How to Tell If Your Teen Has a Drug Problem

Featured Image Caption: Drug Addiction in Teenager

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In 2020, 46.6 percent of twelfth-grade students reported having used illicit drugs at some point in their lifetime.

Unfortunately, using drugs as an adolescent can lead to several health risks and stunt brain development. Further, if your teenager has a drug problem, they are more likely to engage in risky practices, such as driving recklessly or having unprotected sex.

Moreover, individuals who use drugs as teens are more likely to develop health problems, such as high blood pressure, sleep disorders, or heart disease.

With drug abuse so common these days, especially among young people, you likely want to do everything in your power to protect your teenager.

This article will help you identify the warning signs that your teen has a drug problem so you can get them help before the situation worsens!

New Habits or Routines

There’s no need to be alarmed anytime your teenager develops a new habit or switches up their routine. However, you should be concerned about your teen if you notice several of the following changes:

Associating with a new friend group
Abandoning close friendships
Changes in appetite
Misbehaving at school
A sudden decline in grades

These are often the first signs of drug use in teenagers, so paying close attention can help you identify the problem early on.

Physical Appearance

Often, substance abuse leads to physical changes. However, these can vary depending on the type of drug a person is using. Here are some of the most common physical signs of drug use:

Bruises or visible puncture wounds on arms (your teen may wear long sleeves to cover these)
Bloodshot eyes
Shaking
Constant runny nose or nosebleeds
Flushed cheeks

In addition, you may notice that your adolescent stops caring for their hygiene as they used to. They may look disheveled or have an unusual smell.

Changes in Behavior

Although behavioral changes are expected in teens, you may spot something out of your child’s nature. For example, if your extroverted teen starts isolating themselves, it’s time to investigate the root of the problem.

Frequent changes in behavior associated with substance abuse include:

Locking doors
Disappearing for a long time without explanation
Cutting class, missing work, or skipping extracurricular activities
Avoiding eye contact
Stealing

Of course, there could be other reasons for these behaviors. Yet, if you already suspect that your teen is using drugs, these new patterns in their behavior are cause for concern.

Signs of a Drug Problem at Home

Even if you don’t find drugs or alcohol in your teen’s room, you may start to notice other warnings. These could even be subtle, such as:

Wrappers or containers you can’t identify
Eye drops, syringes, or lighters
Missing prescription or over-the-counter medications

If these signs confirm your suspicions, you should learn more about rehab centers or addiction programs for young people. These can help your teenager recover and develop a healthier lifestyle.

Helping Your Teen Recover from Drug Addiction

Identifying your adolescent’s drug problem can be a challenge, especially if your teen is unwilling to communicate openly with you. By keeping your eye out for the warning signs in this article, you can get them the proper help before their drug addiction gets out of control.

If this article was helpful, be sure to check out more of our content related to substance use disorder.