Adolescent drug and alcohol abuse is rampant in the United States. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that more than 58 percent of adolescents have tried alcohol, and more than 34 percent have tried hashish. You are not alone if you suspect that your teen has been involved in abusing drugs. The following are three signs that will let you know almost 100 percent that your child needs to enter an addiction recovery program.
 

1. Strange New Friends

The first thing that you may notice about your child is that he or she has a new set of friends who are quite different from the ones he had before. These friends may constantly knock on your door for your adolescent to go outside, but you may not have a clue where he’s going. You may have some questions about his sudden celebrity-status popularity. His new friends may take on a grungy appearance, and they may always appear to be on their way to do something shady. You cannot always judge a book by its cover, but this sign can indicate the need for recovery if it aligns with other signs.
 

2. Horrid Mood Swings

Another thing that you may notice about your adolescent is that he has a sudden shift in personality. The kind and compassionate little boy that you once knew may suddenly transform into a rude, inconsiderate and combative person that you do not even recognize as your child. Your adolescent may lash out at you and say horrible things to you, especially if you let on that you do not wish to accept his negative behavior. The mood swings may become harsh and abusive. If your child is acting this erratically, then chances are high that he is involved with substances that are not affecting him in a good way. It may be time to take your child to a place like Brightside Clinic for help.
 

3. Disappearances and Defiance

Finally, your adolescent may start missing curfew, arguing with you about curfew, and generally slipping in all areas of life. You may be at your wit’s end, but drugs could be influencing him. You may find strange contraptions and apparatuses in your home that your child may be using to take drugs.

Try to hang in there as a parent and handle the adolescent with love. The problem is most likely not you, but an issue with substance abuse. Try talking to him and trying to convince him to get some help.