Our Mission Statement: Our mission at SSA(Silent Suffering of Addiction) is to educate and support pre-teens and teenagers struggling with addiction. We aim to achieve this by providing education and resources to both the adolescents and their families through various activities, such as personal exercise, group walks and runs, sharing stories, and utilizing social media. Our goal is to raise awareness about addiction and help teenagers address this issue or prevent it before it begins.
Symptoms of Addiction
1. Behavioral Signs:
– Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home.
– Engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving under the influence.
– Secretive or deceptive behavior.
– Sudden changes in social circles or isolation from friends and family.
– Financial problems due to spending money on the substance or activity.
Symptoms of Addiction
2. Mental/Emotional Signs:
– Thinking constantly about the substance/activity
-Anxiety/Depression
– Experiencing rapid and intense changes in mood
-Becoming easily annoyed or frustrated when not being able to use substance or engage in activity
– Difficultly remembering things or blackout
– Denial (refusing to acknowledge that there is a problem)
– Paranoia (feeling suspicious or paranoid, especially in relation to use of substance or activity
– Feeling guilty and ashamed about behavior but feeling unable to stop
Symptoms of Addiction
Physical Signs:
– Change in Appetite
– Poor Hygiene
– Bloodshot Eyes
– Tremors or Shakes
– Slurred Speech
– Sleep Problems (like insomnia)
– Unusual Body Odors (smelling like substance)
– Frequent Nosebleeds
– Trace Marks (needle marks on arm or other parts of body)
– Poor Coordination
– Sudden Bruises (from falling)
– Breakouts from Acne
How Does Addiction Affect Families?
Addiction can really strain families by causing emotional turmoil, trust issues, financial problems, and neglect of responsibilities. It can lead to conflicts, health issues, and even social isolation. Kids in these situations may face neglect and emotional trauma, which can affect them long-term. Overall, it creates a cycle of dysfunction that impacts everyone involved.
”The initial journey towards sobriety is a delicate balance between insight into one desire for escape and abstinence from addiction.” – Debra L. Kaplan
