As parents, you always want what’s best for your kids. Keeping them healthy and safe is your utmost priority. Sad to say, there are many harmful aspects in society that we cannot control and your kids are constantly exposed to them. One of these is the dangerous drugs like methamphetamine or meth that are out there and victimizing kids of all ages.
Meth is the type of drug that can give intense pleasure when taken. It is a powerful stimulant that is both addictive and dangerous. It can fuel users to be more aware, giving them alertness and energy. When your teens ingest meth, the feel-good dopamine will be released by the brain in large doses.
Users will experience an intense burst of euphoria. Heart rate will rise and they feel limitless energy. Once the intensity of the drug effects wears off, users will feel burnt out, irritable and exhausted. Depression can also be felt and cravings to use the drug again will intensify. To satisfy the cravings, most users will practice tweaking – indulging on meth for several days without eating and sleeping.
Stimulants that are found in meth can give the user the intense high that they crave but also an extreme crash after the effects wear off. This can make your teens sleep for days. The coming down of the drug can also produce body aches, heartburn, and feeling extremely nauseous, lethargic, and confused.
Physical symptoms to watch out for
If you are suspecting your teens are hooked on using meth, you can watch out for physical symptoms. These symptoms will help you determine whether or not your suspicion is correct. It can also signal you to act immediately and get help if indeed your teen is abusing meth.
Dilated pupils can be easily noticed. You can check this out along with unusual hyperactivity. Ticks and irritability as well as extreme mood swings are also easy to spot especially when your teen’s usual mood is the opposite. Teens usually have increased appetites as they are in the adolescent stage. If you notice your teen losing appetite frequently, check on them for any additional symptoms that can indicate meth abuse. Otherwise, an underlying medical condition can be the cause.
Teens who are abusing meth are also sensitive to noise and would most likely get irritated in a noisy environment. Skin sores can also be observed. Noticeable weight loss can also be noticed following a loss of appetite. Furthermore, disconnected thoughts, hallucinations, and odd reasoning from your teen can happen.
Observing Behavioral signs
A teen who has been abusing meth substances can be noticeably different than their previous behavior. This would mean being socially aloof, especially when before they are sociable. Sleep changes or altered sleeping patterns can also be noticed. Teens who are into meth abuse are also very secretive and defensive when asked. They can also get paranoid even with the simplest questions following their being secretive. Losing your money, missing cash in the house or missing wallets can suggest someone is in constant need of money to probably buy meth.
How to Deal with the Idea that Your Kid is Using Meth
The difficulty of seeing your kids deteriorate because of meth abuse is extremely hard for parents to watch. You would do anything to make them go back to their former selves, being the fun-loving young person that they were. Your intervention is extremely important since meth addiction can have deadly consequences. If you suspect your teen to be struggling with this condition, do not hesitate to ask for help.
Early intervention can make a difference to your teens, you need to seek professional advice and support since this addiction can be beyond your ability as a parent to handle. Helping your child to quit can require a team of people who has the skills and knowledge that they apply to handle the situation. Always be on your child’s side, letting them know that you love them and that is the reason why you are looking for ways to help them.
A compassionate stance will mostly be welcome instead of a judging one. Looking for a facility that will be able to help them is not a punishment but an assurance that you still love and accept your child wholeheartedly.
There are teen-focused rehabs that are available to meet the needs of young people in this age group. Help can be extended as soon as you decide to intervene in your teen’s destructive habit. Skilled professionals will be able to advise you and work with your teen to break the cycle of addiction. Going to these facilities can give your family hope for health and healing. Successful treatment can mean a chance for a real future for your teen.