Is my teen using drugs?
Being a parent is a job that we are not trained for. We learn as we go. It can be the most fulfilling and challenging job all at once. As parents, we naturally try and protect our children from harm, but sometimes, no matter how hard we try, our children may still not make the best possible decisions. The pre-teen and teenage years are when adolescents try to find themselves, figure out their likes and dislikes, and experiment with different trends or hobbies. It is during this time that they may being to experiment with drugs. That means that as parents we have to learn to identify what to look for and be prepared to have the difficult conversations about drug and alcohol use with our teenagers.
DOES MY TEENAGER HAVE A DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM?
Figuring out if you teenager is using drugs or alcohol can be difficult. Many of the same signs and symptoms associated with drug use can be considered typical teenage behavior or signs of mental health issues. So, if you suspect that your adolescent may be using drugs or alcohol don’t be afraid to err on the side of caution. Start by evaluating your teen’s behavior.
WHAT TYPES OF BEHAVIOR SHOULD I LOOK FOR?
Changes in their mood or personality. Is your teen suddenly unable to focus or less motivated? Have they become angry or aggressive? Does it feel like they are always hiding something? Has your talkative, outgoing child suddenly become quiet and withdrawn?
Changes in their behavior. Has your teen’s interest in school changed? Are they absent a lot or not keeping up with school work like they used to? Are they hanging around different people? Do they go out all the time, disappear for long periods of time, and make excuses for everything? Have they been sleeping a lot more or has their eating patterns changed? Are they always asking for money?
Changes in physical health or appearance. Do they or their clothes have unusual smells? Has their hygiene changed? Are they sick more often? Have you noticed they are having frequent nosebleeds, bruises, or sores around their mouth? Have they had a drastic weight loss or gain?
These are only a few of the signs that can be associated with drug abuse in teenagers. While these can all be indications that your child is using drugs or alcohol keep in mind that these can also be normal changes in teenage behavior. It is important for parents and guardians to be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with drug use when interacting with their teen or pre-teen to help them further determine if their suspicions are correct. Here are signs of the most commonly used drugs by teens.
SIGNS OF ALCOHOL USE
Alcohol tends to be the most commonly used drug among teens due to its easy access and social acceptance. Signs of alcohol use include:
bloodshot or glassy eyes
cold skin
slurred or rapid speech
weight changes
change in mood
uninterested in family
poor concentration
SIGNS OF MARIJUANA USE
Marijuana is also very commonly used among teens (and pre-teens). Since its legalization for recreational use among adults, it may be even easier for teens to gain access to it. Signs of marijuana use include:
odd smell on hair, body, clothes
giggling or sudden silly behavior
euphoria
increased coughing
red/bloodshot eyes
increased appetite
dizziness
memory loss/forgetfulness
SIGNS OF INHALANT USE
Inhalant use is often overlooked by parents when it comes to the topic of teen drug use. But even household items can be used to get high. Paint, gasoline, hair spray, even glue can be misused to achieve a high. Signs that may suggest inhalant use include:
sneezing/coughing
sudden nosebleeds/runny nose
dazed appearance
flu-like symptoms
nausea
unusual smelling breath
paint stains on face/clothing
chemical smell on clothing
SIGNS OF VAPING
Vaping has become a recent trend among teens as a way to use nicotine or marijuana. Vaping devices can be difficult to detect because they are made to look like household items, such as a USB drive, markers, pens watches, and even hoodies.
Signs that may suggest your teen is vaping include:
unusual items (vapes) around the house/in their room/book bag
behavioral changes/mood swings
shortness of breath
sudden coughing/throat clearing
unexplained fruity/sweet fragrances
weight loss
chest pain/lung injury
HOW TO LOOK FOR SIGNS
When interacting with your teen, check for the signs mentioned above to detect possible substance use. Look at their eyes for redness and tired or heavy lids. Stand close enough when you speak to them so you can sense what they smell like. Also, it is important to take a step back and observe your teen. Are they behaving how they always do at home? At school? Around friends and siblings?
WHERE TO LOOK FOR SIGNS
Even though it may seem to be an invasion of privacy, as parents we might need to search teen’s cell phones, computers, or living spaces if drug use is suspected. Remind teens that this is for their own health and well-being and not just to be mean or intrusive. Make sure to look in:
dresser drawers
closets
under the bed
in household plants, beneath dirt
inside books
in over-the-counter pill containers (Tylenol, etc.)
in candy wrappers (M&M’s, Skittles)
in fake containers designed to conceal items
Communication, and vigilance are all key to keeping your teenagers from abusing drugs and alcohol. Continuous discussions around the harms and dangers of drug use and what your expectations are can help teens make better decisions when drugs and alcohol are involved. As parents or guardians, showing our teen that we understand the pressures that they are under and we are here to help them succeed may give them the support they need to make the decision to not use drugs.
Written By:
Sofia Zubaira
Prevention Educator at Mutual Ground
If you are concerned that your child has a problem with alocohol or substance use conact our the Mutual Ground Substance Use Services, 630.897.1003, for information on the services we provide or to schedule an appointment for an assessment.