What can be thought of as short-term can later be prolonged and have detrimental consequences for their future lives as adults
There is no doubt that one of the main concerns for parents of adolescents in today’s world is addictions. Teens can become addicted to social media, drugs, food, the internet, shopping, pornography, alcohol, video games, and more. Behind all these addictions, there are commonalities, personality traits, and personal circumstances that can make adolescents more prone to develop an addiction.
Is my child more prone to develop an addiction?
- Pattern of gradual isolation from family and friends.
- Adolescents who struggle with social relationships.
- Becoming more irritable and quickly escalating into anger.
- Teens who, as children, liked keeping secrets.
- Sudden change in sleeping patterns or eating habits.
- Not being able to take responsibility for their mistakes, no matter how small.
- Talking in general terms about drinking alcohol, using drugs, video games, or their friends having addictions.
- Suddenly having a drop in their academic performance at school.
- Ideas of life being not worth living.
- Teens who struggle with patience, like immediate rewards, or need everything done right away.
- Suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, or obsessive behaviours.
- Low self-esteem.
- Finding it difficult to regulate their emotions; impulsivity.
- Risk-prone personality – taking risks increases dopamine levels and the sense of feeling good.
- Family history of addictions.
- Bullying.
- Teens who run out of money very quickly.
- Lying about other issues in the past; there is a chance they will lie about their addictions.
- Previous traumatic experiences.
- Adolescents who are very hard on themselves, lack flexibility, and are rigid and obsessive in their behaviours.
Dopamine
When you feel good or achieve a goal, dopamine increases in the brain. During adolescence, hormonal regulation changes can make teens more prone to developing an addiction. When goals are not achieved, teens may try to compensate with an addiction to increase dopamine levels in their brains and feel better.
Be supportive and offer a non-judgemental and family supportive environment where you can discuss the consequences of their addictive behaviour, including possible legal matters
Dr Emma Allende
Adolescent bodies and minds adapt very quickly to addictive behaviours, and if they decide to stop, their bodies and minds start giving symptoms. Their mood becomes altered, and they have very unpleasant symptoms and feelings in their bodies.
To make these feelings go away, they return to the addictive behaviour, although their bodies and minds demand higher amounts to reach the desired effect. Activities they used to enjoy are no longer enjoyable, and they may feel they need the addiction to unwind from the pressure of a long school day.
How to support your adolescent child
- Be Supportive: Offer a non-judgemental and supportive family environment where you can discuss the consequences of their addictive behaviour, including possible legal matters.
- Speak to the School Counsellor: They are very experienced and can offer additional support.
- Express Your Love: Tell them that you love them, but you do not approve of their behaviour, and this can be changed.
- Monitor Social Interactions: Invite their friends to your home to understand possible social problems and behaviours.
- Seek Professional Help: Many psychological therapies can help with emotional regulation and behavioural management. Your GP can provide further information and connect you with local therapy services.
