As we watch our children grow up from helpless babies into functioning beings, our greatest fear is the unknown that appears when we aren’t around. As our children turn into adults, our presence in their lives begins to shrink, and we have to rely on the morals we instilled in them growing up to make the right choices.
Even with everything we’ve taught them, they might succumb to peer pressure in an attempt to fit in with their friends who are experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Experimentation is common in children and young adults, whether with drugs or alcohol or other things, but what happens when it moves past that point? Are there early warning signs for addiction in children?
Substance use in children and teens has a substantial impact on their health and well-being and may cause problems later in their lives, such as addiction. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends screening for substance use in children as young as nine years of age. Starting early can help curb potential addiction later in their lives.
Substance Use Statistics Among Children And Teens
As you might expect, alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco are the most commonly abused substances by children and young adults. This is primarily due to its legality throughout the country and easier access.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released figures showing that about two-thirds of students have tried alcohol by 12th grade. Nearly half of high school students between 9th and 12th grade reported using marijuana. An estimated 40 percent of high school students between 9th and 12th grade admitted trying cigarettes, and 20 percent of 12th graders reported using a prescription medication without a prescription.
Despite its legality for anyone under 12, the CDC found that children and young adults ages 12 to 20 consumed ten percent of all alcohol in the United States. Underage drinking can have harmful outcomes and is considered a significant health problem in the country. Excessive drinking is responsible for more than 3,500 deaths and 210,000 years of potential life lost for those under 21. It also cost the United States $24 billion in 2010 and caused 119,000 emergency room visits in 2013.
A 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey interviewed high school students in the past 30 days and found that:
- 29 percent consumed alcohol
- 14 percent admitted to binge drinking
- Five percent of young adults admitted to driving after drinking
- 17 percent admitted to riding in a car with a driver who was intoxicated
Signs Of Underage Drinking Or Drug Use
Children and young adults who drink or use drugs underage are prone to addiction as adults, and some of the early warning signs of use include:
- Problems at school, such as lower grades or high rates of absence.
- Social issues, such as fighting or a lack of participation in youth activities.
- Legal problems
- Physical problems – such as illness caused by drugs or drinking
- Physical or sexual violence
- Memory problems
- Changes in brain development that can have life-long effects
- Early drinking is associated with the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) later in life
Warning Signs Of Addiction In Children
If you’re concerned that your child is experimenting with drugs and worry it’s turning into an addiction, there are signs of its progression. It’s important to have an open dialogue with your children and discuss the dangers of drug and alcohol use and let them know they can come to you with anything. If you’re open and honest with your child, they’ll be more inclined to open up. If you show anger and fill them with fear, they’re more likely to continue using behind your back.
Here are some early warning signs to determine if your child is battling an addiction:
Physical signs:
- Inability to sleep or wake up at a normal hour
- Changes in their eating habits, unexplained weight gain, or weight loss
- Large or small pupils, red or watery eyes, sniffing all the time
- Cold or sweaty palms
- Nausea or vomiting
- Hyperactivity that includes excessive talking
Emotional changes:
- Sudden loss of interest in family time
- Chronic lies and dishonesty
- Paranoia, such as being overly secretive and starting to lock their doors
- Lack of motivation, self-esteem, or energy
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Mood swings
Some of these changes may become so severe that you don’t recognize your child anymore. It could feel like you’ve lost your child, and in that case, you should speak to your pediatrician about drug testing.
Changes in school attendances and grades:
Addiction will be evident in your child based on their behavior in school. Unfortunately, most schools don’t have the resources to identify the problem, and parents must be the ones to look for signs that include tardiness, attendance problems, or a sudden drop in grades. You must speak with the school directly, and don’t rely on automated messages your child can delete before you get home from work.
Unexplained loss of money or unaccountable money:
Children and adults might become drug dealers to support their habit, which means they’ll have unaccountable sources of income. Or, the opposite might occur. Your children could start stealing jewelry, cash, etc. If you notice some of the other signs we’ve listed and cash issues, it might be an undisputed early sign of addiction in the child.
Changes in friendships:
You might notice a change in the group of friends your children run with, which could point to alcohol or drug abuse. Your child might also be secretive about their mobile phone.
Dramatic changes in mood or personality:
In many situations, children develop an addiction to drugs or alcohol because they experience mental health issues like depression. It’s challenging to determine which problem came first since many of the signs and symptoms of substance abuse are similar to mental health issues. Anxiety or depression could be caused by drug abuse, or it could be the reason your child started using in the first place. Only a licensed medical professional can make this determination.
Missing medication from your medicine cabinet:
If you’re prescribed medication and realize you’re finishing it faster than usual, it could be a sign your child is abusing prescription drugs. Children know which medications can get them high, such as opioids or ADHD medicine.
Poor hygiene or deteriorating appearance:
Children and young adults care more about their appearance than others, and looking good at all times is vital. If you start to notice they are showering less, not washing their clothes, combing their hair, or keeping up with dental hygiene, these are all early warning signs of a growing addiction in children. A lack of sleep may also cause dark circles under their eyes. Their attention will shift from how they appear to find access to drugs or alcohol. You must pay attention to subtle changes in their life and speak with a professional who can help you determine if their behavior is expected.
