One fear many parents share is the chance that their child may become addicted to drugs. Recognizing the signs your child has an addictive personality is the first step in the right direction toward addiction prevention. In addition, there are temperament characteristics that your child may display that will help determine if there is a risk of substance abuse in the future. In these cases, personality development is essential and can be done with motivational interviewing and other helpful methods.
How to Tell if Your Child Has an Addictive Personality?
Is your child a risk taker? If your child loves to push the limits, even at a young age, then there is a chance that they will feel they can handle the effects of most drugs. If your child has a lot of energy and loves to feel the sensations produced from adrenaline rushes, signing up for sports, traveling, or exciting hobbies is a good idea to distract the mind positively and naturally raise dopamine levels in the brain.
Childhood trauma is a primary reason for addictive personalities to form. If a child is raised in a household where the parents or older siblings are abusive or show adverse side effects from substance abuse, there is a high possibility that the child will grow up and use drugs. Regardless of whether a parent or peer is abusing drugs, if a child undergoes physical, verbal, or sexual abuse, they may use drugs in the future as a coping mechanism to self-medicate.
Additionally, genetics and addiction go hand in hand. If addiction runs in the family, then there are already addictive personality traits amongst the individuals in the household. Therefore, a child may acquire these character traits or a specific way of thinking that leads them to try drugs and form a physical dependence. Music and art therapy is a unique way to teach children how to avoid substance abuse and learn skills to cope with intrusive thoughts, especially if addiction is well-known in the family line.
Signs Someone Is On Drugs and Hiding It
If you suspect your daughter is addicted to drugs or your son is showing an addictive personality, then learning the signs someone is using substances is important. Addiction warning signs can include a negative personality, lack of desire to be social or avoiding social interactions, and emotional instability.
Other signs your child has an addictive personality include:
- Anxiety
- Lying
- Impulsivity
- Neuroticism
- Agreeableness
- Low self-esteem
- Depressive episodes
- Open to new experiences
- Anger or emotional instability
It’s essential to teach children how to properly express their emotions. Also, if you are worried that your child may want to try drugs, be sure to be cognitive about what you say, watch, and do regarding alcohol, prescription pills, or other substances. Family, environment, and temperament are vital to encourage children to avoid drug abuse in the future.
Recovery at Banyan Treatment Centers Locations
At Banyan, our experienced medical staff is here to help by providing family services and unique programs like pet therapy that benefits children and adults. You can reach out and speak to a professional to ask questions about addiction and substance abuse personality traits, as well as the treatment plans that we offer. We understand addiction is experienced differently by everyone, but we offer the necessary resources you or your child need to recover. Plus, our relapse prevention plans encourage long-term recovery.
Call 888-280-4763 and speak to a specialist at the Banyan drug rehab today to get started!
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