Teens experience a wide range of emotions and changes in adolescence. Teens are impulsive and might engage in risky or dangerous behavior. A teen’s brain is rapidly developing and it receives and retains a large amount of information on a daily basis. Peer pressure is a major factor in a teen’s decision to try drugs. Depending on the drug, your teen can become addicted after just one try.
There are many products found around the house that some teens use to get high. Nutmeg is a spice that is ingested or smoked in large quantities for its euphoric effects. Mikaela Conley wrote an article for ABCNews, Nutmeg Treated as Drug for Hallucinogenic High (2010), and stated, “Nutmeg contains myristicin, a natural compound that has mind-altering effects if ingested in large doses. The buzz can last one to two days and can be hallucinogenic, much like LSD.” It causes seizures, cardiac damage, and death.
There are signs to look for if you suspect your teen is using drugs or household products to get high. Here are some of the signs:
- Isolates him or herself and rarely interacts with family or friends
- Changes in physical appearance and hygiene
- Loses his or her appetite and drastically changes in weight
- Dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes
- Seizures
- Shakes, tremors
- Changes in sleep patterns, insomnia
- Acts withdrawn, no interest in relationships
- Skips school
- Frequently gets in trouble
- Mood changes
Drugs can cause your teen to become verbally abusive and aggressive. He or she could become destructive and destroy things in your home. A teen that has a drug problem will withdraw from family and friends and spend a lot of time alone.
A teen’s sudden bad behavior in school can be a sign of drug abuse. Depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions can lead to drug use as form of escape. Single parent homes, a family’s socioeconomic status, and abusive homes can influence a teen’s drug use.
A teen’s brain continues to develop into his or her early 20s. If your teen is using drugs, it can have detrimental effects to his or her brain. Do not shame your teenager – he or she needs help. Do not wait, get help today.
If you or a loved one struggle with addiction, get help now. Nexus Recovery Services specializes in addiction treatment and encompasses holistic therapy for the mind, body, and soul with a focus on staying active and connected to nature. Our mission is to provide tools and support for every client’s seamless transition into a meaningful and fulfilling life of sobriety. We offer a free and confidential consultation. Call us to get started: 310-881-9151