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What Should I Do if Teen Is Stealing My Medications?

Explore strategies to secure medications, compassionately confront your teen, and seek professional help for substance misuse.

What you will learn:

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Prescription drugs are a leading source of substance use for teens. A 2019 study explains that teens frequently obtain prescription substances that are then misused in their homes.1 If you’ve discovered that your teen has been stealing your medications, this is a deeply concerning situation that signals a problem that should be addressed as soon as possible to protect your child’s health and well-being. It’s crucial to approach these circumstances with a sense of resolve and compassion as well as a firm commitment to getting them the help they need.

At Guardian Recovery’s Montville Adolescent Center, we understand that substance misuse can dramatically affect both teens and their families. We offer teen addiction treatment, focused on providing adolescents with personalized care and compassionate support to empower them to overcome their challenges and achieve lasting sobriety.

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Guardian Recovery Adolescent can help your teen take control of their lives, putting them on a path to a brighter future filled with possibility.

Immediate Safety Steps

If you suspect your teen has been stealing and taking your medications, consider this a serious situation that requires prompt action to ensure your teen’s safety and welfare. This requires assessing any immediate potential risks involved.
  1. Look for current signs of intoxication. If your teen is acting extremely lethargic, has impaired speech or coordination, or is exhibiting any signs of an overdose, call 911 immediately and follow their instructions.2
  2. Learn as much as you can about the medications or other substances they’ve taken and provide this information to the 911 dispatcher. Understand that different medications come with different dangers. This is especially true if they’ve taken opioids, types of central nervous system depressants (such as benzodiazepines or muscle relaxers), or excessive amounts of any medication. 
  3. As soon as possible, determine if this is a one-time event or an ongoing pattern of misuse. Understanding the frequency and amount in which the teen has been taking the medication can help you and others assess the situation’s severity.
Regardless of whether your teen is currently intoxicated, remember this issue won’t resolve itself, and you should still act with thoughtfulness and urgency. You will need to confront your teen at an appropriate time and likely seek professional help in some form, such as a teen substance use treatment center like Guardian Recovery.

Securing Medications & Documentation

Ensuring that your teen does not have access to your medications requires ongoing diligence and a strategy that includes the following:
  • Locking up medications — Obtain a lock box or secure location where you can ensure your medications are inaccessible to your teen. If you get your meds by mail, consider a locked mailbox. Note: Be as discreet as possible about your medications so that only those on a need-to-know basis are aware of what you’re taking.
  • Keeping track of inventory — Count pills and keep track of bottles to identify if there are any discrepancies. Consider keeping an ongoing record of this information, such as in a spreadsheet that you can update regularly.
  • Disposing of unused medications — Do not keep extra or expired medications. Use a drug take-back program or refer to guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration for safe disposal.3

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Understanding the Crisis & What It Could Mean

If you’ve discovered your teen is stealing medication, this is a crisis that should not be ignored or minimized. Depending on the type of medication they’ve been using, they could be placing themselves at risk of overdose, addiction, and other serious health complications. Also, this situation can create conflict and distrust within the family, adversely affecting relationships and the overall well-being of the family unit.

This behavior could mean that your teen is curious about drugs and experimenting. But even if this is true, it does not negate the immediate risks involved. This behavior more likely signals that they may be attempting to self-medicate to cope with emotional issues, stress, or a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety. 

Common Warning Signs

Signs and symptoms you may notice in your teen if they’ve been secretly taking your medication or engaging in any form of substance misuse include:

  • Lack of coordination, slurred speech, difficulty with balance, moving, or talking.
  • Dilated or constricted pupils, noticeable changes in pupil size.
  • Unexplained mood swings, irritability, extreme depression or anxiety
  • Appetite or weight changes, eating more or less than normal.
  • Changes in sleep patterns, sleeping more or less than usual.
  • Secrecy or self-isolation, such as spending more time alone and being less communicative.
  • Decline in academic performance, poor grades, truancy.
  • Changes in social circles or spending time with new friends or those who seem to have a negative influence.
  • Loss of interest in hobbies or activities once enjoyed.

Intervention Strategies & Taking Action

Confronting your teen about this issue requires careful consideration. The following tips can help you approach the situation with care and compassion:

  • Choose a calm moment. Don’t confront your teen when one of you is angry. Also, if they’re intoxicated, don’t attempt to have a conversation beyond assessing their well-being.
  • Be firm, but don’t threaten them with punishment. They must understand that you are deeply concerned for their well-being and that this issue cannot continue. Let them know you love them unconditionally and support them and that you need to seek help for them together.
  • Listen without judgment. Ask questions so you can understand why they’ve been taking your medications. Are they experimenting, self-medication for emotional issues, or under peer pressure? Knowing their reasons can help you better assess the situation. It can show them that you truly do care and want to help them, rather than intending to shame them or punish them.
  • Have a plan in place, if possible. Contact your doctor, therapist, or a treatment facility such as Montville Adolescent Center ahead of time for an appointment or to learn more about treatment options.

