4 Signs Your Young Adult Child Needs Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Anyone can become addicted to alcohol. You don’t have to be over a certain age. In fact, young adults make up a large proportion of Americans who abuse alcohol on a regular basis. This makes it crucial for parents and loved ones of young adults to be on the lookout for specific warnings signs that may indicate a problem.

What are those warning signs? Let’s take a look:

A Change in Physical Appearance.

You may notice physical changes if your young adult child is abusing alcohol. For instance, they may have changes in appetite or sleep patterns, causing them to gain or lose weight rapidly. You may also notice that your child’s eyes appear bloodshot or the pupils are smaller or larger than usual. Physical changes like this could indicate alcohol use.

Missing Classes, Skipping School or Lack of Responsibility.

If your child is normally responsible and attentive with school, athletics or other activities, but all of a sudden they are missing classes, skipping school altogether or simply acting apathetic towards their responsibilities, this could be a warning sign of something serious like alcohol abuse. Occasional class-skipping or a bad test grade are normal, but not when they start happening suddenly and more often than usual.

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Behavioral changes that are out of character for your young adult child.

Does it seem like your young adult child could care less about personal hygiene, brushing their hair or taking part in their favorite hobbies or sports? Did this lack of enthusiasm seem to come out of nowhere? This could be a warning sign of alcohol abuse. Many young adults who abuse alcohol tend to drift away from activities they once enjoyed, instead spending their energy focusing more and more on obtaining and drinking alcohol.

A difference in mood such as increased agitation and anger.

Alcohol abuse can disrupt a person’s mood by making them angry, easily irritated, distant, etc. If your young adult child has sudden outbursts that they’ve never had before, or they’re abruptly distant and off-putting, they may be abusing alcohol. Be on the lookout for strange changes in mood and personality that may point to something serious like alcohol abuse.

Talbott Recovery offers a young adult addiction treatment program geared specifically towards young adults, minimum age 18. You have the ability to help your loved one seek the help they deserve. Learn how by downloading our free guide for caregivers.