How to tell if your parent is suffering from Substance Abuse
When a parent participates in substance abuse, it can be very harmful not only to themselves but to their children as well. For younger children, it can be a very confusing and frightening time for them, especially if they do not know what is causing their parent to act the way they do but for older children and adolescents, it can be hard to tell if the changes in their mother or father are due to stresses in their lives or substance abuse.
There are a few signs and symptoms to let them know if these changes in their parent(s) behavior is due to substance abuse.
Physical Symptoms of Abuse
The most obvious way to tell if a parent or guardian is suffering from substance abuse is through the physical symptoms. He or she may be able to hide their behavioral symptoms, but it becomes very difficult to hide the physical symptoms of abuse.
These symptoms include glazed or bloodshot eyes, an abrupt change in weight, dilated or constricted pupils, and bruises, infections, rashes, or red marks where a drug may have been administered on the body. Depending on how long the substance is used, the user may also experience a disruption in brain function or a dysfunction of the heart or organs.
A Change in Personality
Personality changes may indicate a substance abuse problem.
According to the NIDA, people who experience substance abuse will begin to act differently than normal and can spend more time alone than usual, lose interest in their favorite things, be uncharacteristically enthusiastic or depressive, be nervous, become irritable, and have intense mood swings.
Many parents try to quit for their family but when the withdrawal symptoms become too overwhelming, they begin using again to feel better. It takes professional help to quit using the substance because for many substances, trying to quit can cause dangerous and potentially deadly consequences that require immediate medical attention.
For more information on how to talk to parents about their substance abuse, please call 800-487-1890 (Who Answers?) .
Substance Abuse Behavioral Symptoms
Behavior is the toughest to spot in substance abusers but they may also be a huge indicator of it. Parents especially can show it through sudden financial troubles or involvement in criminal activities despite their responsibilities and may also become more aggressive, become lethargic, and change their social circles and priorities.
According to Mental Health, substance abuse can arise when a parent is driving or operating heavy machinery, which can be extremely dangerous to their well-being and can also cause unexplainable fear, anxiety, or paranoia.
Spotting the signs of substance abuse in parents can be difficult, especially if the child or young adult does not want to see it but it is important to look beyond what he or she want to see and discover the truth.
When an adult is suffering from substance abuse, he or she will exhibit behavioral, personality, and physical changes that can range from easy or hard to see, but if the child know what they are looking for, the truth will come out. If the parent is suffering from substance abuse, it is very important that they get the help they need to become sober again.
If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse, call 800-487-1890 (Who Answers?) to help get yourself or them the help required to recover.