Addictions can begin as soon as the person with addictive tendencies has access to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes or other addictive substances.

In this Rehabilitation Guide article we will provide an overview of how age could effect addiction.

Addictions and Adolescence

Addictions are rarely seen before adolescence, but it is likely that they occur in higher rates than are reported. If children have access to drugs, alcohol and cigarettes in young childhood, drug addiction and alcoholism is possible and has been documented. Other types of addictions take hold in adolescence including internet addiction, video game addiction and eating addiction.

Most addictions have their roots in adolescence rather than in young childhood. In adolescence, many children are exposed to the enticements of addictive substances more than they were in their younger years. They often have more freedom too. These factors combine for many young people to produce an environment in which addiction is certainly possible.

Preventing Addiction in Young Children and Adolescents

Parents need to be vigilant about limiting their children’s exposure to enticements to addiction as well as keeping drugs and alcohol away from them. Some view occasional marijuana use by teens and young adults as nothing to worry about, but if used daily could turn into a marijuana addiction that needs rehabilitative treatment before it gets out of control. Regulating their diets, their use of the internet or how much they play video games is essential. When young children become addicted, a parent, parents or guardians are missing something that they should be able to prevent.

Spotting Addiction in Adolescents

If your child is showing classic symptoms of addiction, then you should take the signs very seriously and do what is necessary to determine if they are using drugs or alcohol. An obese adolescent might very well have a food addiction. The signs of addiction are readily available in list form online, from your doctor or from your children’s school.

Getting Help for Adolescent Addiction

There are many treatment centers that offer addiction treatment and recovery programs for adolescents and teens. Your doctor can help you find one. A school counselor should know about them. Or search online to find an addiction treatment center that can help an adolescent or teen recover now and avoid a life of addiction in adulthood.