Desperation, anguish, depression, melancholy, anxiety, and hopelessness are some of the negative emotions that many young children and teens experience on a daily basis.
Sadly, the majority of them, instead of asking for help, is looking to find the solution to their problems in alcohol, drugs, or in other kinds of abusive substances that may lead to addiction.
According to the psychiatrist Patricia Conrod, there are 4 children’s traits that affect their psyche and can put them at risk for addiction.
1. HOPELESSNESS
Hopelessness is a psychological condition that is closely connected to depression. It is a psychological state in which the person experiences severe feelings of grief and dejection. People who struggle with depression usually opt for drugs to make them feel better and improve their emotional state.
However, these mood-boosting drugs are very addictive and can be very damaging to the health of the individual. If you find yourself unable to cope with these feelings of melancholy and hopelessness, please do not be ashamed to speak about it with a family member or someone you trust or seek help from a professional.
2. IMPULSIVENESS
Impulsiveness refers to a person’s tendency to act on a whim while disregarding all the negative consequences that may occur because of that. This trait is often attributed to teens who tend not to think before they decide to do something.
Often, these impulsive individuals also suffer from ADHD. Children and teens who suffer from this condition are advised to practice self-control and think twice before deciding to indulge themselves in drugs or alcohol. They also need to spend more quiet time.
3. SENSATION – SEEKING
This condition is characterized by a constant search for intensity, excitement, adventure, and fearlessness. These people are always on the go and full of energy and vitality. They are always ready for adventures. They are brave individuals who don’t care about safety as long as they have fun.
However, this seemingly ‘safe’ trait can often lead to potential addictions as these sensation-seeking individuals can also find their joy in drug abuse. To avoid this bad scenario, the best solution for you is to subscribe your child to join a sports team.
4. ANXIETY SENSITIVITY
Resistance to change, hyper-vigilance, and structured rituals are some of the characteristics of this trait. People with anxiety sensitivity disorder are always alert and even the smallest stimulation or change can trigger tension and fear in them.
Anxiety is a common characteristic of many people, but, it is their way of how they act to it that defines them and reveals how sensitive they are. Adolescents and young adults who struggle with anxiety are advised to engage themselves in calming activities such as yoga or swimming.
Educating young children and adolescents about the risks of addiction is essential to help them avoid substance and drug abuse. Also, it is equally important to be able to identify these 4 traits which can help you to be prepared and help your child adequately.
SOURCES:
HTTPS://WWW.NYTIMES.COM/2016/10/04/WELL/FAMILY/THE-4-TRAITS-THAT-PUT-KIDS-AT-RISK-FOR-ADDICTION.HTML
HTTPS://WWW.NIMH.NIH.GOV/HEALTH/TOPICS/DEPRESSION/INDEX.SHTML
HTTPS://WWW.CDC.GOV/NCBDDD/ADHD/DIAGNOSIS.HTML
