3 Warning Signs Of Teen Drug Abuse

While illicit drug use among teens is lower today than it was at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of adolescents still experience addiction.

Today’s young people face many risk factors for substance use, including school stress, peer pressure, and mental health difficulties.

The following warning signs of teen drug use can help you understand if your friend or family member needs help from a substance use disorder treatment program.

1. Physical Signs Of Teenage Drug Use

Like adults, teens may exhibit several physical red flags when experiencing drug and alcohol use.

Substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs cause physical changes in the body, which is especially concerning for teens who are still growing and developing.

Some physical signs of drug abuse in teens include:

• bloodshot eyes
• weight gain or weight loss
• excessive energy or fatigue
• changes in sleep patterns
• nosebleeds
• changes in skin tone
• puncture wounds or track marks on the skin
• frequent bouts of physical illness
• trembling
• coordination difficulties
• dizziness
• excessive sweating

The physical signs of drug use depend largely on the type of drug the person uses.

For example, a person with an opioid addiction may experience excessive fatigue, while a person with a cocaine addiction may experience extreme insomnia.

The method of drug use will also affect which physical signs a person experiences.

For instance, injecting a drug may cause red marks on the skin, while smoking and vaping may cause coughing and worsening asthma symptoms.

Vaping deserves particular attention as a warning sign. Signs of nicotine or cannabis vaping may include increased thirst, unexplained throat irritation or coughing, unfamiliar sweet or fruity smells, and the presence of small cartridges or pods. Because vaping is so normalized among teens, it’s often overlooked as a substance use concern.

2. Mental Health Signs Of Teenage Drug Use

Addiction is a mental health disorder, so it impacts people’s emotional well-being in several ways.

If your high school student has a sudden, drastic change of mood, they may be experiencing substance use disorder or another mental health condition.

Some mental and emotional signs of drug use include:

• mood swings
• loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• depression
• anxiety
• paranoia
• sudden bouts of anger and irritability
• feeling isolated or withdrawn
• clouded thinking

Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD frequently precede substance use disorder in adolescents. Some teens use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate symptoms of an undiagnosed mental health condition.

If your teen shows signs of both mental health struggles and substance use, look for a treatment program that offers dual diagnosis care, addressing both conditions at the same time.

3. Behavioral Signs Of Teenage Drug Use

People who use drugs, including teenagers, may also exhibit specific behavioral signs. Any drastic change in behavior may be a sign of drug addiction or another mental health issue.

Behavioral signs of teen drug use may include:

• poor hygiene
• dropping grades
• sudden secrecy
• keeping drug paraphernalia
• wearing long sleeves even in warm weather (sometimes an attempt to conceal injection sites or other physical signs of drug use)
• suddenly changing friend groups
• avoidance and social withdrawal
• taking unnecessary risks
• missing curfew

Moodiness, anger, and social withdrawal are particularly common among teenagers who abuse drugs.

What To Do If You Suspect Teen Drug Use

Spotting substance use disorder in teens can be difficult because some signs of drug use, including risk-taking behavior and mood swings, are also signs of normal teen development.

Look for signs that appear suddenly, drastically, and seem to contradict your teenager’s personality.

If you believe that your teen is using drugs or alcohol, approach them with calmness instead of anger.

A few specific things to keep in mind when starting the conversation:

• Lead with concern, not accusation. Saying “I’ve noticed some changes lately and I’m worried about you” opens a door that “I know you’ve been using drugs” slams shut
• Listen more than you speak. Teens are more likely to open up when they feel heard rather than lectured
• Avoid ultimatums in the first conversation. Save firm boundaries for follow-up discussions after you have more information
• Involve a professional early. A therapist, school counselor, or pediatrician familiar with adolescent substance use can help you assess the situation and guide next steps without making the teen feel ambushed

Look for healthcare providers and treatment centers that serve adolescents. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs are available for teens.

Find Addiction Treatment Today

Addiction is a difficult disorder for people of all ages, but teens face specific challenges when dealing with substance use disorder.

Fortunately, treatment services are available. If you or a loved one is dealing with drug use, contact Addiction Resource today to discover age-appropriate options.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff