10 Signs Your Kid is Using Drugs

Drug and alcohol use tends to begin at an early age. Your child is highly likely to experience drug and alcohol exposure in some form or another throughout school and beyond. This is no reason to panic, but to keep a lookout and protect your child when you see any signs your kid is using drugs.

If your kid is using drugs or drinking alcohol, young adult addiction treatment programs help them get back on track.

Reach out to our teen addiction treatment program at 866-330-9449 for help from recovery experts. 

How Do I Know If My Kid Is Doing Drugs?

If your child’s grades started to plummet around the time you noticed changes in their behavior, you may be looking at one of the common consequences of drug addiction or abuse. If your kid goes from being a straight-A student to getting F’s or D’s, something’s changed. Of course, it could be caused by various factors other than drug use, so make sure you explore all probable reasons.

The following are 10 signs your teen is using drugs:

1. The 1000-Yard Stare

Glazed expressions may be a sign of addiction, but be careful not to jump to conclusions, as it may be difficult to determine if your kid is on drugs from just this sign alone. Teenagers and twenty-somethings tend not to be the most communicative of creatures, but if your kid starts looking stoned all the time and is accompanied by any of the other factors listed, it’s entirely possible he or she is using drugs.

2. Abandoning Friends or New Friends

It is fairly common throughout the teenage years to lose friends and make new ones, but it could have a more sinister implication. If your kid starts hanging out with a different crowd who smoke or drink, it could be a phase, but it could be linked to other irresponsible behaviors including drugs.

3. Forgoing Social Activities

Skipping regular social activities is another potential sign of drug abuse. Kids who are doing drugs are likely to prioritize this activity over others. That said, interests may change throughout your kid’s formative years, so tread lightly.

4. Evasive Answers to Questions

If your kid can’t tell you for certain where they’ve been, that can sometimes mean they’re hiding behaviors you would not approve of, which includes using drugs. Monitoring them while they’re out might seem like meddling, but any child living under your roof is your legal responsibility. If you have legitimate concerns for their safety, intervening may be required.

5. Moodiness and Changes in Behavior

Moodiness and abrupt behavioral changes are quite common in kids who take drugs. Being moody is normal for teens, but if you notice that your child is jittery in the morning and calmer in the evening, these could be warning signs your child is on drugs.

6. Memory Problems

Issues with memory or trouble paying attention can sometimes be signs of drug use in teens. While everyone occasionally forgets things, consistent struggles with remembering basic things may warrant closer attention. It’s important to consider other potential causes as well, such as medical conditions like ADHD.

7. Unexplained Injuries

A child with unexplained injuries can be related to drug or alcohol use. However, they could also be related to medical issues or even bullying. Regardless, unexplained injuries are cause for parental concern and intervention.

8. Missing Objects or Money

If objects, cash, or valuables are disappearing from your home, it may indicate that your child is taking them to fund a habit. Tread lightly here, and be slow to cast the blame, as it’s equally possible that a friend or partner may be responsible.

9. Weight Changes

An increase or decrease in weight is a normal part of teen life, but rapid fluctuations could indicate an addiction. Some teens neglect to eat due to drugs or spending lunch money to fund their addiction rather than eating. If your child has experienced significant, sudden weight change, it’s important to explore the underlying cause while expressing care and compassion.

10. Running with the Wrong Crowd and Staying Out Late

Staying out late with friends and breaking curfew might seem like typical teenage habits, but in combination with these other signs listed above, it’s possible that they may be struggling with drug abuse. The most common substance of choice at this age is usually alcohol. However, that does not discount the possibility of other drugs such as marijuana, prescription medication, or even a harder illicit drug.

A parent’s instincts are usually pretty good. If your kid seems to be running with the wrong crowd, start by monitoring their behavior, encouraging open conversations, taking note of their recreational activities and time spent away from home, and using investigative methods to spot potential signs of drug use.

How to Spot The Signs Your Kid is Using Drugs

Most parents we meet tell us that they wish they knew the signs their kid was using drugs and want to know common signs like how to tell if your kid is high. With a bit of training, you can begin to recognize the warning signs. Experts recommend observing your child’s daily life and trusting your senses and instincts. If you suspect drug use, carefully monitoring and investigating their behavior is an essential first step.

If you notice strong signs of addiction, the next step is to have an open and honest conversation with your child about your concerns. Ask them directly if they’ve been using substances and express your fears for their safety and desire to support them. If you’re still unsure, consider purchasing an in-home drug test kit from a local store to help clarify the situation.

As a parent, it’s vital to ensure a safe and healthy environment for your child, even when they do not want your help.

