Last updated : December 16, 2024
Teen drug abuse is a serious problem that can lead to a number of unfortunate consequences, ranging from trouble with the law to health problems. If you suspect that your child may be abusing drugs, you need to learn the signs of substance abuse. Once you know and understand the most common signs, you can plan a strategy to intervene and help your child.
Changes in Behavior
Drug abuse can lead to significant changes in your teenager’s behavior. In some cases, your child may feel depressed and withdraw from her normal activities and interests. She may also be uncooperative when you try to interact with her. In other cases, however, drug use may cause your teenager to feel elated and hyperactive. As you monitor your teen’s behavior, be sure to also note her sleeping patterns. Some individuals who abuse drugs may act very tired and sleep more than normal.
Physical Changes to Appearance
Paying attention to your child’s physical appearance can also give you some important clues. For example, if your teen stops his usual grooming habits, it could be a sign that he is abusing drugs. In addition, he may stop following basic hygiene practices, including brushing his teeth or washing his hands. His complexion may also appear redder than normal. If your teenager isn’t making a serious effort to hide his drug use, you might even notice soot marks on his fingers or face.
Problems at School or Work
Teens who are seriously abusing drugs will likely struggle to stay motivated at school or their jobs. During class, these teens may be unable to focus on their schoolwork, putting their grades at risk. Some students may even choose to skip their classes completely so that they can use drugs. Employed teens who are abusing drugs may find it challenging just to make it to their shifts each day. Some teens may even come to work under the influence of drugs, potentially leading to dismissal from their employment.
Attempts to Hide Behavior
Although some teenagers hide innocent behavior in an effort to gain more privacy, others may use these same tactics to hide drug use. If a teen is actively using drugs at home, he may try to use candles or air fresheners to cover the smell in his room. He may also clean his clothes more frequently in an attempt to wash obvious smells from his clothes. Finally, the teenager may frequently chew gum or brush his teeth to clear his breath of any smells caused by substance abuse.
Overall Poor Health
Getting sick from time to time is normal for anyone. However, a teen who is abusing drugs may show symptoms of illness more frequently than other teens. These symptoms can range from mild stomach problems to vomiting. The individual may also suffer with frequent headaches or regular nosebleeds. Drug abuse can also change your teenager’s appetite, leading to a significant change in body weight.
Before you can be sure that your child is abusing drugs, you need to take mental notes as you carefully analyze any changes in your child. In some cases, your teenager may simply be changing as she grows up. In other situations, however, your child may be putting herself at risk by abusing drugs.
