Behavioral and Physical Signs of Drug Use in Teens

Introduction: Understanding Signs of Drug Use in Teens

Is my teen using drugs? This is a question many parents ask themselves. And getting answer can be tricky.

However, there are behavioral changes and physical warning signs that tell you your teen may be using illegal drugs and may even be on the verge of drug addiction. It’s best to act fast so you can address symptoms before they get worse. These useful tips will help you intervene early on, potentially saving your child’s life.

Why Early Detection Matters

According to a 2023 report by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), about 7.2% of teens, ages 12-17, reported using drugs in the last month. Early detection is essential in addressing teen drug use for the following reasons:

• Academic and school-related changes like low grades, poor attendance, and disciplinary issues
• Social changes- teens may stop hanging out with their usual friend groups, choosing new friends that they are secretive about, or they may isolate completely
• Other behavioral red flags include secretiveness, lying, unexplained money issues, missing prescriptions, and belongings going missing

Physical Signs to Watch For

• Eyes may be bloodshot, glassy, or droopy, and pupils may be dilated or pinpointed
• Skin may be flushed, pale, or itchy; sores, scabs and track marks may appear
• The mouth and nose may be affected with a runny nose, frequent sniffling and nosebleeds, dry mouth, and cracked lips.
• Weight loss and changes in appetite
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Difficulty with motor function
• Decline in hygiene and self-care

Warning Signs of Drug Use in Teens

Category	Warning Signs
Behavioral	Increased secrecy, lying, missing valuables, prescriptions, or alcohol, new peer groups, academic issues, withdrawal from friend groups, no longer discussing goals, general apathy
Emotional	Extreme mood swings, emotional flatness, loss of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, unprovoked anger, paranoia, expressions of worthlessness
Physical	Bloodshot, glazed, or pinpoint eyes, weight loss, appetite changes, slurred speech, impaired coordination, declining hygiene and self-care, smell of smoke, alcohol, or chemicals, chronic nosebleeds or sniffling, excessive sweating or tremors

Risk Factors and Increased Vulnerability

Teens may be vulnerable to drug use for the following reasins:

• Developing Brain: The brain continues to develop into the early 20s, meaning teens tend to have lower impulse control than adults
• Peer Pressure: Friends may tempt teens to use drugs
• Experimentation: Teens are wired to explore and push boundries, and may want to try drugs to see what they are like
• Mental health Struggles: Adolescents may use drugs to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety tied to mental health conditions or just the stress of beign a teen. For Example, 2024 SAMHSA research reveals that 1 in 5 teens who used drugs had moderate to severe symptoms of an anxiety disorder
• Accessibility: Teens will be more likely to do drugs if they are accessible, whether that means they are easy to get through peer groups, online sites, or the medicine cabinet

How Family History Influences Drug Use

A Science Direct study reveals that first-degree relatives of someone with a substance use disorder experience 4-8 times the risk of developing it themselves. Teens with a family history of drug use may be more likely to do drugs for the following reasons:

• A Volatile Upbringing: Children of parents who do drugs often lack a stable upbringing. They may even be traumatized during childhood. As a result, they develop mental health issues and self-medicate.
• Poor Role Models: Kids often emulate their parents. If they see their parents doing drugs and drinking alcohol, they may think their behavior is acceptable
• Genetics: Mental health conditions can affect brain chemistry and may be passed down through generations. If a child who inherits a disorder is not properly treated, they could self-medicate with drugs and alcohol.

Recognizing Substance Use Disorder vs. Typical Teen Behavior

It can be difficult for some parents to recognize drug use in their child because some behaviors are typical of teens. For example, teens often have mood swings, and even some experimentation is normal. However, red flags exist when:

• Behavior is persistent and not tied to an identifiable trigger
• There are signs of intense functional impairment impacting grades and everyday behavior Secrecy becomes hostile or aggressive
• Withdrawal symptoms: These occur when the body adjust to drug use and ‘high’ becomes the new normal. When drugs are not active in the system, a teen may experience nausea, tremors, sweating, shaking, and anxiety.

