As a parent, one of our biggest worries can be whether or not our teens are dabbling in things like alcohol, drugs, or other dangerous behaviours. It’s normal to feel concerned, especially if you notice subtle (or not-so-subtle) changes in their habits, friend groups, moods, etc. The tricky part is figuring out if these changes are just typical teenage growing phases or possible signs of a deeper issue, like a substance use problem or addiction. This is why it’s essential to know the signs early on, because the earlier intervention occurs, the better the chances of successful treatment and sustainable recovery. So, together, we’ll walk through the top ways you can detect if your teen is addicted to substances.
Unstable Mood
One of the most common signs of substance abuse in teenagers is increased moodiness, irritability, and frequent emotional swings. You may notice your child getting upset or angry for what seems like no reason.
The specific substances they may be using can also result in distinct mood changes; for example, stimulants like cocaine or meth can cause euphoria followed by crashes of depression.
Depression, anxiety, lack of motivation, restlessness, and other mental health issues often accompany addiction as well. This is because prolonged substance use negatively impacts brain chemistry and mental well-being over time.
If you notice your child is now agitated, overly emotional, or extremely numb, it could indicate a substance abuse problem.
Declining Academic Performance
A sudden decline in grades, missing assignments, falling asleep in class, and a lack of interest or effort in school can all stem from alcohol or drug use. Substances impair concentration, memory, and motivation levels, making it extremely difficult for any teen battling substance addiction to retain information or complete work.
So, if you notice your child’s grades are declining and their personalities are changing abnormally, it may likely be because of a substance addiction problem.
Also, suppose you observe that your child has been involved in increased behavioural issues with authority figures like headteachers, teachers, or coaches. In that case, they may likely be battling with an addiction problem as well.
This is because teens struggling with addiction often have trouble regulating their behaviours and emotions. They act out more frequently and have less control over reckless impulses.
This, in turn, results in you getting calls about detentions, suspensions, or arguments with school staff, which is another reason you must thoroughly investigate their newly developed behaviour and poor performance in school to know the cause and find a solution.
Lack of Interest in Social Activities
Isolation is often an issue among teens struggling with substance addiction. They tend to isolate themselves from the world and all the criticisms that come with it while they do what they do.
Think back to when you were a teen; we all had a few things we wanted to do alone with little to no criticism. Hence, when you detect this behaviour in your child, act swiftly and be proactive in sitting them down and having those hard conversations everyone is trying to avoid.
Ask them the right questions, and try not to sound judgmental when doing so. You could act like you’ve done worse before, and they’ll open up to you because they feel you will understand.
And when they do, don’t start yelling as though you’re disgusted. Consider telling them stories of people who had their lives ruined by substance addiction, and consider getting them the professional help they need.
Your child opening up to you is already a good sign that rehabilitation is possible. Don’t crush their spirits by judging them illogically.
Excessive Secrecy
If your child is struggling with a substance addiction problem, they will try as much as possible to conceal it from you and other family members. And just as I’ve earlier mentioned, this behaviour is likely because they don’t want you or anyone else to criticise them.
Aside from the secrecy, you may notice that they hang out with a new bunch of friends different from the ones you know. Your child may try as much as possible to hide information about these new friends so you don’t know what they’re up to.
Worse, you may catch your child lying frequently about where they’re going, who they’re spending time with, or what they’re doing. All these are signs that your child may be hiding substance use from you, and more reason why you have to be proactive in helping them stop whatever it is they’re doing before it gets out of hand.
Personality Switch
Lastly, one of the most telling signs is an extreme change in your teen’s baseline personality. When addiction takes hold, it impacts all aspects of your child’s character – their motivations, behaviours, priorities, and even the values you instilled in them.
Ignore these red flags long enough, and you’ll discover that your once loving and compassionate teen who cared about their grades, family, and future has become increasingly selfish, manipulative, and indifferent about things they used to be passionate about.
It’s important to take the necessary steps to help your child recover as soon as possible.
Getting Help
As scary as it might feel, directly voicing your concerns and seeking treatment could save your child’s life. So, consult a medical health professional, or substance abuse specialist to get educated on the next best steps to take. A structured, compassionate plan can make all the difference in guiding your teen back toward health and healing.
There are many types of rehab for teens, programmes, support groups, and therapies available to help your child. It won’t be a quick or easy journey, but full recovery is possible with the right treatment plan. With your love and support, they can overcome this challenge and go on to thrive in life.
Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Lucy Clarke
