Statistics from 2022 show that 28% of all 8th, 10th, and 12th-grade students have used illicit drugs at some point in their lives, with marijuana and alcohol use being the most prevalent [1]. While some parents can tell their children are using substances right away, many teens are good at masking their usage, which is why parents need to know the warning signs. As a teen addiction treatment center, Ember Recovery is committed to helping parents recognize the signs of substance abuse and get teens the help they need to recover.
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Warning Signs of Substance Abuse and Addiction That Signal Help From A Teen Addiction Treatment Center
Here are ten signs that could signal your teen is using drugs or alcohol:
1. Physical Changes Over Time
Over time, you may notice changes in your teen’s physical appearance [2]. This includes:
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Trouble sleeping or oversleeping
- Red or water eyes
- Cold, sweaty palms
- Nausea or vomiting
If they have not been ill, you’ll want to schedule a visit with the pediatrician to make sure there are no underlying causes. This can also help to indicate a drug or alcohol problem.
2. Poor School Attendance & Grades
If your teen’s grades begin to slip or you discover they start to skip class, it could be a sign that they are using substances. Also, if they were previously interested in their classes and suddenly show less interest, you’ll want to look into why.
3. Behavior Changes That Warn For Help From A Teen Addiction Treatment Center
Changes in behavior, especially being secretive or not telling you where they are going or who they are with, can be red flags that something else is going on. Also, look for:
- Excessive attempts to be alone
- Breaking curfew repeatedly
- Changes in family relationships
4. New Friends
If you notice your teen’s circle of friends has suddenly changed, you’ll want to ask why. If your teen is incredibly secretive about these friends and when they spend time together, you’ll want to be extra cautious. This could signal a negative influence on your teen that could result in substance use.
5. Unexplained Money Issues
When your teen asks for money, ask them what it is for. Dig deeper if they can’t give you a good reason or you suspect they’re lying. Also, see that you have no money missing from your wallet or from where you may keep cash inside the home. If you notice money is mysteriously missing, it could signal an issue with your teen.
6. Uncharacteristic Mood Changes that May Signal Help From a Teen Addiction Treatment Center
For many teens, substance use is linked to mental health issues. Research has shown that 2/3 of teens who developed an alcohol or substance use disorder have had at least one mental health disorder [3]. Depression is among the most common issues. It can be caused by drug use or be the reason why teens begin to use. If you recognize uncharacteristic mood changes such as depression, you’ll want to talk to a professional to get to the bottom of the issue.
Also, be aware if they become unusually angry or fidgety. Many illicit drugs can cause teens’ emotions to escalate and can make it hard for them to sit still as they look for their next dose.
7. Poor Hygiene and Appearance
When teens become addicted to a substance, they begin to pay less attention to their appearance. You may notice they don’t wear clean clothes, go out with their hair unbrushed, and may even have body odor. As teens become addicted to a substance, they become more focused on feeding their addiction than taking care of themselves.
8. Loss of Interest in Hobbies or Activities
If your teen loves playing soccer or painting and suddenly has no interest, you’ll want to take note. Many teens who are using drugs or alcohol begin showing disinterest in their regular hobbies and activities. Instead of playing sports or engaging in other pursuits, they may have developed a substance abuse problem that is occupying all of their time.
9. Missing Prescription Drugs from the Medicine Cabinet
Besides using alcohol and illicit drugs, many teens form an addiction to prescription medication. If you notice certain medications missing from the medicine cabinet, ask questions. As a precaution, keep all prescription drugs secure in a safe location where your teen can’t access them and a place where they won’t look to find them.
10. Discovering Drug Paraphernalia or Noticing Specific Smells
Finding drug paraphernalia can be a clear indication that your child is using drugs. If you confront them about finding it and they say it’s not theirs, you’ll want to look for other signs that can indicate drug use. These can be the red flags that it’s time to get your child help. If you notice an odor of marijuana or smell alcohol on your teen’s breath, on clothing, or in their car, you’ll want to look further into possible drug or alcohol use.
When you begin to notice any combination of these warning signs of drug or alcohol use, you’ll want to have a conversation with them and get your teen help as soon as possible. Some parents may brush it aside, thinking it’s just a phase. But, this line of thinking can lead to catastrophic results. It’s best to seek help from professionals immediately to get your teen on the right path sooner rather than later.
Are You Looking for a Teen Addiction Treatment Center? Call Ember Recovery Today!
Ember Recovery offers a variety of programs to help teens battle their addiction. As a teen addiction treatment center in Iowa, we focus specifically on the needs of teenagers who are dealing with substance use disorders. We provide teens with a comfortable and reliable atmosphere where they can share their emotions as they go through the recovery process. Our team works to develop an individualized treatment program as well as an after-care plan so that teens can learn how to function without drugs or alcohol once they return home. Contact the team at Ember Recovery today to learn more about our treatment programs and how your teen can benefit.
Sources:
[1] https://www.statista.com/topics/3907/adolescent-drug-use-in-the-us/#topicOverview [2] https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/content/signs-drug-use [3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27015718/
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.