[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Warning Signs For Girls” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Teenage girls that are using drugs or alcohol are often harder to identify than boys. While boys tend to act out, girls tend to act in. The behaviors of a teenage girl using drugs alcohol can easily be confused with traditional adolescent behavior, that’s why it’s important for parents and loved ones to not be afraid to ask questions.
Certain symptoms and behaviors are warning signs for substance use in teens, although they may also indicate other problems, such as depression. Warning signs can include:
- Sudden drop in self-esteem
- Alcohol, smoke or other chemical odors on your child’s or their friends’ breath or clothing
- Obvious intoxication, dizziness or bizarre behavior
- Changes in dress and grooming
- Changes in choice of friends
- Frequent arguments, sudden mood changes and unexplained violent actions
- Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Loss of interest in usual activities or hobbies
- School problems such as declining or failing grades, poor attendance and recent discipline problems
- Trauma or frequent injuries
- Runaway and delinquent behavior
- Depressed mood or talk about depression or suicide; suicide attempts
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics. (2009). “Substance Abuse Prevention”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_cta h2=”Let’s talk.” txt_align=”center” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Have Daybreak contact me” btn_color=”orange” btn_align=”center” btn_link=”url:%23conversion_form|||”]We’re here to help. Call us at (888) 454-5506 now to discuss your options.[/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2040″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
What you can do:
Starting a conversation about your teen’s drug and alcohol use might seem daunting, but there are ways to talk a little bit every day to open the doorway to conversation.
When talking with your teenager about drugs, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
- Think first. Act second. Try to stay clear and focused and don’t get too emotional. Keep an open mind.
- Keep an eye on your teen’s behavior. Ask them every day what they are doing and don’t be afraid to set limits such as curfews.
- Encourage your teen to work with you to set boundaries, but don’t be afraid to adopt a strong position when you need to.
- Don’t be afraid to enforce the boundaries you have set. Let your teen know that you are setting boundaries because you care for them and want only the best for them.
- Find ways to ensure that your teen believes what you say and trusts you.
- Talk regularly and talk often. Many “mini-conversations” about drugs are better than long boring lectures.
- When talking with your teen, think about their point of view and listen respectfully to what they have to say.
- Keep the conversation positive and upbeat rather than waiting for an opportunity to criticize your teen for bad behavior.
- Take advantage of “teachable moments” to discuss drug use with your teen. Teachable moments can happen while driving in the car, at the dinner table while discussing a situation at school or a current event in the news.
- Eat dinner together as often as possible. The family dinner provides one effective way to strengthen your communication with your teen.
- Help your teen develop sound reasoning skills and encourage conversations and the open exchange of ideas and feelings.
- Focus on messages about how drug use affects sports performance, health and appearance. These messages have more impact because this age group is more affected by peer pressure, doubt and feeling insecure. Teens like to feel like they belong, that they look and act like their friends.
- Have a two-way conversation with your teen. Listen to them and respect their opinion. Provide your teen with information that is meaningful and balanced, without emotion or drama so that he/she feels empowered to make healthy choices about drugs.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” el_id=”conversion_form”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Let’s discuss your options” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Give us a call at (888) 454-5506 or fill out the form below and we’ll get in touch with you.[/vc_column_text][gravityform id=”3″ title=”false” description=”false” ajax=”true”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
