10 Signs That a Child Is Addicted
Substance abuse is not only one of the greatest problems of our time but also continues to be a family’s worst nightmare. Families with children, in particular, face the risk of encountering this problem at any moment. “What if my child becomes addicted?” is the question families ask with the greatest fear. So, how can you tell if your child is addicted? We’d like to draw your attention to an article on this topic published at www.milliyet.com.tr
Statements like “I’ll never use it again” always mark the beginning of the “final” use. But that “last” use never comes. The moment someone says, “I’m not addicted; I’m in control,” the search for the substance and the need for higher doses have already set “addiction” in motion—it’s too late. Only much later does the person begin to see the substance’s negative effects.”
The belief that “I’ll quit, but this damn thing just won’t let me”
Dr. Onur Noyan, noting that a person who uses drugs begins to see not only the pleasure they derive from use but also its harmful effects, and that despite wanting to quit, they do not feel they have the strength to do so, said the following:
“The desire to quit and the belief that one can do so fade away, and the person feels powerless. They think, ‘I’ll quit, but this stuff is impossible to quit,’ so they both want to quit and continue using. If the perceived harms increase during this period, the person may develop a desire to break free from substance use. Since the desire to quit is stronger than the urge to use, supporting the person and instilling hope at this stage reinforces their belief that ‘I can do this.’ Treatment has a very significant impact during this period. Eventually, they stop using for a while. The negative experiences are forgotten. The pleasurable effects, however, remain fresh in their mind. Just when everything seems to be going well, the thought, “I can control myself; one time won’t hurt,” leads to relapse, and the vicious cycle begins.”
It starts at age 14, and the family doesn’t notice until two years later!
Dr. Noyan also noted that studies have determined the average age of first use of addictive substances to be 14, and said that for this reason, adolescence is the period of highest risk in terms of substance use.
Dr. Noyan, who said that families often don’t realize their children have a dependency until two years later, when the harm has already become significant, urged families to observe their children very closely. Noyan continued:
“Parents typically don’t find out that their children have started using substances until at least two years later. This is actually a very long period of time. Interventions taken during this time might be able to steer the adolescent away from substance use. For this reason, it is essential to closely monitor changes in adolescents.”
Watch out for changes in behavior!
There have been many changes in their behavior in recent days. You’ve started to suspect that they’re using drugs. It’s important not to make unfounded accusations and to proceed with caution. The first step you should take during this time is to try to establish healthy communication with your teenager. You can ask their teachers, friends, and others in their immediate circle about their observations. You must be very careful not to act on unfounded suspicions. It will be beneficial to take steps to improve communication, ensure they have accurate information about substance or alcohol use, avoid unintentionally encouraging remarks, stay informed about your child’s interests, and engage in shared activities with them in those areas.
Don’t avoid talking to him!
If you avoid talking to your child about alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes during this period, others may speak to them first and give them incorrect information. Short and simple messages are always effective. The key is to provide information appropriate for their age and expectations. You should avoid presenting the information in a way that sparks curiosity or piques their interest. We must teach our children from a young age to protect themselves and their bodies, and to say “no” in risky situations.”
What are the signs that your child is using drugs?
1- The first changes in people who start using drugs are the changes they make in their social circles. Old friends are replaced by new ones. They become closer to people who can provide them with easier access to drugs and stop seeing their old friends.
2- If their mood changes very quickly, you should be very careful. During this time, they may sometimes be very cheerful, and other times very angry, restless, or unhappy.
3- There are sudden changes in academic performance. Grades begin to drop, and absences from school become noticeable.
4- Be on the lookout if they want to stay home alone or have started meeting up with friends outside without telling you where they are.
5- He begins to keep his relationship with his family as distant as possible. He wants to spend less time at home so he doesn’t get into conflicts with his family.
6- Even though they aren’t buying clothes or anything else visible, they start spending too much money.
7- Personal hygiene has declined. He doesn’t pay attention to his appearance. His eyes become red and swollen, and physical changes begin to appear.
8- Irritability, tension, and problems in interpersonal relationships arise, and absent-mindedness and inattention begin.
9- They become withdrawn. Their sleep patterns change. They either sleep a lot or need very little sleep.
10- Their psychological state may include emotions such as pessimism, hopelessness, or a lack of faith.
