Teenagers tend to be more impressionable than people in their later years, leading to the uptake of bad habits and problems that could impact them for many years to come. Teen drug use is no laughing matter, and as such, it’s important to know the warning signs to look out for as a parent.
If you don’t know the signs of drug use in teens, you might have no idea if your child is currently under the influence of potentially dangerous substances. Knowing is the first step to taking action, so you must get familiar with this kind of information.
What signs of drug use in teens should you be aware of? Read on and we’ll walk you through what you need to know.
1. Shifts In Mood & Personality
Teens tend to be somewhat more withdrawn and introverted than younger children, but still, there’s a degree of secrecy that can be a warning sign to parents.
When an extrovert begins to get withdrawn, or an introvert draws even more within, it may be a sign that they are hiding something.
If your teen begins locking doors, disappearing for long periods, or is constantly avoiding eye contact? These are good signs they might be trying to hide detection of something they don’t want you to know about.
A lack of attention to things they once cared about might be another sign, as well as changes in the friend group that they seem to spend time around.
It can be hard to determine what is a normal teenage change and what is indicative of something else, but looking for major mood and personality changes can often be the first red flag a parent notices.
2. Changes in Physical Health & Appearance
There might be signs of physical changes in your teen that can be a dead giveaway for drug use. While they will likely try and hide these changes, they can be spotted and used to confirm your existing suspicions.
Bloodshot eyes, flushed cheeks, and an overall disheveled appearance all might be evidence of drug use. This would be, of course, if these physical elements are unusual for your child.
A child that has been using drugs might also not be dressing appropriately for the weather, might smell unusual, or could even be showing signs of shaking or tremors.
3. Aggressive When Confronted
You’re a parent, and you should be able, to be honest with your teenager. If you have a concern about their drug use, you can straightforwardly ask them.
If they respond in a wildly negative manner, it might be an overreaction based on their nervousness. They might also just come out and tell you the truth. Sometimes, looking at your child’s reaction after being asked can be the clearest evidence of all.
If your child has admitted to drug use, you can follow this link to determine what your next actions should be.
Understanding Signs of Teen Drug Use
Worried that your child might be using drugs? The above signs of teen drug use will all be things you should keep your eye out for. Knowing what to look for and do in this kind of scenario can be incredibly important.
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