Recognizing Warning Signs of Teen Substance Use and Behavioral Issues

Adolescents frequently face a variety of difficulties and temptations, including the appeal of substance use, as they negotiate the turbulent process of growing up. Whether it’s drinking, smoking, or experimenting with drugs, these habits can have a significant negative impact on their relationships, health, and future. To intervene early and provide the required assistance, parents must be able to recognize the warning signals of teen substance use. Furthermore, being aware of the typical problems that teenagers encounter beyond these issues—such as skipping class and rebelling against authority—can help reveal underlying problems that might be linked to substance abuse.

Additionally, it’s good to know who to turn to when it feels like you’ve tried everything else. Our team at Help Your Teen Now has helped countless parents and guardians get their teens back on track, and we’d love to help you find the support you need. Not only are our services free, but our team has a wealth of knowledge regarding resources for teens and can help you find the answers you need in the most trying times. Continue reading to learn about some warning signs to look for in your teen, understand the challenges that today’s teens face, and get more information on the importance of intervention.

Warning Signs of Adolescent Drug Use

It’s important to understand that no two teens are the same, which means that pinpointing their possible drug use requires a keen eye. Still, some warning signs are typically the same, which are detailed below:

Behavior Shifts: Sudden behavioral changes, erratic moods, or severe irritation may be signs of substance abuse. You may also notice a sharp drop in their academic performance or their withdrawal from friends and family. While some of the withdrawal and shifting moods are normal, when they’re related to drug use, they can be more consistent and last longer. 

Physical Symptoms: Substance use can present physically as bloodshot eyes, dilated or constricted pupils, unexplained weight gain or loss, and frequent nosebleeds. A chronic cough or a hoarse voice might also be signs of vaping or smoking. Additionally, substance abuse or unsafe actions related to intoxication might cause headaches, tremors, nausea, or unexplained injuries.

Shifts in the Social Circle: Adolescents who use drugs or alcohol may find themselves drawn to a new social group that shares their interests. On the other hand, as mentioned above, they may stop participating in activities or hanging out with lifelong friends.

Neglecting Responsibilities: Absenteeism from school, falling behind in class, and poor personal hygiene are typical indicators of substance abuse. At the same time, they may also become disinterested in hobbies or extracurricular activities they once found enjoyable.

Financial Concerns: Abrupt requests for cash without a detailed plan for their use may be an indication of drug abuse. Money or valuables going missing from the home could potentially be a sign that drug-related activities are being funded.

Legal Issues: Interactions with law enforcement, such as drug possession, underage alcohol consumption, or vandalism arrests, may indicate substance abuse.

What Challenges Do Today’s Teens Face?

While it might be hard not to compare your life growing up to today’s teens, the fact is that there is no comparison. With new technology, changes in family structures, and so much more, comparing the teen years only a few years ago to today’s teens becomes hard. This means it’s more vital than ever to understand the changes today’s teens face to understand their struggles.

Peer Pressure: Adolescents frequently experience peer pressure to engage in particular behaviors, such as drug and alcohol experimentation. While this is an age-old issue, access to social media has increased the pressure, making it impossible for some teens to escape.

Stress: Today’s teens deal with a lot of stress due to peer pressure, home problems, extracurricular activities, and academic pressure. To deal with this stress, they may turn to unhealthy ways to cope, such as drugs and alcohol.

Mental Health Issues: Teenagers are more and more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health illnesses. Many use drugs or alcohol as a kind of self-medication to get relief from their problems. In addition, adolescents who have had adverse childhood experiences, ACEs, or trauma may find it more difficult to manage their emotions, which may cause them to turn to drugs.

Simple Access: Teens frequently have relatively simple access to alcohol and drugs, even despite legal prohibitions, whether via older friends, siblings, or other sources.

Influence of Popular Culture and Media: These two areas frequently glamorize drug and alcohol abuse, making it seem desirable and socially acceptable.

Low Self-Esteem: Adolescents who struggle with low self-esteem may use drugs or alcohol to cope with their feelings of inadequacy or to increase their confidence.

Lack of Education: Some teenagers may experiment without fully understanding the possible risks since they are unaware of the implications and risks linked with alcohol and drug use.

Managing these issues calls for an all-encompassing strategy that incorporates community interventions targeted at lowering teen substance misuse, education, parental and caregiver support, and access to mental health resources. The good news is that you can find everything you and your teen need through our services. We help you find the right resources for your teen’s particular issues, giving you hope and peace of mind.

Understanding the Value of Prompt Intervention

To address teen substance use and related difficulties, early intervention is essential. With the right resources on your side, you can stop substance use from worsening and lessen its negative impacts by seeing warning signs and acting quickly to address them. In addition, open communication, defining clear expectations and boundaries, encouraging positive peer connections, and obtaining professional assistance when necessary are all effective early intervention tactics.

Early intervention can also address underlying problems, including stress, peer pressure, mental health illnesses, or family factors that may be contributing to substance use. Teens can create better-coping strategies and make more informed decisions about substance use by addressing these underlying issues. While it may feel overwhelming to pursue some of these issues, especially if you have feelings of guilt or are concerned about the role the family has played in the current situation, it’s vital for your teen to see your willingness to open up and find the help they need.

Contact Our Team to Find the Resources You Need Today

Supporting adolescent well-being and averting long-term harm requires an awareness of the warning signs of teen substance use as well as a comprehension of the typical problems that young people encounter. You can enable your teen to make wise decisions, overcome obstacles, and create a bright future free of substance abuse by providing early intervention and assistance.

If you’re curious about how our team can assist you and your teen, contact us today.

Sources:

https://helpyourteennow.com/boarding-schools-for-troubled-teens/

https://helpyourteennow.com/finding-a-school-in-your-state/

https://helpyourteennow.com/contact-us/

https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/resourceFiles/sptac-ace-role-of-substance-misuse-prevention.pdf

https://drugfree.org/article/signs-of-drug-use-in-teens

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teen-drug-abuse/art-20045921