Teen boys are widely thought to be difficult to understand, and the nature of an adolescent can make it tough to know when something is wrong. There are certain red flags, however, that can mean your child may benefit from teen mental health support.
The experienced team at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® can provide the assistance your teenage son needs if they’re displaying teenage behavior problems. Contact us at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® by calling 828.519.5047 today to learn more.
3 Red Flags in Adolescent Behavior
Sometimes adolescent behavior is exactly that—quintessential teen moodiness. Other times, however, there may be red flags that can warn you something else is going on. Consider three of the most common red flags.
1. Lack of Interest in Favorite Activities
One of the most significant red flags in teenage behavior is if they’re abruptly no longer interested in things they used to enjoy. Keep in mind that this doesn’t include the gradual changes that a teen may experience as they learn who they are.
Instead, the signs to watch for include not wanting to hang out with friends any longer or not participating in their favorite sports anymore.
If you notice that your son has stopped doing something he enjoyed, watch to see what the rest of his attitude is. Does he seem down? Have there been radical shifts in his behavior? If there have been, then that can point to everything from depression to potential substance use disorders.
2. Self-Isolation
Red flags in teenage behavior also include seeing that your son isolates. Often, parents worry if their child spends a lot of time in their room, but that can be normal. What can suggest an issue is if they don’t seem to have friends or they don’t want to spend time with anyone, even their peers.
Self-isolation can be related to mental health issues, including depression, as well as issues like substance use disorders. Keep an eye on your son to see if he has significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns. If you suspect your child has a substance use disorder or a mental health condition, getting them fast help is vital.
3. Engaging in Risky Behaviors
Other teenage behavior problems that can signify an issue include engaging in risky behavior. Pushing the boundaries is normal for teens, but if there’s an increase in risky behavior or if they’re putting themselves in serious potential harm, that may be a red flag.
Some things to watch for include:
- Driving recklessly
- Getting into fights
- Appearing intoxicated
Engaging in risky behavior can point toward substance use disorders, as well as behavioral issues that could get worse without treatment. It’s crucial to take action promptly if you notice these behaviors.
Addressing Red Flags: What Steps Should You Take?
If you’re seeing red flags in your teen son’s behavior, the next step should be to speak with them about it. This can provide more insight into what your child is going through. They may not be ready to speak, however, so it’s essential to be patient and persistent.
If your child does mention issues with alcohol or drugs, you’ll want to contact a treatment center that offers appropriate care. The sooner your teen begins addressing the difficulties they’re going through, the higher the likelihood that they’ll achieve long-term recovery.
Call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® to Get Help for Your Teenage Son Today
Any teenager can be a handful. It’s important, however, to notice when behavior changes from the norm to something that can put their mental and physical health at risk. If you think your child is struggling with an alcohol or drug use disorder, the team at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® can help.
We offer residential treatment programs for teenage boys that combine evidence-based therapy with holistic care to address all of the challenges they face. Use our online contact form or call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® at 828.519.5047 to get started today.
