Signs Of Teen Substance Abuse And How To Help Them
Teens often experiment with drugs and alcohol. But irresponsible use can quickly spiral into abuse. Adolescents are known for acting moody, secretive, and distant. Unfortunately, these behaviors can also be the symptoms of substance abuse. It can be hard to distinguish between typical teenage hormones and unsafe, unhealthy behaviors. Knowing the signs of teen substance abuse can help you determine when and how you should intervene with your child. Because their brains are still developing, substance abuse at an early age can have lasting damaging effects.
Behavioral signs of substance abuse
Many of the behavioral signs of drug or alcohol abuse are also normal teenage behaviors. These signs can also indicate a mental illness such as anxiety or depression. In fact, their substance abuse could be a way of “treating” a mental illness or as a form of escapism. It’s important to make note of any sudden changes that seem particularly out of the ordinary. Some common signs of teen substance abuse are:
isolating from friends and family
changing friend groups
cutting class
getting worse grades
losing interest in activities they once enjoyed
locking doors
avoiding eye contact
being secretive about their phone or laptop
stealing
asking for money
breaking house rules
lying
acting hostile or uncooperative
having trouble focusing
Physical signs of substance abuse
Substance abuse also affects the body. You might notice physical changes in your teen more easily. They may be abusing drugs or alcohol if they:
have changes in sleeping habits
experience sudden weight gain or loss
frequently get sick
wear long sleeves in warm weather
have frequent nosebleeds
have sores or burns on their mouth or fingers
slur their words, talk too fast, or speak unintelligibly
have poor hygiene
have bloodshot eyes
have unusual bruises
smell of smoke or other strange odors
What can you do to help?
Early intervention is important when someone is abusing drugs or alcohol. It’s a progressive disease that will only get worse. One of the best ways to see the warning signs of substance abuse is to know who your child is: what they love doing, who they’re friends with, their normal behaviors. When you notice them acting differently, ask them questions. Start by opening up the conversation with them without being accusatory. Having a dialogue about drug and alcohol abuse is one of the key ways to start getting them help. Allow them to open up to you without judgment or reacting harshly. If they admit to struggling with addiction, listen to their story. Explain that you care about them and their future. Have a conversation about how you’re going to approach their treatment plan together.
Most likely, your teen will deny using drugs or alcohol. In that case, reassure them that you’re there to help. If they continue to deny and avoid you even though you suspect they’re still using, you’ll need a different tactic. You may need to resort to a home drug test or involve a medical professional to figure out whether they’re abusing substances.
Teen addiction treatment plans
If they’re abusing drugs or suffering from other mental distress, it’s important to get them professional psychiatric help. Depending on the severity of their substance abuse, they may benefit from individual or group therapy. There are also specialized rehabilitation plans for teens so that they don’t fall behind in school. You, your teen, and your family may also want to attend family therapy together to address dynamics in your home that could be contributing to a dysfunctional environment.
To learn more about how substance abuse counseling can help you intervene in your teen’s life, please reach out to us.