Professional Help

Effectively addressing dual diagnosis in adolescents requires a multifaceted strategy. A successful treatment plan often incorporates a combination of medications, psychotherapy, peer support groups, and lifestyle adjustments. By tackling both mental health disorders and substance use concurrently, teens can achieve lasting recovery and an improved overall quality of life. 

At Montville Adolescent Center, our specialized dual diagnosis care for teens offers a comprehensive and holistic approach featuring assessments, tailored treatment plans, and a supportive environment for growth and change.

Offering a full continuum of care, we treat substance use issues related to the following, and more:

  • Alcohol
  • Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Klonopin)
  • Inhalants
  • Marijuana
  • Opioids / Prescription Painkillers (e.g., fentanyl, oxycodone, heroin)
  • Stimulants (e.g., ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Adderall, cocaine, methamphetamine)

Treatment Options

  • Comprehensive assessments and diagnoses — This involves thoroughly evaluating your teen’s mental and physical health, substance use, social life, and academic performance to gain a complete understanding of their needs.
  • Psychiatric interventions and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) — These interventions may incorporate medication to manage mental health symptoms such as anxiety or depression. MAT can help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with substance use disorders.
  • Individual therapy — One-on-one counseling, often involving cognitive behavioral therapy, allows adolescents to address personal challenges, develop coping strategies, and explore underlying issues in a safe and supportive environment. 
  • Group therapy — Group support sessions provide a sense of community and allow your child to connect with peers facing similar struggles, fostering shared experiences and social skills development.
  • Family therapy — Families are involved in the therapeutic process to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen bonds, creating a supportive home environment conducive to recovery.
  • Relapse prevention — Teens are equipped with the skills needed to identify relapse warning signs and develop coping strategies to manage cravings and stress, empowering them to maintain long-term sobriety.
  • Academic intervention — Our educators collaborate with clinical staff to address both emotional and academic needs, ensuring a holistic approach that motivates confidence and success.

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Changing lives by providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation, empowering individuals to overcome addiction and regain control of their health and well-being.

Finding Substance Use & Mental Health Treatment Near Me

Looking for exceptional treatment and support for your teen and family? At Montville Adolescent Center, we’ll help you navigate the journey to recovery from start to finish. Our admissions advisors will answer your questions, help you explore treatment options, and discuss insurance and payment plans. 

Mental wellness is an ongoing journey, which is why we plan for your teen’s next steps from day one, adjusting our approach to meet their ongoing needs long after they’ve completed formal treatment. We urge you to contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. There’s no obligation and no pressure to commit to treatment. Recovery is within reach, and we’re here for you every step of the way.

SELF-ASSESSMENT:

Do I Have an Addiction Issue?

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.

  1. Nieri, T., Kulis, S., Keith, V. M., & Hurdle, D. (2005). Body image, acculturation, and substance abuse among boys and girls in the Southwest. The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse, 31(4), 617–639. https://doi.org/10.1081/ada-200068418.
  2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). Overdose – What is an opioid overdose?
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Where and how to dispose of unused medicines.

Questions?
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Reviewed professionally for accuracy by:

Ryan Soave

L.M.H.C.

Ryan Soave brings deep experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified trauma therapist, program developer, and research consultant for Huberman Lab at Stanford University Department of Neurobiology. Post-graduation from Wake Forest University, Ryan quickly discovered his acumen for the business world. After almost a decade of successful entrepreneurship and world traveling, he encountered a wave of personal and spiritual challenges; he felt a calling for something more. Ryan returned to school and completed his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. When he started working with those suffering from addiction and PTSD, he found his passion. He has never looked back.

Written by:

Picture of Natalee Serrels

Natalee Serrels

Natalee Serrels graduated in 2013 with a master's degree in psychology. She joined Guardian Recovery in 2022 as a freelance writer specializing in addiction and mental health. She lives in Grand Ledge, Michigan, with her husband, 16-year-old son, and two cats.

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Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided on this website is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. Guardian Recovery aims to improve the quality of life for individuals struggling with substance use or mental health disorders by offering fact-based content about behavioral health conditions, treatment options, and related outcomes. However, this information should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Important Notes:

The content on this site is believed to be current and accurate at the time of posting, but medical information is constantly evolving.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns about your health or medical condition.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Guardian Recovery does not provide free medical advice. For personalized treatment recommendations, please consult with a licensed healthcare professional.

By using this website, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this disclaimer. Guardian Recovery and its affiliates disclaim any liability for the use or interpretation of information contained herein. SEE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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