Dealing with a son who is fighting drug or alcohol addiction can be one of the most challenging things a parent faces. You might feel scared, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Understanding what addiction looks like and how to approach it can guide you in getting your son the help he needs.

So, if you’re thinking, “Help – my son is an addict”, this page explores the signs of addiction and offers some guidance on how to help your son get the support he needs – you’re not alone in this journey.

Symptoms of Addiction

DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, text revision) is a guide that doctors use to diagnose mental health issues, including addiction – substance use disorder. It lists specific symptoms that can help you recognize if your son might be struggling with addiction to alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications. Here are 11 symptoms to watch for:

1. Using more substances than intended: Your son might say he’ll remain moderate, but he ends up drinking or using more drugs than planned.
2. Unsuccessful attempts to cut down: He may try to stop or cut back on the use of addictive substances but finds it difficult to control his use.
3. Spending a lot of time: A lot of his time is spent getting, using, or recovering from drugs or alcohol.
4. Cravings: He might feel strong urges or cravings to use substances, even when he’s not using them.
5. Neglecting responsibilities: Important things like school, work, or family duties are often ignored or neglected because of his substance use.
6. Damaging relationships: His relationships with friends, family, or others may suffer because of his drug or alcohol use.
7. Giving up activities: He might stop doing things he once enjoyed, like hobbies or sports, to focus on using substances.
8. Using in dangerous situations: He may use drugs or alcohol in risky situations, like driving or being in unsafe places.
9. Continuing despite problems: Even when his substance use causes problems – like fights or health issues, for instance – he keeps using them anyway.
10. Tolerance: Over time, he needs more of the substance to feel the same effects, meaning his body is getting used to it.
11. Withdrawal: If your son tries to stop using addictive substances, he might experience withdrawal symptoms, like feeling sick, anxious, or shaky.

If you notice several of these symptoms in your son, it might mean he’s dealing with addiction. Recognizing these signs early can help you determine “My son is an addict” and get him the support he needs. Keep in mind, though, that there is no substitute for a formal diagnosis from a healthcare provider. They may refer your son to an inpatient or outpatient treatment center for evidence-based treatment.

Identifying Addiction Behaviors in Your Son

Recognizing addiction in your child can be challenging because the signs might not be obvious at first. Here are some warning behaviors to look out for:

• Secretive behavior: Your child might start hiding things from you, like where they’re going or who they’re spending time with.
• Changes in mood: You might notice sudden mood swings, irritability, or even depression that seems out of character.
• Loss of interest: If your child used to enjoy certain activities or hobbies but suddenly stops caring about them, it could be a warning sign of substance abuse.
• Declining grades: School performance might drop, with lower grades or a lack of interest in schoolwork.
• Physical changes: Watch for changes like weight loss, red eyes, or unusual smells on their clothes or breath.
• Financial issues: Your child might ask for money more often, or you might notice missing money or valuables around the house.

These behaviors can be signs that your child is struggling with addiction. If you notice several of these changes, don’t hesitate to open a dialogue with your child and to seek professional help.

What To Do If Your Son Is an Addict

Finding out that your son is struggling with addiction can be overwhelming, but there are some things you can do to help him, such as:

• Stay calm: It’s natural to feel scared or angry but staying calm will help you think clearly and make better decisions.
• Talk to him: Have an open and honest conversation with your son. Let him know that you’re concerned and that you want to help.
• Seek professional help: Reach out to a doctor, therapist, or addiction specialist who can guide you on the best way to support your son.
• Educate yourself: Learn more about addiction, its causes, and treatment options. The more you know, the better you can help him.
• Be supportive: Let your son know that you love him and are there for him, but also be clear that he needs to get help.

Taking these steps can make a big difference in your son’s recovery journey. Remember, he doesn’t have to go through this alone, and neither do you.

4 Steps to Compassionately Addressing Addiction to Your Son

When your son is dealing with addiction, make sure to approach the situation with care and understanding. Here are four simple steps to help you address his addiction compassionately:

1. Listen without judgment: Start by listening to your son’s feelings and experiences without interrupting or judging. This shows him that you care and are there to support him, not to criticize.
2. Express your concerns with love: Let him know that you’re worried about his well-being. Use “I” statements like, “I’m concerned about how much you’ve been drinking lately,” to avoid sounding accusatory.
3. Encourage treatment: Gently suggest that he consider getting professional help. Explain that addiction is a medical condition, and that treatment can help him regain control of his life.
4. Set healthy boundaries: While it’s important to be supportive, you also need to set clear boundaries. Let him know which behaviors are unacceptable and what the consequences will be if those boundaries are crossed.

By following these steps, you can approach your son’s addiction with compassion while also encouraging him to get the help he needs. You should also be prepared to help him throughout his ongoing recovery journey.

Get Insurance-Covered, Compassionate Addiction Help at California Detox

Get help for a son battling substance abuse by reaching out to California Detox. We offer immersive inpatient treatment programs for all types of addictions at our luxury facility in Laguna Beach, California.

Your son can access medications and 24-hour care during medical detox at our beachside rehab. This will streamline withdrawal and ease his transition to ongoing treatment where he will learn healthy coping mechanisms for ongoing recovery.

Each addiction is unique, so all our treatment plans reflect this with a personalized array of therapies like:

• Counseling
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Group therapy
• Motivational therapy
• Talk therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapies
• Aftercare

When you are ready to get your son the help he needs, call 949.694.8305.