One of the most challenging stages of being a parent is dealing with teenagers. This is the time when the child who was always open and jovial turns quiet, gloomy, and secretive. In most cases, these changes occur because the child is adjusting to the physical, hormonal, and intellectual development they are going through. Many parents just hang onto the ride and hope that they will make it to the other end of the teens without losing their child.

It can be very devastating when you start thinking that your teen's behaviour change is more than just the passing teenage phase and connected with a deeper issue such as drug abuse. It is also crucial to handle the issue with a lot of caution to avoid pushing the child further away. And the best way is to engage counselling services for your teenager. Here are little clues that can tell you that your child might be abusing drugs and may need counselling services.

Has Their Physical Appearance Changed?

Certain tell-tale signs can inform you that your child has started taking drugs. If your child starts having constant bloodshot eyes and does not have any physical illness, they may be abusing drugs like marijuana. If they start having unexplained bruises on the arms, they are possibly injecting drugs, especially if they are evasive about explaining the injuries.

Drugs also make a lot of users stop caring about their physical appearance and basic hygiene. Finally, you might notice an unusual smell on their clothes or personal items, even though they will try to use perfume and chewing gum to mask it. If you have tried all you can to get your teenager out of drugs with no positive results, try counselling services.

Have They Become Suddenly Secretive?

The life of a teenager is predictably simple. They go to school, hang out with the same friends, play sports, and go to the same parties all year round. Usually, they have little or nothing to hide about their routine. They only do so when they know you will not approve of what they are doing.

If your child is sneaking around, hanging out with a new gang, and stealing from you, engage a counsellor to sit down with them and find out the cause of the sudden behaviour change.

Have They Made Changes to Their Personal Space?

Normally, teenagers will want to increase access control measures around their room. However, you may have to ask yourself some questions if it has gotten to the point where the child gets mad when you access their room or have locked containers no one can touch.

The most critical thing here is handling the issue with unconditional love and seeking help from a professional in substance abuse counselling. The expert could also suggest the most reliable and effective teen substance abuse treatment for your teen.