5 Warning Signs of Drug Abuse In Teenagers

According to an article published in Innovations In Clinical Neuroscience, “one of the earliest warning signs that predict teenage drug use is changes in behavior and mannerism.” Some of these changes include a sudden change of friends, withdrawal from family and friends, isolation, lack of communication, or disinterest in activities they previously enjoyed.

You may also notice your child is stealing money or other items from around the house. If this is unusual for them, it’s likely a sign that they need money to buy more drugs.

Some teenagers who abuse drugs may become more irrational or dramatic in their actions. You may notice your child becoming more irritable, verbally abusive, or even violent with your or other children in the household. Additionally, your child may begin to threaten to drop out of school, run away from home, or destroy property.

On the flip side, depression, mood instability, and apathy are also warning signs of potential drug abuse and shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you notice your child withdrawing from others and spending more time alone, it could be the sign of a larger substance use problem.

A red flag for drug abuse among teenagers is when they begin to show apathy, poor morale, low productivity, a lack of self-control, aggressive behavior, or poor interactions with family members, friends, classmates, and teachers. Another sign is failing tests and quizzes, bad grades in classes, and poor performance or behavior in the classroom.

While it’s easy to write off changes in personality as normal teenage behavior, it’s important not to ignore it as it’s often one of the earliest signs of a substance abuse disorder.

Drug use takes a physical toll on the body, and some of the physical signs of drug abuse include:

• Bloodshot eyes.
• Widely dilated pupils.
• Sudden weight loss (or weight gain).
• Poor hygiene.
• Frequent nosebleeds.
• Shakes or tremors.
• Red, flushed cheeks.
• Bruises or other unexplained injuries.
• Drowsiness or fatigue.

This is the most definitive sign that your child is abusing drugs. The possession of items such as weight scales, smoking pipes, butane torches, bongs, cigarette lighters, small porcelain bowls, hypodermic needles, balloons, and vials are all indicative of drug use.

The Partnership to End Addiction recommends doing the following if you suspect your teen is abusing drugs:

• Use your nose – if your teen has been drinking or smoking, the smell will likely be on their breath, on clothing, and in their hair
• Look them in the eyes – oftentimes, signs of drug or alcohol use can be seen in the eyes, including:
  • Eyes will be red and heavy-lidded with constricted pupils if they’ve been using marijuana
  • Pupils will be dilated and they may have trouble focusing if they’ve been drinking alcohol
  • Their face and/or cheeks may be red or flushed if they’ve been drinking
• Search their space – if drug use is a concern, the limits you set with your teen shouldn’t have to stop at the front door or at their bedroom door. Communicate why you intend to search their space and that it’s out of concern for their health and safety, and check places like:
  • Drawers
  • small boxes or cases
  • under the bed
  • in a plant
  • inside books
  • under loose floorboards
  • inside over-the-counter medicine containers
  • inside wrappers or other containers, such as a fake soda can