Teen Cocaine Abuse
September 13th 2007 03:53 pm
Fortunately, cocaine is one drug that has seen a decrease in popularity among teens. At its height of teen popularity in the 1970’s, cocaine disappeared for a while before reemerging stronger than ever on the teen drug scene in 1984. Teen cocaine abuse remained strong throughout the 1980’s and well into the 90’s. Unfortunately, the decline in teen cocaine abuse over the last 10 years or so has only brought an increase in other types of drugs.
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that can rapidly develop into a nasty, life-gripping habit. If you think your teen may be taking cocaine, watch for these signs (which may or may not definitely indicate a cocaine addiction):
- Red and bloodshot eyes.
- Runny nose and frequent sniffing.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Insomnia at night and sleeping a lot during the day.
- Sudden change in friends and groups within different ages.
- Sudden change in behaviors, like truancy, hostility or poor school performance.
- Frequent requests for money; theft and shoplifting.
- Withdrawal from old friends and the family; lack of interest in old activities.
- Depression, fatigue and careless about personal hygiene.
If you suspect teen cocaine abuse is a problem in your household or with a teen you know, don’t be afraid to gently and lovingly confront them. Encourage them to find help. Parents may even need to mandate that they find help, lest certain privileges be restricted or taken away altogether. Sometimes the immediate fear of loss may be the greatest impetus for a teen gripped by cocaine abuse. It can be difficult to gauge because, while parents usually know their child best, cocaine abuse often turns that child into a complete stranger. Parents may want to seek help from a teen drug rehab therapists, counselors, ministers or support groups for parents of teens abusing cocaine.
