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Key Warning Signs
to Watch For in Your Teen
As a parent, you may be confused about the behavior you
see in your teen. What is normal? How do
you know the difference between a stretch for autonomy
and real trouble? If your child's life has become
unmanageable, if you are being responsible and accountable
for your child instead of them being responsible and
accountable for themselves; they need intervention.
They require rigorous honesty, forthright introspection,
a thorough understanding of choice and accountability….
and a sincere desire to change.
Here is what to look for:
* Downward shift in peers: lifelong friends are replaced by new
friends that the child is reluctant to have you meet.
Your child may also be hanging out with friends that
you do not approve of.
* Deterioration in school performance: declining grades, increased
truancy, apathy, decreased extracurricular activities.
* Deterioration of family relationships: family conflict, curfew
violation, aggressive behavior toward parents and siblings,
constant breaking of rules, blaming others for their
problems, spending more and more time away from home.
* Self-destructive behavior: cutting, suicial ideation,
talk or attempt. Risky, impulsive and compulsive
behaviors.
* Involvement with the law: drug related charges (possession,
public intoxication, DUI), vandalism, shoplifting, etc.
* Change in personal habits: sudden mood changes, apathy, eating
and sleeping disturbances, poor hygiene, change in church
attendance, defiance toward authority.
* Evidence of drug use: drug paraphernalia, unknown substances
in plastic bags, extensive use of eye drops, cologne/incense
to mask odor, drunken or stoned behavior, unexplained
losses of money belonging to others, school reports
of known or suspected drug use, possession of drugs
(to which the excuse may be, "I'm only holding it for
a friend").
If your child is exhibiting such behaviors, they may well
be involved in serious problems that need help.
At Life-Line we are here to give you that help!
Life-Line was founded
in 1990 by a small group of parents and professionals
who were concerned about the growing scourge of teen
addiction – and the alarmingly high rate of relapse
associated with traditional treatments. Over the
years, Life-Line has grown to be a strong force in the
community. Life-Line serves families whether they
live locally or across the nation. It now has
provided treatment to thousands of teens and their families
and is poised to help more people in more ways than
ever before.
Visit Life-Line at www.lifelineutah.com or contact us
at 801-936-4000.
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