5 Early Warning Signs of Teen Substance Use

Many parents worry about their teen's safety and well-being. Substance use can be a major concern for parents, especially when they depend on the teen to tell them what is going on in their lives. Here are five early warning signs of substance abuse among teens.

Shifts in Mood and Personality

If you notice that your teen is acting more irritable, withdrawn, depressed, or anxious than usual, they might be engaging in substance abuse. Drugs and alcohol often lead teens to act out in ways they would never do while sober. This could result from an immediate need for money if their substance use has begun to affect their day-to-day responsibilities.

They may start being deceitful or secretive, lashing out in anger, or they may be hanging out with a new group of friends. Teens who are using substances will often show changes in their mood and personality due to the effects of the drugs on their brain chemistry. Once you see these warning signs, you should seek professional help or enroll them in a substance abuse recovery center.

Physical Health Problems

Drugs and alcohol can hurt the teen's physical health. If their substance use has become problematic, they may start missing school or neglecting activities that used to be important to them. They might also experience changes in appearance, such as weight loss or messy hair. Those using may not take care of themselves, neglect hygiene, or even show signs of withdrawal.

Drug use can also lead to health problems, including high blood pressure and weakened immune system, resulting in frequent illness without proper treatment. Physical symptoms will often be the first sign that there is a problem with substance abuse. Since this warning sign may not be obvious to parents, teenagers may try to hide it for a while.

Unable to Follow Rules

The teen's behavior may begin to change. This is often the result of their heightened anxiety, paranoia, or irritability that comes with using substances. It can also be a sign that they are having trouble coping without drugs or alcohol.

If you find your teen abusing substances, they may seem to be more unpredictable in their behavior. They may also begin breaking rules they used to follow, such as skipping school or not complying with curfews. If you are beginning to see signs of substance abuse, there is a good chance that your teen will start struggling with following rules set by parents and teachers before using substances.

Dropping Out of Activities

Teens may begin to withdraw from activities that used to be important to them. This includes school events, sports games, and other extracurriculars. Priorities can quickly change when teens abuse substances, as even small responsibilities become overwhelming. Similar behaviors include avoiding old friends and not spending time with family members who they used to care about.

Dropping out of activities is the last sign teens will show before substance use becomes a serious issue for them and their families. This can often be tied back to other warning signs such as changes in mood, physical health problems, and failing to follow the rules. If you think your teen is struggling with substance use, it is crucial to look for addiction treatment programs as soon as possible.

Always Has Cash Flow Problems

It is normal for teens to have minor cash flow problems. However, if they are constantly asking for money, there could be a problem with substance use. If you notice your teen asking for money and can never keep up with their bills, there is a problem. This may seem like an unusual sign, but oftentimes teens will turn to drug use as a quick solution for their financial problems.

If your teen is suddenly receiving money from places other than you or your spouse, this could be another indication that he or she has developed substance abuse habits. It might not necessarily mean that they are buying drugs, but it is definitely a sign that they have some sort of money issue.

It can be difficult to tell if your teenager is using substances. The signs are not always obvious, and the problem could have been going on for a while before you notice anything at all. There are multiple warning signs to look for in your teen if you believe they may be struggling with substance use. These include mood changes, physical health problems, dropping out of activities, and failing to follow the rules. If you notice any of these signs early, it is possible that teens can get help before substance abuse becomes a problem for them.