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Teenagers are expected to experiment with bending the rules, especially in the later years. As teens begin to feel like “adults”, they crave freedom—but, sometimes, too much freedom can lead to bad choices and life-altering consequences.
Drug use, for instance, can become addictive and detrimental. Cocaine, specifically, can have consequences that affect your teen’s health, financial wellness, and professional reputation. In the case of any illegal drugs, parents of teenagers must be aware of the signs of abuse and take action. Here are 4 signs of cocaine abuse and how to talk to your teen about getting help.
1. Severe Mood Swings
Severe mood swings often serve as the first sign of cocaine abuse. In one moment, your teen can be in complete euphoria after engaging in cocaine use. Next, your teen may experience paranoia, panic, or immense restlessness. If you’ve noticed a sudden change in mood, take note of when it occurs and the circumstances surrounding the shift.
2. Swift Change in Behavior
When drug use becomes addictive, teens may also begin acting differently in general. Is your teenager more secretive? Have they become an insomniac? If you notice any swift change in behavior, you should note it and begin to pay more attention. Cocaine can absolutely control a teen’s behavior quickly and is highly addictive.
3. Physical Changes
Have you noticed your teen losing weight or muscle mass? Does their face appear gaunt or their skin yellow? Cocaine is an appetite suppressant and can cause malnutrition if abused. Sudden physical changes in your teen’s appearance can be an indicator of cocaine abuse.
4. Lack of Judgment
Cocaine also impairs judgment, especially in the developing minds of teenagers. If abusing cocaine, your teen may lose motivation in school, sports, or extracurricular activities. Also, they may lose the ability to make clear, conscious decisions.
How to Talk To Your Teen About Getting Help for Cocaine Addiction
If you suspect your teen is abusing cocaine and you’ve experienced the effects first-hand, talk to your child first and seek help as soon as possible. For any teen, doing something about substance abuse starts by admitting they have a problem, but this can be overwhelming and often lead to resistance and backlash.
Speak openly and honestly about the situation and never cast judgment onto your child. Giving them a free, open, and honest space to discuss their addiction can lead them to help more readily.
Choose Fire Mountain: Denver’s Top Cocaine Abuse Treatment Center for Teens
Fire Mountain is a residential treatment center for troubled teens ages 12 to 17. We are well known as the best Denver cocaine abuse treatment center for teens, helping them overcome addiction and find their path to joy, fulfillment, and maturity.
Ready to enroll your child or teen in a Denver substance abuse treatment center for teens? We are located near Estes Park, Colorado. However, we admit teens from anywhere in the U.S.
To learn more about insurance coverings, financing options, and how to register, contact us online today or give our team a call at (303) 443-3343. On the call, you will speak with an admissions counselor and complete a preliminary assessment to determine whether your teen is a good fit for the program.