Is Your Teen Abusing Drugs or Alcohol?

Teenaged boy in the stairwell of a high school looking up to the camera.

Teens who are taking drugs may have trouble with school and relationships. But they may also have mood swings with irritability, anger, and changes in sleep patterns.

Changes in behavior, a change in grades, a change in how they dress, or a sudden change in friends may suggest the start of alcohol or drug abuse. Listen to teachers and your teen's friends.

A screening test

If you're concerned your child has a problem, talk with your child's healthcare provider about an evaluation and possibly doing a drug screen. If your teen refuses to go to the appointment, this may imply an admission of drug abuse.

Parents can help their teens kick a drug habit or avoid it in the first place:

Address the situation directly. Don't make excuses or enable the drug use. Make it very clear that this behavior is not acceptable. Provide consequences for your child's drug use.
Seek professional help right away. Drug and alcohol abuse is a health problem. You can quickly begin family counseling to find out if there are any underlying problems. If you are thinking about counseling, your healthcare provider may be able to refer you to a counselor.
Reward the positive. If your teen isn't experimenting with drugs, provide encouragement and positive reinforcement. Show your kids that you respect their good judgment by rewarding them with more privileges and increased responsibilities.

It's important not to panic at the first sign of alcohol and drug use. This may increase the divide between you and your teen. It's better to engage them in a mature discussion. Treat them as if they were adults with their own opinions. At the same time, reinforce that with adulthood comes the responsibility of health, safety, and appropriate behavior.

Look for changes

How can a parent know if a teen is using drugs? Look for changes in everyday functioning. Behavioral changes that are interfering with schoolwork, social activities, or behavior at home may be due to substance abuse.

Warning signs may include:

Suddenly getting bad grades, or loss of interest in school activities.
A rapid, unexplained change of friends.
A lack of interest in appearance or clothing.
Evidence of lying, stealing, or spending money but having nothing to show for it.
Sudden or unusual mood changes, especially depression, anger, and aggression.
Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
Physical signs of drug or alcohol dependence such as intoxication or hangovers.

What should you do if you think your child is using drugs?

Stay calm and in total control of your own feelings.

If you do find out that your teen is drinking or abusing drugs, let them know that this behavior is illegal and unsafe and that it must stop immediately. If the abuse doesn't stop, then it's time to think about getting professional counseling.