Addiction can happen at any age, but the DEA said it usually starts when a person is young. Look out when adolescents start behaving differently for no apparent reason, including acting withdrawn, frequently tired or depressed or hostile, a change in peer groups, carelessness with grooming, decline in academic performance, facing trouble in school or with the law, changes in eating or sleeping habits and deteriorating relationships with family members and friends.
The Drug Enforcement Agency said there are different signs to know if your teen or young adult may have a substance use disorder.
“Intervening early when you first spot signs of drug use in your teen is critical; don’t wait for your teen to become addicted before you seek help. Through scientific advances, we know more than ever before about how drugs work in the brain,” said Briano. “We also know that addiction can be successfully treated to help young people stop using drugs and lead productive lives. However, if a teen is addicted, treatment is the next step.”
The DEA has different websites you can visit:
You can also call the free Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP to receive guidance and referrals 24/7.