Warning Signs of Specific Drugs

Warning signs can vary depending on the drug your teen is using. Here is a breakdown of possible symptoms:

• Opioids/Opiates/Heroin: Nodding off, constricted pupils, shallow breathing, slurred speech, impaired coordination, pale, clammy, bluish skin, digestive issues, track marks
• Cannabis: Increased appetite, memory lapses, lack of motivation, glassy or red eyes, slowed reaction times
• Stimulants: Unusual bursts of energy, decreased need for sleep, irritability and agitation, dilated pupils, reduced appetite, elevated heart rate, excessive sweating, dry mouth, teeth grinding, and skin sores (with meth), nose bleeds, and sniffling (with cocaine)
• Alcohol Use: Smell of alcohol on breath, glassy, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, impaired coordination, nausea and vomiting, weight changes, facial puffiness, blackouts
• Benzodiazepines: Extreme sedation, slurred speech, confusion, memory gaps, poor coordination, slowed breathing, drooping eyelids.

The Importance of Mental Health Professionals in Diagnosis and Treatment

If your teen is struggling with substance abuse, don’t go it alone. Seeking help from a mental health professional is the best option, offering the following benefits:

• Accurate Diagnosis: A trained therapist can accurately diagnose a teen’s substance use and mental health disorder, ensuring effective treatment.
• Evidence-Based Therapies: Professionals are trained to utilized evidence-based therapies that address the underlying causes of drug use and get proven results.
• Teens Respond Differently to Therapists: Teens are in the process of separating from their parents and establishing their own identity. This attitude may make them reluctant to listen to their parents but more likely to take advice from a therapist.
• Family Involvement: Families are often essential in treatment. A therapist will ensure the right approach, improving relationaships rather than making them more difficult.
• Effectiveness: Given the therapist’s training, they can apply effective treatment, reducing the risk of overdose and dangerous behaviors and outcomes.

Safe Ways to Talk to Your Teen About Drug Use

Getting professional help is essential, but a parent must convince their child to get the assistance they require. This can be a tricky conversation. However, you can guide your teen in the right direction with the following approach:

• Check Your Own Emotional State: If you discover your child is doing drugs, you may feel angry or hurt and want to confront them right away. However, it’s better to talk to them when you are calm, signaling the conversation is safe and allowing them to communicate openly.
• Choose the Right Moment and Setting: Sitting down with your teen for a direct, eye-to-eye conversation may seen confrontational. It may be better to talk to them during an activity, such as a planned walk or drive.
• Set Clear Expectations, Not Ultimatums: Choose a clear, direct, non-punitive tone. For example, you may tell your teen that you expect them not to do drugs, but if they ever find themselves in a dangerous situation, they can call on you for help.
• Lead with Curiosity: Rather than accusing them of using drugs, ask them about experimentation and how drugs make them feel. Be open about a possible family history of drug use and mental health conditions, and find out if they feel that contributes to their behavior. Listen more than talk.
• Keep the Door Open: Your teen may not immediately admit to drug use or mental health issues. Let them know you are there for them if they need to talk.

BNI Treatment Center Can Help Your Teen Overcome Substance Use Disorder

Substance use in teens is a tricky subject for parents to tackle. BNI Treatment Center can guide you through. Our professionals are trained to relate to teenagers and meet them where they are. We provide customized treatment options and support to ensure long-term recovery.

Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive program.

FAQs

At what age should I talk to my child about drugs?

Research shows that having open, honest conversations with children about drug use can prevent addiction. It’s best to start when kids are in elementary school and continue with consistent, deeper conversations throughout their teenage years.

My teen is using drugs but refuses to talk to me or see anyone. What should I do?

This can be an extremely difficult position for parents, but there are ways to convince your teen to get the help they need. Motivational interviewing can be powerful, allowing teens to weigh the pros and cons of drug use and motivating them to get better. A therapist can coach you through these techniques, which you can administer at home without direct professional help.

My teen has ADHD. Does that put them at higher risk?

Yes, teens with ADHD and other mental health disorders are at a higher risk of developing a substance use disorder as a means of self-medicating. However, with proper treatment and substance use monitoring, you can greatly reduce the risk.