You can do everything in your power to keep your child healthy and safe. Still, outside influences can create stress, anxiety, and isolation that lead to experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Substance use can quickly spiral out of control without prompt intervention, resulting in physical and psychological dependence. Recognizing the signs of substance use early can lead to early treatment and a better chance at long-term recovery for your teen.
At Guardian Recovery, we understand the unique behavioral challenges of adolescence, and we offer a safe, nurturing environment where young people aged 13 to 17 can find hope, healing, and true transformation. If you suspect your teenager is misusing substances or is simply struggling with behavior concerns, reach out today for a free and confidential conversation.
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The Importance of Early Detection
Addiction is a progressive disease that can physically alter important areas of the brain deepening the dependence on substances.1 However, just as the brain can change to become addicted to drugs, it can transform to heal itself from dependence.
One reason for the brain’s recovery is a phenomenon called neuroplasticity. It means that the brain can change and adapt even after experiencing damage. As we engage in healthier behaviors, such as abstaining from alcohol and drugs, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in stimulating activities, our brain can rewire itself and form new connections.
The point is simply that the earlier you identify teen substance use, the sooner your child can get treatment. Even if substance use is a temporary part of your teen’s behavior, it’s important to address causes and triggers now to ensure they don’t escalate into larger problems later.
Behavioral Changes to Look For in Your Teen
The teen and young adult years are ones of tremendous physical and emotional growth and rapid change. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the brain stops growing in early adolescence but doesn’t finish developing and maturing until the mid-to-late 20s.2 The last part to mature is the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for skills like planning, prioritizing, and making good decisions. Thus, poor decisions around substance use may be linked to ongoing brain development.
That said, changes in behaviors that might be considered “typical” for a teenager may actually be signs of substance use. And most often, substance use is actually a symptom of an underlying mental, emotional, or behavioral concern. Treating one isn’t sufficient for long-term recovery. That’s why Guardian Recovery employs a holistic treatment approach that addresses all of these concerns simultaneously.
Some of the behavioral changes that may indicate substance misuse include:
- Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed.
- Dropping old friends for a new group.
- Acting sad, aggressive, or angry.
- Breaking rules.
- Avoiding eye contact.
- Ignoring or breaking curfew.
- Acting irresponsibly.
- Frequently asking for money.
- Stealing.
- Locking bedroom doors.
- Making secretive calls.
- Isolating from others or damaging relationships with family or friends.
- Making excuses or lying.
- Resisting discipline or feedback.
- Missing school or work and dropping grades.
- Paranoia, irritability, anxiety, fidgeting.
- Difficulty staying on task or focused.
Physical Signs & Changes in Health & Appearance
Early warning signs of substance use and underlying emotional and mental health issues can be hard to spot. But it is important to be on the lookout for changes in your teen so that you can seek holistic treatment as soon as possible. The following changes in physical appearance or health may be signs your teen is experimenting with or using substances.
- Poor hygiene.
- Glazed or bloodshot eyes.
- Frequent runny nose or nosebleeds.
- Small track marks on arms or legs or efforts to hide their extremities.
- Pupils larger or smaller than usual.
- Cold, sweaty palms or shaking hands.
- Sores on the mouth.
- Headaches.
- Sleeping more than usual.
- Puffy, swollen face.
- Extremely tired or extremely hyperactive.
- Rapid weight gain or loss.
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Recognizing Emotional Shifts in Mood & Attitude
The vast physical, hormonal, and social changes teens experience often lead to changes in mood and attitude. The sunny disposition you were used to may darken, replacing smiles with frowns, conversations with monosyllabic responses, and cuddles with physical distancing. It can be hard to tell if such behaviors are due to hormonal shifts or if they signify a larger problem.
If your teen is consistently despondent or angry and has undergone rapid changes in their attitude—or if they have mood shifts that coincide with the physical symptoms listed above—it might be time to have a discussion about substance use. Although your teen’s behavior may be troubling, their moods and actions aren’t a true reflection of who they are, nor who they will become. Rather, they’re a snapshot of a particular moment in time—and a symptom of underlying issues.
The Impact on Friendships & Activities
The impact of substance use on a teenager’s friendships can be profound and multifaceted. As a teen begins to experiment with drugs or alcohol, their priorities and behaviors may shift, often leading to a deterioration of established relationships. Friends who do not partake in drug use might distance themselves, feeling uncomfortable or concerned about their friend’s choices.
