Alcohol abuse is a problem that is not always easy to detect. In fact, some people can go for years without showing any signs of abuse to their friends and family. Teenagers are no exception, as they often go to great lengths to hide their alcoholism from their loved ones. However, as a parent, your ability to detect some of the early red flags can mean a world of difference for your teen.

Change in Friend Group

Yes, as children grow up and mature, it's not uncommon for their friend group to change more than once. However, the shift is often gradual. If your child suddenly comes home one day, is no longer friends with all their old pals, and has an entirely new set of friends that you don't know anything about, it's worth taking a closer look. 

If your child has developed abusive or addictive behavior, they will generally put distance between their old friends and latch on to people who are also engaging in the same unhealthy behavior. 

Withdrawal from Activities

Sometimes, a lack of interest in activities that once brought your child joy is also concerning behavior. For example, if your teen has enjoyed playing tennis since they were in grade school, and has suddenly decided that they are no longer interested, alcoholism or some other addictive behavior could be to blame. 

In an effort to keep their secret from being exposed, teens will sometimes withdraw from any activity in which their addiction could be detected, such as sports, or any activity that takes their time away from their addiction. 

Unaccounted for Money

If your teen has a job or an allowance, you probably have some idea about how they spend their money. However, it's alarming when your child has money one day, and then nothing the next, and most importantly, has nothing to show for it. 

Teens need money to purchase alcohol, and as their addiction increases, your child will need to purchase more alcohol than before. As a result, they will probably need more money to do so. If your child is asking for more money than usual and displaying other concerning behaviors, it's a good idea to take a closer look at what's going on. 

No matter when you detect your child's addiction, it's important to seek treatment. Treatment centers are available and ready to help your child no matter where they are in their journey, so don't hesitate to reach out for help. For more information, reach out to services like Bridgeway Recovery Services Inc.