Warning Signs of Drug Use in Teenagers: Do You Know What to Look For?

Drug use in teens is on the rise everywhere. Because of the wide range of drugs that teens have access to nowadays and the wide range of symptoms that these can cause, drug use is not always immediately evident. Parents, teachers and peers can often depict signs of drug use in teens, if they know what to look for.

The article “Teen drug abuse” lists drugs abused by teens and suggests,

“The symptoms of drug abuse include tolerance to a substance, withdrawal episodes, using more drugs for longer periods of time, and problems managing life issues due to the use of a drug.”

Consider the following warning signs of drug use in teens.

Unusual or bizarre changes in behavior:

Any unusual or bizarre changes in behavior in teens can be suspect. For example, hyper-activity may or may not indicate an unusual or bizarre change or pattern of behavior in teens. In this era, there appears to be a growing trend that focuses on teen hyper-activity, as a norm. Rock concerts tend to trigger unexpected, hyper-activity complete with extremely loud music, radical wardrobes, bizarre hairstyles, etc. While this does not necessarily suggest teens using drugs, because drugs are so readily available in these kinds of settings, there is a high likelihood that teens have access to them.

When this kind of hyper-activity continues after the rock concert, it may indicate the need for teens to show their new independence, perhaps conforming to pressure from their peers or suggest the use of drugs. Many drugs are immediately accessible to teens at schools, colleges and universities through their peers or others who are actively marketing them. Drugs are also available on the street, as well as at any place teens gather.

Substance abuse indicators:

Substance abuse indicators can be something as simple as teens smoking different kinds of nicotine-based products or other addicting substances. Note that many of these tend to have unusual and different odors that linger in rooms or on the clothing of teens. Because many of these are mind-altering substances, there may be a craving for them because of the high that teens get from them, as well as the growing addiction factor. With addiction, the fix gradually becomes central to the life of the teens who are involved with the drugs. 

Obtaining them becomes a priority. An increased need or demand for money may be an indicator, as may be evidence like ashes and butts left behind. Teens may steal to obtain money for drugs.

Changes in personality:

When teens begin using drugs, changes in personality can be insidious or immediately evident. For example, parents with normally responsible teens may see them gradually become increasingly irresponsible. The teens may be argumentative and use abusive language. They may lose their sense of respect for others including parents and other family members, teachers, etc. Many teens on drugs no longer respect or take care of themselves properly. They experience a sudden loss of interest in school, a drop in grades, appetite and weight loss, etc.

Questionable accountability:

The majority of teens have some degree of accountability to parents, teachers and others. When there is drug use, that level of accountability may become questionable.

While not all teens give the same warning signs when involved with drugs, unusual or bizarre changes in behavior, substance abuse indicators, changes in personality and questionable accountability are a reason for serious concern on the part of parents, teachers and others.