Heroin abuse and addiction is rising among teenagers in the United States. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we want to teach you about the signs of heroin abuse in teens to watch out for if you suspect that someone you love is struggling with addiction. Any teenager can become addicted to drugs or alcohol, and as a parent, you have to pay attention to catch the signs. Addiction in teens can start when their doctor prescribes pain medication or their peers pressure them to try an illegal substance. Although heroin is less popular than pain medication, inhalants, or marijuana, it is a dangerous drug that can lead to fatal consequences from substance abuse. If you are worried that your teenager is addicted to heroin, it’s essential to get the support and treatment they need.
If someone you love is abusing heroin, contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston today at 866.516.8356 to learn about their treatment options.
Behavioral Changes From Teen Heroin Abuse
You might notice that your teenager has become quieter lately. Maybe they spend hours alone in their room, refusing to engage in conversation with you. For some teenagers, this behavior is expected and not outside of their normal behavior. If your teenager was once outgoing and talkative, a significant behavior change is a reason to suspect that something is going on. Common behavioral changes for a teenager who is abusing heroin include:
- Significant mood swings or complete hostility with minimal provocation
- A lack of motivation to get anything done
- Doing poorly in school when they were once a decent student
- You are consistently missing money, and you suspect your teenager is the one stealing it
- Pulling back from activities they once lived, like quitting a sport or group activity
Teenagers are moody, but when your teenager completely changes in a short period, it’s essential to investigate further. You will need to talk to your teenager about your concerns and look for physical signs that there is an addiction to heroin present. Your teenager might not tell you the truth about what is going on, but you have to keep trying so that you can get your teenager help if they need it.
Physical Signs of Heroin Abuse in Teens
There are several physical signs you may notice when your teenager is struggling with heroin abuse. You might see that they have lost weight or that they slur their speech every so often. As the parent, you know your teenager better than anyone. If you suspect substance abuse, something is going on in your teenager’s life. Your teenager may have a drug addiction to heroin or another substance. Physical signs of heroin abuse include:
- Losing weight for no apparent reason
- Scratches, bruises, or track marks on the skin
- Slurred speech at times or trouble making eye contact with you
- Continually being tired or alternating with periods of euphoria
While the physical signs of heroin abuse will depend on how much your teenager is using, there will be clear signs that a problem exists. Track marks are common, and these get easily infected. People abusing heroin will scratch their skin frequently, leading to scratch marks and bleeding. If you are not sure what is going on with your teenager, express your concerns. You may discover that your teenager is relieved that you noticed and is ready to get the help they need.
Find Addiction Treatment for Your Teenager Now
If you suspect that your teenager struggles with heroin abuse or another drug addiction, help is available. Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston and learn about the treatment options available. It is vital to get professional help for a substance abuse problem, and we can help you make it happen. Heroin addiction will worsen over time, and you need to help your teenager break the cycle by finding a detox program right away. To learn more about the treatment options available at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, reach out to us today by calling 866.516.8356.
