• Skip to main content

USA Mobile Drug Testing

  • Services
    • Drug Testing
    • Background Screening
    • Training and Support
    • Consumer Services
  • Customer Login
  • Blog
  • Drug Testing Locations
  • Contact

Home / Drug Abuse / Can You Identify These Six Signs of Teen Drug Abuse?

Can You Identify These Six Signs of Teen Drug Abuse?

September 2, 2013 by David Bell

Last updated: January 30, 2023

While teens are known for having tumultuous and stormy personalities, substance abuse may sometimes be a contributing factor. In cases of drug use, the lives of teenagers can tumble out of control quite rapidly. If you spot any of the following six signs of drug abuse in teens, you should take action before the problem grows irrevocably worse.

1) Poor Academic Performance

One of the most troubling aspects of teen drug use is its effect on academic performance. When a noticeable drop in grade point average occurs in just one semester, teens may be too caught up in their drug use to worry about studying. Likewise, addicts might begin acting out in class or skipping school altogether. Students sometimes also quit extracurricular activities that they had previously enjoyed.

2) Neglect of Personal Appearance or Hygiene

Teens who have become addicts often pay little attention to their personal appearances. Tousled hair and dirty clothes, for example, are often quite noticeable. In fact, when teenagers go for several days without combing their hair or brushing their teeth, this is a good indication that they may be perpetually under the influence. Some teens may even avoid showering for weeks on end. Flushed cheeks and dilated pupils can also point toward drug abuse.

3) Personality Changes

While most teens are moody from time to time, long-term personality changes may indicate drug use. Some teens may withdraw from family members and spend most of their time in their bedrooms. Others may become loud and obnoxious. Teens who show a complete disregard for parental authority may even pose dangers to themselves or others. In some cases, they may become suspiciously secretive, especially if they have been engaging in risky sexual behavior.

4) Odd Health Issues

As a parent or guardian, you might also notice odd health issues. Headaches and queasy stomachs are common symptoms, and your teen may avoid going to work or school several days each week. Some teens may experience weight loss or weight gain. Others might develop obvious mental health issues. Depression, anxiety and paranoia are all symptoms that should be carefully monitored.

5) Disappearance of Household Objects

When prescription pills belonging to other members of the household disappear, your teen may be responsible. In fact, teenagers might also steal money or other valuable objects, which they can then use to pay for their growing drug habits. If you suspect that your teen is engaging in malevolent behavior, you’ll likely need to arrange for professional assistance.

6) Suspicious Habits

If drug use is rampant, teens may begin chewing gum to cover up the smell of marijuana on their clothes. Scented candles and air fresheners might also be used much more frequently. In severe instances, drug addicts might use eye drops or other over-the-counter medical products to cover up red eyes or perpetually dripping noses. In the case of marijuana, teens will likely develop ferocious appetites that will lead them to constantly raid the refrigerator.

If teens are headed for serious addiction problems, you will want to offer your unwavering support. Drug rehabilitation centers, for example, will allow young folks to kick their habits and get back on the road to recovery. With help from trained professionals, teens can take back their lives and go on to successful careers.

Filed Under: Drug Abuse

Ready to learn more or schedule a drug test?

Service area:

USA
Canada

Find a drug testing location

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • District of Columbia
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Puerto Rico
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

About David Bell

After seeing the damage caused by drug use first-hand, David sold his previous company and worked his way up through the ranks in the drug testing industry to help employers keep drugs and alcohol out of the workplace.

© USA Mobile Drug Testing

800-851-2021

11016 N Dale Mabry Hwy #204
Tampa, FL 33618


  • Headquarters Website
  • Franchise Information
  • Become an Affiiliate

Drug Testing Methods

  • Urine Drug Test
  • Mouth Swab Drug Test
  • Hair Drug Test
  • Blood Drug Test

Drug Testing Panels

  • 5 Panel Drug Test
  • 9 Panel Drug Test
  • 10 Panel Drug Test
  • 12 Panel Drug Test

Drug Testing Conditions

  • Pre-Employment Drug Testing
  • Random Drug Testing
  • DOT Drug Testing
  • Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing
  • Post-Accident Drug Testing
  • Probation Drug Testing

Web design by Spartan Media

Do you need a drug test conducted at a certain date and time? Call us at and we will dispatch a mobile collection specialist to administer your drug tests at any location, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

x

Are you looking for more information about drug testing, a drug free workplace program, or compliance? Call us at and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have and tailor a program to your specific needs.

x