Another sign to watch for is the occurrence of frequent, unexplained illnesses. Drug use can weaken the immune system, making teenagers more susceptible to various infections and illnesses. If your teenager frequently complains of feeling unwell or experiences recurring health issues without any apparent cause, it could be an indication of drug use.
Coping with Life Transitions
- Another sign of drug abuse in teenagers is changes in academic or work performance.
- This blog explores the most commonly abused substances, warning signs of drug use, and the key factors contributing to substance abuse in teens.
- It can be difficult to tell the difference between the pangs of adolescence and actual drug use, but parents can be proactive in talking to their teen to find out what’s going on.
- Again, interests change throughout your kid’s formative years, so tread lightly.
They’re often accompanied by the behavioral changes mentioned earlier. Financial issues, like unexplained spending, may also emerge as teens look for ways to fund their substance use 12. Keep in mind that possessing drug-related items can have legal repercussions. When combined with other warning signs – like changes in mood or academic performance – finding these items often signals the need for professional help 13.
Declining Academic Performance
A crucial factor in teen drug abuse is the quality of their relationship with their parents. Parents can only support and guide their teens through drug abuse if they have an open and honest communication channel. Understanding if your child or loved one is showing signs of drug use or substance abuse can be a challenging and worrying time. As previously mentioned, many signs of drug use can be misinterpreted as typical young adult behavior. However, if you are still concerned or have evidence of use, there are various mental health services that can offer support. Any drug or alcohol use by teenagers is considered https://nurturepathconsultancy.com/best-alcohol-free-drinks-palmetto-recovery-blog/ drug abuse because these substances interfere with normal brain development.
What’s portrayed in movies, on TV, online and in music can also help shape perceptions about alcohol and drug addiction. When you know your teenage son or daughter’s passions, interests and habits, the early warning signs of trouble will be more apparent because you will sense when something seems off or amiss. It’s much easier to turn problematic behavior around when warning signs first surface, rather than when the situation escalates or an emergency occurs.
Sustained Recovery
So it takes a higher dose of the drug to achieve the same effect as when the person first used it. Which means that increasingly larger doses are required to get the same effects. Dependence develops as the brain changes to compensate for the chemical changes in the brain caused by drug use. Detox from this category of substances is particularly dangerous due to increased risk of seizure. Approximately 36% of high school seniors admit to using marijuana in the past year and 22% of high school seniors admitting using it during the past month. Marijuana is the only substance to see an increase in use over the years.
Teens who abuse drugs may engage in risky behaviours such as driving under the influence, unsafe sex, or other dangerous activities. They may also experience legal problems, such as getting into trouble with the law, or getting suspended or expelled from school. Drug abuse can also cause physical symptoms such as bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, and weight loss or gain. Teens may experience changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or energy levels. They may also exhibit poor hygiene, neglecting their personal grooming and appearance. Teens who first used marijuana before age 17 were shown to have smaller brains and to be physically smaller in height and weight than teens who first used marijuana after age 17.
School and Academic Performance
- Academic pressure, low self-esteem, and peer pressure are just a few factors that increase their risk of substance use.
- Addressing substance use in teens early can significantly improve recovery chances and reduce long-term risks.
- Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention focus on reducing high-risk substance use and promoting protective factors.
- These changes can be particularly worrisome if they involve a sudden disassociation from long-term friendships or if the new group has a negative influence on their behavior.
Meir carries forward a legacy of dedication from generations of medical professionals and educators as he guides the Wellbrook Recovery team. His journey began years ago when he assumed a leadership role in an addiction treatment program, igniting a profound passion for mental health and addiction recovery that continues to shape his life. If you’re the parent, the first step is to review the signs and symptoms above. If your teen has a substance use disorder, remember that help is available. Expected teen behavior and signs of substance use disorder may look similar. Learn about the symptoms of teen substance use disorder and what to do next.
Find drug addiction out as much as you can about their drug use—what substances they’re using, how often they’re using them, and how they’re getting them. Be clear that the risks of drugs are serious and that drug use will not be tolerated. At the same time, make sure that you reassure your teen that you love them and that you want to help.
Warning Signs Your Teenager May Be Using Drugs
Outpatient drug and alcohol treatment in Ogden allows teens to receive counseling and therapy in a structured setting without a residential stay. Early intervention makes outpatient treatment an ideal treatment choice for teens, providing the flexibility to stay in school, maintain family support, and address the issues early. Not all drug and alcohol use in teens will lead to addiction, but early patterns of experimentation and usage can increase the risk of developing a problem. Before dependency sets in, warning signs of drug use parents who can recognize the signs are better able to help their children.
Vaping and Edible Marijuana Use Is on the Rise
The authors’ objective in this article is to review the literature on illicit drug use in teenagers and highlight the risk factors for teen involvement. The authors also review the warning signs that a teen is using illicit drugs. The bad news, many teenagers are still abusing drugs, including more than 12% of high school seniors. We will explore the signs of drug use in teens, including risk factors for teenage drug abuse, signs of teen addiction, and what parents can do if they believe their child is abusing drugs. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. One of the first signs may be spending time with new friends, whom we often characterize as a “dangerous crowd.”.
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