This can create a sense of isolation for the teen, who may then gravitate toward new social circles that normalize drug use. These new friendships may be built on shared substance use rather than genuine connection, potentially fostering an environment that encourages further risky behavior. Over time, the quality of these relationships can diminish, as trust and mutual support are replaced with a cycle of dependence and manipulation.
According to a recent study, one of the early warning signs of drug use is when teens change their peer groups and those new “friends” are individuals their parents don’t know and/or don’t approve of.3
Additionally, drug use can significantly affect a teen’s participation in activities they once enjoyed. Hobbies, sports, and academic pursuits often take a backseat as the allure of drugs becomes more dominant. The energy and focus required to engage in these activities can be sapped by substance use, leading to declining performance and a lack of motivation. This shift can result in missed opportunities and a loss of passion for interests that once brought joy and fulfillment.
How Substance Use Affects School Performance
The physical, emotional, and cognitive effects of substance use can wreak havoc on school performance. The 2015 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) revealed that U.S. high school students with lower grades were more likely to have used drugs, while higher grades correlate to a lesser likelihood of trying marijuana and other drugs.4
- 66% of students with mostly D/F grades had used marijuana one or more times during their life, compared to 24% of U.S. high school students with mostly A grades.
- 34% of students with mostly D/F grades took prescription drugs, such as OxyContin, Percocet, codeine, Adderall, Ritalin, or Xanax, one or more times during their life without a doctor’s prescription, compared to 11% of students with mostly A grades.
- 10% of students with mostly D/F grades had used heroin one or more times during their life, compared to 1% of students with mostly A grades.
Common Substances Teens Might Be Using
According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 5.3 million individuals aged 12 to 17 (20.6% of this age group) reported having used illicit drugs in their lifetimes.5
Marijuana remains the most commonly misused substance among teenagers, posing significant risks to their health and development. In a February 2024 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that 84% of teens aged 13 to 18 reported use of marijuana in the past 30 days while 49% reported using alcohol in the same time period.6 While the rate of cannabis vaping among teens stabilized in 2022 after significant increases in previous years, 6% of 8th graders, 15% of 10th graders, and 21% of 12th graders reported past-year use.5
Opioid misuse also remains a significant concern. In 2019, 7.2% of high school students reported current misuse of prescription opioids. Plus, 29.2% of these students also used alcohol and 21.7% used marijuana.6
When to Reach Out for Support
Figuring out if your child is using substances isn’t easy. Many of the behavioral signs of drug use in teens are typical young adult behavior or symptoms of mental health issues, including depression or anxiety. Physical symptoms can also be mistaken for any maladies, from allergies and colds to lack of sleep and exhaustion.
If you have seen increasing changes in your teen, and substance use enters your mind, don’t hesitate to err on the side of caution. Have a direct yet compassionate conversation about your teen’s behavior and potential substance use. But before the conversation starts, have a plan for your next steps if the answer is “yes.” Prepare yourself emotionally to minimize the chance of overreacting and risking the chance of your teen becoming defensive, shutting down, or running away. Taking a few preparatory steps makes positive outcomes more likely.
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Discovering that your teen has been using substances can be stressful, but receiving evidence-based treatment in an accredited program provides your child with the best chance of long-term recovery. Plus, chances are that your teen’s behavior is driven by underlying mental or emotional issues, and getting to the root cause of the behavior will creating lasting change and long-term recovery.
Guardian Recovery can help. Our holistic approach combines evidence-based therapies, academic support, and family involvement to address the root causes of high-risk behaviors. Featuring a 1:1 staff-to-client ratio, we empower teens to build resilience, self-esteem, and the skills they need to thrive today, tomorrow, and always.
Reach out today to learn more. Our staff can answer your questions, discuss treatment options, and even perform a brief assessment for your teen. Reach out now to join us on a transformative journey to unlock your child’s true potential.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- Hazelden Betty Ford. (2021). The Brain Disease Model of Addiction.
- National Institute of Health. (2023). The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know.
- Ali S, Mouton CP, Jabeen S, et al. Early Detection of Illicit Drug Use in Teenagers Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011;8(12):24-28.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Making the Connection: Drug Use and Academic Grades.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Detailed Tables 1.2A and 1.2B.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Research Topics: Alcohol.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Cannabis and Teens: Health Effects.
