Spotting substance use disorder (SUD) in teenagers and young adults can be tricky. During this time lots of changes are occurring, and normal behavior can sometimes mimic signs of drug or alcohol abuse. The key is to look for patterns of these changes happening over a longer period, not just a single incident.
It's also important to remember that mental health struggles can cause similar symptoms. Don't wait for academic decline or legal trouble before having an open and honest conversation with your child. There are resources available to help you navigate this challenging time together.
Links: