Pretend I Don't Know Anything

Spotting substance use disorder (SUD) in teenagers and young adults can be tricky. During this time lots of changes are occurring, and normal behavior can sometimes mimic signs of drug or alcohol abuse. The key is to look for patterns of these changes happening over a longer period, not just a single incident. It’s also important to remember that mental health struggles can cause similar symptoms. Don’t wait for academic decline or legal trouble before having an open and honest conversation with your child. There are resources available to help you navigate this challenging time together.

This episode dives deep into the link between mental health and substance use. We explore how young adults might use substances to cope with anxieties, and how these behaviors can escalate after leaving home. Identifying addiction in this age group can be tricky, especially when they appear to be functioning normally. We discuss key warning signs to watch for, like changes in weight, grades, and social behavior, alongside patterns of dishonesty. We also want to emphasize the importance of trusting your instincts and focusing on observable behaviors. We delve into how substance use can be a coping mechanism for underlying issues, and how dishonesty can stem from shame rather than a desire to hurt loved ones.