Teen drug use should always be a cause of concern for parents. But detecting drug and alcohol use isn’t always easy, and if your teen has started using drugs, they may go to extensive lengths to hide their substance use behavior.
Looking out for the warning signs of teen drug use can help clue you into whether your child has developed a substance use problem, and let you know if it’s time to take action.
Need help with teen substance use disorder? Contact us at Project Eden today to see how we can help.
Why Teens Use Drugs
Teens use drugs for the same reasons adults do:
- To feel good
- To feel better
- Because other people are doing them
But this last factor may be the most critical for adolescents and young adults. Teens can value friendships and popularity to a much greater degree than their adult counterparts, often taking substantial risks with their physical and mental health if it means that they are better able to fit in.
Is My Teenager Using? Warning Signs of Teen Substance Use
The signs of teen substance use include sudden social, physical, and emotional changes that are uncharacteristic of their age. While these signs may differ somewhat between different types of substance use, looking for these warning signs can give you an early indication that your teen has started experimenting with drugs and alcohol, or maybe even developed an alcohol and drug addiction.
Changing Social Circles
Since social cues are so important to teens, the first sign of teen substance use may be a sudden shift in their social group. If your teen has stopped spending time with their usual group of friends and started spending a great deal of time with another group, it’s your first indication that they may be experimenting with drug use.
Mood and Personality Changes
Using illicit drugs or drinking alcohol can have a profound effect on mood and personality. This is true for both if your child is currently intoxicated or recovering from the effects of drugs and alcohol in the recent past.
This could include changes such as:
- Irritation or anger
- Depression
- Withdrawal from family members and activities
- Sudden mood swings
If you begin to notice these changes happening suddenly, it may be a sign of a growing drug or alcohol problem.
Visible Signs of Substance Use
Drugs and alcohol can lead to changes in physical appearance that may indicate intoxication. Some of the most common visible signs include:
- Rosy cheeks and glassy eyes are both signs of alcohol use
- Bloodshot eyes indicate recent cannabis use
- Pinpoint pupils are an effect of opioid drugs or prescription painkillers
- Enlarged pupils can indicate cocaine, stimulant, or hallucinogen use
Paying careful attention to your teen’s appearance, particularly when they are returning from seeing their friends, can be one of the surest ways to detect possible substance use.
Drug Paraphernalia
Familiarizing yourself with drug paraphernalia can help you detect teenage substance use as well. Common items of paraphernalia may include:
- Squares of aluminum foil: used to smoke opioid drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, or prescription drugs
- Small plastic bags: used to transport drugs, and may contain traces of powdery substances
- Shortened straws or rolled-up bills: used to snort drugs
- Lighters: used to smoke cannabis, opioids, or amphetamines
- Glass pipes: used to smoke cannabis, and may contain residue
- Eye drops: used to treat bloodshot eyes from cannabis or alcohol use
Many teens may attempt to hide these items in their bedroom or throughout the house, but if you come across them your teen has likely started using addictive substances.
Talking to Your Teen About Drugs
If you suspect your teenager may be using drugs, sitting down for a conversation may be the best strategy. Share your concerns about their recent behavior changes and let them know that you only have their best interests in mind.
What to Do If Your Teen Is Using Drugs
If you discover that your teen is using drugs, it might be time to reach out to a team of mental health specialists. Meeting with a counselor can help your teen understand the risks of substance use, find healthier habits to engage in besides drug or alcohol use and prevent the development of a substance use disorder.
Dozens of evidence-based strategies can help your teen break free from this destructive pattern. Take action to get them help now – and you can save your teen from a lifetime of challenges with addiction.
Does your teen need help avoiding alcohol and drugs? Reach out to us at Project Eden today.
