Drug and alcohol abuse is prevalent in younger and younger demographics. The worst part of this is that many parents have no idea what symptoms to look for. The physical, emotional and behavioral changes come on gradually.

It’s important to begin by understanding that you likely don’t know everything going on with your teenager. Even if your teen or young adult finally admits that he is using, you may not getting the whole story. What sounds like experimentation may be a habit. Not every teen who uses becomes a full-blown addict. Teens who are only experimenting may be able to turn things around before it’s too late. Then again, they may be more deeply involved with addiction than they’re willing to let on. There’s no way to know, until you know. You don’t want to take that chance, so recognizing the signs and acting on that knowledge is crucial.

Keep in mind that drug use is usually just a symptom of a deeper, underlying issue. Many teens are struggling with anxiety, depression, isolation, social and academic pressures, low self-esteem, social media/gaming, and family issues (such as divorce, illness and addiction). From a parent’s perspective, these things may be trivial, but for a teenager, these may be cause for them to seek solace and acceptance in drugs.

Addiction also comes with a ton of paraphernalia. If you have an addict in your home, you may even be harboring some of these materials yourself, without even knowing. If you have suspicions, be on the lookout for butane lighters, baggies, roach clips, bongs, crumpled balls of tin foil (and check for resin/residue).

If your teenager is smoking marijuana, they may take to carrying a bottle of Visine around with them. Many carry Visine in a pocket, glove compartment or purse. Yes, remember to check the car.

The odor! Most people know what alcohol and pot smell like. Don’t doubt what your own senses are telling you. If you think you smell marijuana or alcohol, you’re probably right. Consider also that teenagers will use cigarette smoke, cologne, or other potent smells in an attempt to cover the scent of drugs. If they have suddenly grown interested in burning incense in their room, for instance, it is most likely to cover up the smell of pot.

All too often, teenagers begin experimenting with substances they find in their own home. Often, this substance is alcohol, but it can also include pills. When a toddler swallows them, it’s accidental. When a teen takes them, it’s intentional. Keep them out of reach by locking them up. Keep an eye on your liquor cabinet, as well, especially if you have suspicions.

WARNING SIGNS!  CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR

You know your child’s habits and academic tendencies. One of the first things you may notice is that motivation, physical appearance, and grades are affected. Apathy about schoolwork sets in or increases. Pay attention to this sign. Something else is going on, whether it’s a real academic challenge or an emotional struggle.

Look at the people your son is choosing to spend time with. Is he hanging out with troublemakers and hoodlums? Take note. He is gravitating to the kids with low expectations of him. If he’s using drugs with them, he is following their lead in order to fit in. When a teen is feeling insecure and lonely, all he wants is to belong somewhere, where there is no pressure. This leads him away from the over-achievers and the A+ students. Instead, he finds himself in the school parking lot with the burnouts, following their example.

A using teen will avoid family activities. Whether it’s family gatherings, dinner out, or the movies, your child insists on staying in their room, door closed. Your teen is withdrawn and uncommunicative. There might as well be a sign on the door – Stay Out! Don’t Pay Attention to Me! Combined with other evidence and behavior changes, this is actually an invitation for you to intervene. Your teen will deny it, but it is a call for help. They can’t fix themselves.

Your child may also be irritable and have violent outbursts. Suddenly, they’re easily set off by even the slightest provocation. They might become sullen and withdrawn. Even a once-quiet child may explode with uncharacteristic aggression. Pat attention to these mood swings, as they could easily be more than typical teenage emotions.

Healthy teenagers can great pains to look their best. They feel judged at school and struggle to maintain a certain appearance for others. If your son has begun using drugs, their hygiene and attention to their appearance are often the first things to go.

WARNING SIGNS!  FINANCIAL CONCERNS (theirs and yours)

Don’t dismiss a few missing dollars. Drugs and alcohol cost money, and most teenagers don’t have a consistent stream of reliable income. Your child will tell you that you’re crazy, just imagining it, or that you spent it yourself. Not wanting to believe their child is stealing from them, most parents will second-guess themselves. This is often the first stage of denial. As with the other early symptoms of addiction, learn to trust your instincts.

Denied expensive drugs, many teenagers will turn to using anything they can get their hands on. Huffing is an inexpensive way to get high with products found at home. Common among younger teens, inhalants come in third behind alcohol and tobacco as the most used substances among teenagers. Inhalants are a class of drugs which includes just about anything that comes in an aerosol can. Common substances of abuse include air freshener, whipped cream, spray paint and hairspray. They contain butane or toluene, which can cause serious damage to the brain, bone marrow, kidneys and liver. Other cheap highs come from glue, paint thinners and markers. All of them can be deadly.

There are some concrete steps you should take as soon as you detect substance abuse in your teenager. First, document what you have seen and heard. Remember, your teenager will almost certainly deny any and all accusations. No matter how solid your evidence, they will very rarely admit to their addiction. On the other hand, when you choose to seek help, it’s important to have as much information as you can.

What does that help look like? Early recovery is an extremely tumultuous time in anyone’s life, regardless of age. With teenagers, however, the path to recovery can be even trickier. Many of them are not going to believe they are addicts, even if their substance use has begun to create complications. “I’m too young to be an addict” or “I can’t give up substances this early in my life, I’ll miss out on so many good times in the future”. You might hear variations of these complaints or anything in between. For this reason, a residential treatment center is often the best choice. Many addicts require a period of separation and stability in the earliest stage of recovery to ensure their chances of staying sober.

New Adventure Treatment Center is a certified and licensed addiction treatment center. If your son is struggling with addiction issues, he needs professional help to ensure permanent recovery. This program employs experienced and well-educated therapists and counselors to make sure that his drug addiction is a thing of the past. Call (800) 329-1825 today – swift action can prevent your teenager’s addiction from spiraling further out of control.