Signs & Symptoms of Substance Abuse in Teens

Posted on August 26, 2016

Overall, teen substance abuse is on the decline, but that doesn’t mean that the problem is gone.^[1] Alcohol is one of the most commonly used drugs among teenagers with nearly 60% having consumed alcohol in the past year, and marijuana/hashish is in second place with almost 35% of high school seniors using within the past year.*^[2] It is important, therefore, to know the signs and symptoms of substance abuse in teens, as this is an ongoing issue. Be vigilant in looking for signs of substance abuse, as some changes may be signs of rebellious adolescence, such as skipping class or clashing with family beliefs and values. Other times, signs of substance abuse in teens are mistaken for normal pubescent behaviors.^[3] When multiple warning signs start stacking up, you might want to consider how to step in.

Physical Signs of Substance Abuse in Teens

Teenagers who abuse drugs have a tendency to exhibit various external physical symptoms. Bloodshot eyes or abnormally large/small pupils could be a sign of teen substance abuse, as can unusual smells on their breath, body, or clothing.^[4] If you see a teen with shakes, tremors, or impaired coordination, know that this could also be a sign of substance abuse along with difficulty speaking coherently.^[5] You may also want to watch out for sores around the mouth, bruises or abrasions on the skin, excessive sweatiness, and sudden weight or appetite changes.^[6] Frequent nosebleeds are also a warning sign of teen drug abuse, particularly in teens who are abusing drugs through snorting. Teenagers that are abusing drugs may have seizures or injuries that cannot be explained.^[7] Symptoms of drug abuse in teens can also include unusual changes in coordination, energy, and sleep patterns.^[8]

Recognizing Teen Substance Abuse through Behavioral Signs

Many teen substance abusers exhibit changes in their habits and behaviors. Their personal grooming and appearance often deteriorate, as they may forget to brush their teeth or change clothes.^[9] They also tend to get into more trouble in and outside of school, such as getting into fights and stealing, along with other misbehaviors.^[10] The thievery is often driven by a need to support their drug habit, which may result in missing items around the house like money or other valuables.^[11]

Other signs of substance abuse among teenagers revolve around the need to keep their addiction a secret. Teenagers who abuse drugs tend to isolate themselves, become more secretive, lock doors when they might not have previously, avoid eye contact, use incense or perfume (to hide the smell of drugs), demand more privacy, and make excuses.^[12] Substance abuse in teens can also lead to loss of interest in activities once enjoyed; decreased inhibitions; increased hostility or moodiness; and laughing, acting paranoid, or being anxious or angry for no apparent reason.^[13] Behavior changes due to alcohol and substance abuse can be so dramatic that, in some cases, they can appear to change a teenager’s entire attitude or personality.

Teen substance abuse can lead to additional risky behaviors as well. These dangerous behaviors include reckless driving, being out late, getting into legal trouble, using unsanitary needles, and having unprotected sex, all of which can lead to future problems such as prison time, HIV, STIs, and more.^[14]

How Teen Substance Abuse Affects Students’ Education

Substance abuse and addiction don’t only affect a teenager’s behavior and physical well-being; these issues can also affect their learning. Students with substance abuse problems often experience a lack of motivation, as well as trouble focusing.^[15] They also may start skipping classes or avoid doing homework or class work, causing their grades to plummet.^[16] Students who are abusing drugs or alcohol are also at an increased risk for dropping out of school.^[17] For those who do stay in school, learning may also be challenged due to the changes in the brain caused by the substances being abused.^[18]

How You Can Help Reduce Teen Substance Abuse in Your School

Before implementing any sort of anti-substance abuse initiative in your middle or high school, it is important to evaluate the current state of substance abuse in your teen students in order to establish a baseline. This will help your school assess the effectiveness of the program and determine if any adjustments need to be made to improve the efforts. Pride Surveys offers multiple survey options designed to help assess teen substance abuse and risk, including our student surveys for grades 4-6, grades 6-12, and our supplemental surveys like the Drug-Free Community Survey Supplement. Contact us today at (877) 957-6870 or online to get started.

* However, more students are using marijuana/hashish than binge drinking. This statistic on alcohol use is in regards to any use reported. Citation: “More American high school students smoke pot than binge drink, report says.” The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/local/wp/2016/08/01/more-american-high-school-students-smoke-pot-than-binge-drink-report-says/ on August 3, 2016. The original report can be found here: http://www.projectknow.com/discover/high-school-drug-use/.

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[1]“Drug Use Trends Remain Stable or Decline Among Teens.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/news-releases/2015/12/drug-use-trends-remain-stable-or-decline-among-teens on August 4, 2016.

[2]“DrugFacts: High School and Youth Trends.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/high-school-youth-trends on August 3, 2016.

[3]“What to Do if Your Teen or Young Adult Has a Problem with Drugs.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/treatment/what-to-do-if-your-teen-or-young-adult-has-problem-drugs on August 3, 2016.

[4]“For Parents: What to Look For.” National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.ncadd.org/about-addiction/signs-and-symptoms/what-to-look-for-signs-and-symptoms on August 3, 2016.

[5]“Ibid.”

[6]“Is Your Teen Using? Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse.” Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. Retrieved from http://www.drugfree.org/resources/is-your-teen-using-signs-and-symptoms-of-substance-abuse/ on August 3, 2016.

[7]“Ibid.”

[8]“Ibid.”

[9]“Teenage Drug Abuse and Addiction.” Addiction Center. Retrieved from https://www.addictioncenter.com/teenage-drug-abuse/ on August 3, 2016.

[10]“For Parents: What to Look For.” National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.ncadd.org/about-addiction/signs-and-symptoms/what-to-look-for-signs-and-symptoms on August 3, 2016.

[11]“Drug Abuse and Addiction.” HelpGuide.org. Retrieved from: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/addiction/drug-abuse-and-addiction.htm on August 3, 2016.

[12]“Is Your Teen Using? Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse.” Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. Retrieved from http://www.drugfree.org/resources/is-your-teen-using-signs-and-symptoms-of-substance-abuse/ on August 3, 2016.

[13]“Ibid.”

[14]“Teenage Drug Abuse and Addiction.” Addiction Center. Retrieved from https://www.addictioncenter.com/teenage-drug-abuse/ on August 3, 2016.

[15]“Consequences of Youth Substance Abuse.” The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Retrieved from http://www.ojjdp.gov/pubs/drugid/ration-03.html on August 3, 2016.

[16]“Ibid.”

[17]“Ibid.”

[18]“Ibid.”