Substance use disorders in teens are a growing concern that can lead to serious physical, emotional, and social consequences. As parents, educators, or caregivers, understanding the early warning signs of substance abuse in teens is crucial for timely intervention and support.
At Lumina Recovery, we aim to shed light on these early indicators, helping you recognize them in teenagers. Remember, early detection and a supportive approach can make a significant difference in a young person’s life.
1. Changes in Social Circles
One of the most noticeable early warning signs of teen drug abuse is a shift in their social interactions. Adolescents experimenting with drugs or alcohol might gravitate towards peers who have similar habits or who exert influence over them to try these substances. This change can be a defensive mechanism to avoid judgment or to feel accepted in a new group that shares their risky behaviors.
Be observant if your teen suddenly changes their friend group, especially if they are reluctant to talk about these new friends or introduce them. A stark contrast in the demeanor, attitudes, or behaviors of these new peers compared to their previous friends can be a red flag.
Additionally, if your teen starts avoiding family member gatherings or events they used to enjoy with their old friends, it might indicate they are moving in circles where substance abuse is more common.
2. Altered Appearance and Hygiene
Substance abuse can significantly impact a teen’s interest in their personal appearance and hygiene. This change often stems from a growing apathy towards how they present themselves to the world, which can be a direct effect of substance use. It might also be a sign of deeper psychological impacts of drug use, such as depression or low self-esteem.
A noticeable decline in grooming habits and personal cleanliness is a critical sign. In some cases, wearing inappropriate clothing, like long sleeves during hot weather, might be an attempt to hide needle marks or other physical signs of drug use.
3. Mood Swings and Behavioral Changes
Drugs and alcohol can significantly alter a teenager’s brain chemistry, leading to mood swings and behavioral changes. These substances can exacerbate or even mimic symptoms of mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. This makes it difficult to distinguish between substance-induced behaviors and other potential psychological conditions.
Be aware of sudden and drastic changes in mood in your son or daughter, such as unexplained aggression, irritability, hyperactivity, or withdrawal from family and usual activities. Also, watch for signs of depression, like prolonged sadness or loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. Checking your teen’s social media for unusual activity can also be indicative of substance abuse.
4. Academic and School Performance
A decline in academic performance is a common and significant indicator of potential substance abuse in teenagers. As their focus shifts towards substance use, their interest and ability to keep up with school responsibilities often diminish.
Watch for a drop in grades or a sudden disinterest in schoolwork and projects. Regularly skipping school or classes, frequent tardiness, and a lack of participation in class are also warning signs. Additionally, if the teen faces disciplinary actions at school, such as detentions or suspensions, which are out of character for their usual behavior, it might indicate underlying issues, including possible substance abuse.
5. Secretive Behavior and Lying
Teens abusing substances often become secretive about their activities as a way to hide their behavior from family and authority figures. This secrecy is compounded by a tendency to lie or give evasive answers about their whereabouts, activities, and the people they’re spending time with. Such behaviors are often driven by a mix of guilt, fear of being caught, and the desire to continue their substance use undisturbed.
Be alert to changes in how your teen communicates about their daily life. If they become unusually secretive, avoiding questions, or if their explanations about where they have been or who they are with seem implausible or inconsistent, these could be red flags. Defensive behavior when questioned about these discrepancies is also a common sign.
6. Physical Health Indicators
Substance abuse can lead to various physical health symptoms depending on the type of substance used. These symptoms can range from general changes in physical appearance to more specific symptoms related to particular types of substances. Always check with a health care provider about any physical indications of substance abuse.
Some general physical signs include unexplained weight loss or gain, changes in eating habits, and deterioration in physical appearance. Look for more specific symptoms like red or glazed eyes, a persistent cough (especially if they’re smoking substances), frequent nosebleeds (which can be a sign of snorting drugs), or unexplained bruises or marks on the body.
7. Changes in Sleeping Patterns
Substance abuse can significantly disrupt a teen’s natural sleep patterns. Depending on the substance, it can either lead to insomnia or excessive sleepiness. These changes are often a direct result of how certain substances interact with the brain and body, altering the natural sleep-wake cycle and impacting overall health and well-being.
Keep an eye on any drastic changes in your teen’s sleeping habits. This could include difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up at odd hours (indicative of insomnia), or the opposite extreme of sleeping for unusually long periods (hypersomnia).
An irregular sleep schedule, such as staying up very late and sleeping through the day, especially if this is a significant change from their previous habits, can also be a sign of substance use.
8. Money Issues
Substance abuse can lead to financial issues due to the costs involved in maintaining the habit. Teens may start to require more money without a clear explanation, or they might resort to stealing money or valuable items from home. These behaviors are often driven by a desperate need to fund their substance use, which can become a dominant priority over time.
Be vigilant if your teen frequently asks for money without a reasonable explanation, or if you notice money or valuables missing from the house. Also, pay attention if they suddenly possess expensive items they cannot afford on their own or with their usual allowance.
9. Loss of Interest in Hobbies and Activities
A noticeable disinterest in previously enjoyed hobbies and activities can be a warning sign of substance abuse. As the teen’s focus and priorities shift towards substance use, they may lose interest in sports, arts, clubs, or other extracurricular activities they once found fulfilling. This change often correlates with a general withdrawal from relationships with family and friends.
Observe if your teen starts to abandon hobbies and activities they were passionate about. This could be quitting sports teams, clubs, or other school activities, or no longer engaging in hobbies they used to spend hours on.
Additionally, a general indifference towards family events, social gatherings, or outings they used to enjoy can also signal a deeper problem, potentially related to substance use.
Understand Teen Substance Abuse With Lumina Recovery
Recognizing the early warning signs of teen substance abuse is the first step in helping them. If you notice these signs, approach the situation with empathy and concern, not accusation.
At Lumina Recovery, professional help is available through our dual diagnosis treatment programs and specialized programs. As a community, we must support our teens and provide them with the resources they need to overcome these challenges.
Don’t hesitate to reach out today to learn more about the signs of teen substance abuse.
