How to detect addictions in adolescents?

Adolescence is a fundamental period in the creation of the personality. The adolescent needs to separate from the parents and gain new perspectives and experiences and, as a result, evolve and mature.

Substance addiction: the most consumed

According to data from the latest report from the Spanish Observatory on Drugs and Addictions of the Ministry of Health, the drugs most consumed by young people (14-18 years old) are:

• Legal substances: and tobacco (more widespread among women)
• Illegal substances: Cannabis and sedative-hypnotics (more widespread among men).

The average age of initiation of use is between 13 and 16 years old and the prevalences of use increase with age.

Serious symptoms that require intervention

Some of the consequences of drug abuse that are indicators that it is necessary to intervene would:

• Addiction produced by sustained abuse.
• Decreased academic performance.
• Driving under the influence of narcotics.
• Risky sexual activity, which can contribute to the appearance of sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancies.
• Mental disorders (depression, anxiety, psychosis, etc.).

Technology and social media addiction

Currently, all adolescents are "digital natives" because since their birth they have been immersed in the digital world. However, despite knowing the operation and usefulness of the, they are unaware of such important aspects as security and privacy that can originate, grooming, etc.

Technology is so widespread and normalized within our society that it can sometimes be difficult to identify when the addiction to technology begins. Some indicators of addiction to the network are:

• Creating a digital identity different from the real one that is more satisfactory.
• Frustration and rage when he can't connect.
• Stay connected longer than you planned.
• Reduce or gives up basic life activities (meals, sleep, leisure ...).
• Neglect studies, family, friends, health ...
• Reducing the time of use of technology produces anxiety, sadness, anger ...
• FOMO or "Fear of Missing Something" when you do not have access to the network.

Video game addiction

It is characterized by the constant need to play that takes precedence over any other activity and that generates discomfort if it cannot be carried out.

It begins to be considered an addiction when interferes with daily life in a significative way. If the only motivation of the adolescent is to lock himself in his room to play, either alone or with friends, there is almost certainly a problem. Some would be:

• Each time you need to play more hours to achieve the same satisfaction.
• Feels irritable when he hasn't played for a long time.
• Postpone your obligations or responsibilities.
• You have lost interest or motivation in other areas.
• Lie to play.
• Lose hours of sleep or change eating habits.
• Neglect obligations.
• Isolates himself or distances himself from significant others.

A simple meter for parents is to try to get your child to interrupt the game and do other things. If you manage to quit without becoming irritated and easily refocus on another activity, it may be merely an activity. high hobby.

Affective addictions

More and more young people are entangled in harmful romantic relationships. The it is related to the security of having someone, despite the fact that that company is highly harmful.

The need for the other grows exponentially as time passes. The idealization prevents the couple from being really known and a hypothetical break it is experienced as a true withdrawal syndrome, with anxiety, somatizations, insecurity ... In the event that it occurs, another person is urgently sought that covers those shortcomings.

There is a widespread social belief that is based on the idea of ​​"who loves you will make you suffer" or "love hurts", which is rooted in the patriarchal concept of romantic love. Teaching adolescents what is and is not expected in an emotional relationship is not only a way to reinforce their self-esteem but also to contribute to their capacity for autonomy and personal balance.

• It is precisely because the digital context is so widespread and normalized in society that it can be difficult to determine when addiction begins.
• A simple meter for parents with video games is to try to get your child to interrupt the game and do other things. If you manage to quit without becoming irritated and easily refocus on another activity, it may be merely a high hobby.
• Teaching adolescents what is and is not expected in an emotional relationship is not only a way to reinforce their self-esteem but also to contribute to their capacity for autonomy and personal balance.