Recognizing the Signs of Substance Use in Teens

Teens are not adults. But they often have to make adult decisions about drugs and alcohol. Try to be aware of the pressures teens face, and learn the signs of substance use. If your child has a problem with alcohol or drugs, take action. Your doctor can help.

Some of the most common reasons kids try drugs include:

• Peer pressure. Teens often face intense pressure from their friends to try drugs.
• Social anxiety. Teens may think that drug use will help them fit in. Or they may believe that it will make them more relaxed and outgoing.
• Curiosity. It's normal for teens to want to find out about drugs for themselves.
• Problems with school, parents, or sex. Teens often think that getting high will solve their problems.
• Depression. Alcohol and drugs can be used to self-medicate and mask the symptoms of depression.

It can be hard to spot drug use in teens. That's because their lives are often in turmoil. Also, many signs of drug use may be signs of other problems. These may include depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. You should be concerned if your teen:

• Falls behind in school. A drastic drop in grades may signal a serious problem.
• Withdraws from family and old friends.
• Gives up doing things they used to enjoy, such as playing sports or music.
• Lies or steals.
• Takes excessive risks.
• Seems moody or depressed.
• Is very hostile.
• Gets in trouble with the law or at school.
• Changes their friend group.
• Talks about death or suicide.

Family and friends are often the first to notice the warning signs of suicide. Suicidal thoughts or actions aren't a harmless bid for attention. They are a sign of extreme stress. They should not be ignored.

If your teen talks about suicide or harming others and has a plan and the means to carry it out: Don't leave them alone. Take action. Remove the means, such as guns, rope, or stockpiled pills. If your teen is in great danger of self-harm, call or text 988.

Talk to your teen about drug use. Try not to react too strongly. Most of all, listen to what your teen has to say. If your teen is in trouble, talk with someone you trust. That might be your doctor, a school counselor, or a local mental health clinic. Many school districts now have drug use counselors who can help. Or contact one of the many groups that deal with drug use.

Overdose help. If you are worried that your teen is using drugs, learn about naloxone and talk with your child's doctor. Naloxone is a medicine that can be used in an emergency to quickly reverse an opioid overdose. It can be used in people who have overdosed on an opioid and aren't breathing normally. Naloxone has no effect on someone who doesn't have opioids in their system. It's not used to treat an opioid use disorder. Examples of opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine.

Here are some ways to be involved:

• Spend time with your teen. Take turns choosing something to do together at least once a week.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions. Find out where your children are going and who their friends are.
• Try to be there when your children get home. The peak time for drug and alcohol use is between 4 and 6 p.m.
• Don't lecture. Teens need to know they can come to you for help.
• Be a good listener. Find out what your teen enjoys, dislikes, and values in their life. In other words, get to know your child's hopes and fears.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 988
• National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org or 800-950-6264
• National Institute on Drug Abuse at www.nida.nih.gov or 800-662-4357
• National Institute of Mental Health at www.nimh.nih.gov or 866-615-6464