Sometimes, it starts as a nagging thought at the back of your mind. Something seems off with your teenager. Paying attention to sudden changes can help you determine whether your teen has an issue with drug addiction. How can you tell the difference between normal teenage angst and a substance abuse problem? And how can you find the right teen drug rehab programs?
Even if you know your child well, it’s hard to tell the difference. However, there are clear signs that your son or daughter has gotten involved with illicit drugs. It can be frightening to catch your child in a lie and wonder if they are in danger. Nonetheless, you could save your child’s life and plans by intervening now.
Here are three clear signs that your teenager uses drugs and may need an intervention to prevent drug addiction.
Signs of Teen Drug Addiction
Some narcotics have a distinctive smell, especially if they’re smoked. If you notice unusual smudges on their clothes, this could also indicate an issue with drug addiction.
Other signs of an issue with illicit substances include the following:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Messier appearance
- Infrequent showering and poor hygiene
- Slurred speech
- Constant runny nose
If your otherwise healthy teenager starts to get sick or has bruises on their arms, this may be a sign of drug addiction. Depending on the type of drug they use, they may wear long-sleeve shirts to hide injection sites.
Bloodshot eyes pinpoint pupils, and unusual redness in the eyes can also indicate drug use.
Changes in Daily Routines and Behavior
Some teens experiment with drugs or alcohol but don’t let it interfere with their lives. When teens become deeply entrenched in drug culture, they may show a loss of interest in things they loved doing before, including drama, art, music, or other activities.
You may catch them in elaborate lies to explain their behavior and sudden change of activities. Marijuana and alcohol, in particular, often cause a lack of motivation.
Does your child suddenly spend unusual amounts of time away from home? If they spend most of their time in their room and stop communicating with the rest of the family, it may be a sign that they need teen drug rehab. You may not recognize your child anymore.
Skipping classes and making bad grades could signal that their mind is elsewhere, possibly on drugs and alcohol use. Teens are often secretive in the best of times. If your son or daughter suddenly starts spending most of their time on their phone and mobile devices, it’s time to monitor their communications.
Drug use can foster intense emotional reactions to simple questions. Other signs of teen drug addiction include missing money or belongings. Stealing to pay for drugs or alcohol indicates a strong dependence.
Drug Paraphernalia
If you notice drug paraphernalia in your child’s room or backpack, that should raise a major red flag that it’s time for teen drug rehab. Does your child have a backpack or vehicle they don’t want you to go near? If so, it may be time to confront them about their behavior.
Common drug paraphernalia includes the following:
- Weight scales
- Tinfoil
- Butane torches
- Ziplock bags
- Cigarette lighters
- Hypodermic needles
- Bongs
- Balloons
- Small bowls
- Pipes
- Mirrors
- Capsules
- Vials
If you find any of the materials above, schedule an intervention immediately, and sign your child up for teen drug rehab.
Get Help for Teen Drug Addiction Today
Drug and alcohol addictions are insidious. Your child needs professional supervision for effective drug addiction treatment. Asking them to quit on their own can put their health in danger. Instead, find a drug rehab program that focuses on the unique needs of teens in crisis.
