How to Tell if Your Kid is High and What to Do About It

Teen Drug Use and Substance Abuse in Teens

Teenagers use substances for many of the same reasons as adults, but are often more susceptible to using them due to:

• Curiosity

• Peer pressure

• Thinking it’s cool

• To forget about problems

• To rebel against parents or teachers

• Simply due to the ready availability of drugs

Teen drug use can quickly transition from experimental to habitual use, leading to bigger problems for the teen, including academic troubles, legal difficulties, health issues, and possibly Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or addiction.

Commonly abused substances are many, including illicit substances such as alcohol, marijuana, anabolic steroids, bath salts, club drugs such as MDMA, cold medications, dissociative anesthetics such as PCP and ketamine, hallucinogens such as LSD and mushrooms, inhalants such as gasoline, ammonia, or nitrous oxide, prescription drugs, depressants, opioids, stimulants, spice, and tobacco products.

As for marijuana use, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2019, 37% of US high school students and young adults reported lifetime use of marijuana and 22% reported use in the past 30 days. And 8% of eighth graders, 19% of 10th graders, and 22% of 12th graders reported past-year marijuana vaping [1].

The statistics for high-risk drug use among teens and young adults are shocking. According to the CDC, 15% of high school students reported having ever used select illicit or injection drugs (i.e. cocaine, inhalants, heroin, methamphetamines, hallucinogens, or ecstasy) and 14% of students reported misusing prescription opioids [2].

The teen brain is actively developing and continues to develop until around age 25. Substance use during adolescence and young adulthood may harm the developing brain, contributing to:

• Difficulty thinking and problem-solving

• Problems with memory and learning

• Reduced coordination

• Difficulty maintaining attention

• Problems with school and social life

In addition, prolonged early substance use may give rise to long-term effects on adolescent development.

Physical Signs Your Teen Might Have Been Consuming Substances

It can be difficult to determine if your teen is using drugs. Many signs are typical of teen behavior. Others are symptoms of mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.

It’s helpful to become familiar with these telltale signs your teen may be using drugs. While not exhaustive, it highlights many:

Paraphernalia Discovery

• Finding drug paraphernalia among a teen’s belongings can be a shock but is a telltale sign

Social Indicators

• Less obvious, but important, are changes in your teen’s social circles, such as new friends who may influence negative behaviors

Secretive Behavior

• Signs of secretive behavior, like lying about whereabouts or having unexplained absences may be strong indicators that you should consider the other following signs

Behavioral Changes

• Absenteeism or a loss of interest in school, work or other activities

• Changed relationships with family members or friends; avoids eye contact; locks doors; makes constant excuses

• Phases of sleeplessness or high energy, followed by long “catch up” sleep

• Goes out often for long periods of time, breaks curfew

• Secretive phone use; may use Incognito mode to hide visited websites

• Uses chewing gum or mints to cover up breath

• Uses preparations to reduce eye reddening or nasal irritation

• Has cash flow problems

• Has become unusually clumsy with poor balance

Physical Signs

• Unusually tired and/or lethargic

• Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain

• Nosebleeds and/or runny nose, not caused by allergies or a cold

• Frequent sickness

• Unable to speak clearly, slurred or rapid-fire speech, indicating slurred speech as a symptom of being high

• Sores, spots around mouth; skin abrasions/bruises

• Frequent sweating

• Seizures and/or vomiting

Shifts in Mood and Personality

• Sullen, withdrawn or depressed; lacking motivation

• Silent, uncommunicative; angry, uncooperative

• Deceitful (stealing money) or secretive

• Unable to focus

• A sudden loss of inhibitions; unusually elated

Hygiene and Appearance

• Smell of smoke or other unusual smells on breath or on clothes, possibly indicating smoking marijuana or smoking weed

• Disheveled appearance

• Poor personal hygiene

• Flushed cheeks or face

• Burns or ash marks on fingers or lips

• Track marks on arms or legs (or long sleeves in warm weather) to hide marks

What to Do After Finding Out?

Stay Calm and Gather Facts

• Staying calm and collect information before confronting your teen. Approaching the situation with calmness and informed understanding can make all the difference in effectively addressing teen drug use.

Open a Dialogue

• Open a non-judgmental conversation with your teen about their substance use

Set Clear Boundaries and Consequences

• Establish and enforce clear rules and consequences related to substance use

Monitor Behavior

• Monitor your teen’s behavior and activities without excessively infringing on their privacy

Provide Support and Resources

• Let your teen know you wish to support them through recovery efforts, including therapy and support groups.

Five Steps Parents or Guardians Can Take

Establish Clear Rules and Consequences

• Let your teen know that using substances comes with specific consequences. Be careful not to make empty threats or set rules you can’t enforce. Ensure in advance that all parental adults agree with the rules and are prepared to enforce them. Establishing these rules can also help prevent drug use from escalating into a more serious problem.

Monitor Your Teen’s Activity

• Know where your teen goes and who they hang out with. Routinely check for substances in potential hiding places such as in backpacks, between books on a shelf, and in DVD or make-up cases. Explain to your teenager that this lack of privacy is a consequence of their substance use

Encourage Other Positive Interests and Social Activities

• Expose your teenager to healthful hobbies and activities, such as team sports and afterschool clubs. Engaging in these positive interests can bolster a child’s academic performance, which is often negatively impacted by drug use. Regular participation in academic and social activities can improve their ability to make effective decisions and maintain their motivation, ultimately preventing drug use and its detrimental effects on their education.

Talk to Your Teen About Underlying Issues

• SUD can be the result of other problems that cause stress, such as having trouble fitting in, or a recent major change in their lives, like a family move or divorce.

Get Help

• Teenagers often rebel against their parents, but if they hear the same information from a different authority figure, they may be more likely to listen. These may include sports coaches, family doctors, therapists, or drug counselors

When To Look for Help with Mental Health Issues?

Recognizing Overwhelm

• Acknowledge if the situation is beyond your capability, such as your teen’s aggressive behavior or if substance use is severe

Professional Assessment

• Seek a professional evaluation from a psychologist or a substance abuse counselor

Treatment Options

• Consider the range of  treatment options available, such as outpatient, inpatient, and therapeutic residential communities

Support Groups

• Support groups for both your teen and your family, such as Al-Anon or local support groups, can be very helpful

Legal and School Assistance

• Consider if and when it might be necessary to involve legal advice or school counselors to manage the teen’s situation

Clearfork Academy Is Here To Help

If your teen is showing any signs of substance abuse, or you feel they may be, but aren’t sure, reach out to us at Clearfork Academy. Our licensed counselors are very experienced working with teens and can provide them and you compassionate support.

Sources

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021. What You Need To Know About Marijuana Use and Teens.

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022. High-Risk Substance Use Among Youth.

NIDA for Teens. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).