discussing with your child, it is essential to be prepared with all the necessary supporting material, starting with the rehabilitation center.
An ideal option to choose will be Cornerstone Healing Center. We are a luxury treatment center located in Arizona and provide treatments for various addictions. We also offer programs according to the severity of the patient.
Published On: 09/28/2022
Estil is the CEO/Founder of Cornerstone and has worked in the addiction recovery field for 12 years. He has served 5A.org as the organization’s’ Executive Director, Board Member and President. Estil has a passion to help people get sober utilizing abstinence-based recovery.
Karen is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years experience. She not only specializes in addiction, but is in recovery as well. Karen is our clinical director.
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