The following list can help you recognize potential signs of substance use.

Use Your Nose to Find the Signs Your Teen is Using Drugs

One sniff of your kid’s laundry should tell you a lot. Marijuana and cigarettes have strong odors that are difficult to hide. Unusual odors can be a valid reason for concern. It might be something harmless, like a new deodorant, or it could be the distinct smell of marijuana smoke. If you’re unfamiliar with the scent of marijuana, consider educating yourself through reliable resources or seeking guidance from a knowledgeable professional.

Look Them in the Eyes

When your child gets home after going out with her friends, take a close look. Pay attention to his or her eyes. Their eyes will be red and heavy-lidded, with constricted pupils if they’ve used marijuana. Pupils will be dilated, and he or she may have difficulty focusing if they’ve been drinking. In addition, red and flushed cheeks can also be a sign of drinking and substance abuse.

Do They Have a Car?

Check their car, too. Smell the inside of the car, check the ashtray (if your car has one), and look for evidence of drug paraphernalia, marijuana residue, rolling papers, or other questionable items. Check every pocket: under the floormats, in all the armrest pockets, and in the trunk, including under the trunk mat. Being thorough in your search can help you identify any potential red flags and address concerns early to ensure your child’s safety and well-being.

Watch for Mood Changes

How does your teen act after a night out with friends? Are they loud and obnoxious or laughing hysterically at nothing? Are they unusually clumsy to the point of stumbling into furniture and walls, tripping over their feet, and knocking things over? Are they sullen, withdrawn, unusually tired, and slack-eyed? Do they look queasy? Are they throwing up in the bathroom? These are all signs that they could have been drinking, using marijuana, or signs of pill addiction.

Check their Bedroom

When necessary, check their bedroom. This includes drawers, under the bed, in their desk, in high, hard-to-reach places, and inside of any tin, box, bag, or container, including video game and jewelry boxes. Paraphernalia for drug use includes roll-ups (small pieces of paper used to form a joint) and tin boxes. For other drugs, it could be syringes and burnt teaspoons. If you see a tin box, open it and take a sniff. You may notice the smell of tobacco, marijuana, or even the medicinal smell of harder drugs. If you find something that has an unidentifiable smell that raises red flags, ask your child for an explanation.

Look for Signs of Tobacco Use or Vaping Pen Use

When children or young adults start smoking or vaping, chances are high that they learned it from someone else. If not a parent or from family members, then a peer. And if your child’s peers are using tobacco or vaping, there’s a good chance that they may be, too. Signs of tobacco or vaping pen use can include the smell of smoke and/or flavored vapor, stained teeth, increased coughing, or finding vaping devices or cartridges in their belongings.

Smoking and marijuana usage are often gateways to further experimentation with illicit substances. As a parent, it’s on you to take proactive steps to ensure your child’s safety, including monitoring for any signs of substance use. Remember, you have the right to set boundaries and expectations for your household while prioritizing your role as a supportive and caring parent.

What to Do if Your Kid is Using Drugs? Find Help at Renaissance Recovery

Renaissance Recovery is a rehab in California that utilizes evidence-based treatment such as medication-assisted treatment and dual diagnosis treatment to help all those struggling with drugs and alcohol abuse or any other substance use disorder.

If your child is abusing drugs or misusing prescription drugs, contact Renaissance Recovery for guidance. Bringing in a trained professional can be a life-saving act of intervention to get them the help they desperately need. Our caring addiction specialists may recommend any of the following depending on your kid’s specific needs:

• Partial hospitalization program
• Intensive outpatient rehab
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Holistic therapy
• Specialized substance abuse treatment

Call our team today at 866-330-9449, and we can walk you through how to tell if your child is using drugs and what you can do today to get the sobriety process started.

Teen Addiction FAQs

How do I know if my child is addicted to drugs?

Recognizing addiction in a child can involve observing significant changes in behavior, such as mood swings, withdrawal, declining academic performance, and secretive actions. Physical signs, like bloodshot eyes and changes in appetite or sleeping habits, may also indicate a problem. If you suspect your child may have a drug addiction, seeking professional help and support from healthcare providers or addiction specialists is crucial.

What are four symptoms of teen drug abuse?

Four common symptoms of teen drug abuse include noticeable changes in behavior, such as sudden mood swings, decreased motivation, and social isolation. Physical signs may involve bloodshot eyes, unexplained weight changes, or frequent illness. Additionally, teens struggling with drug abuse may exhibit irresponsible behavior, struggle with declining mental health, face financial difficulties, or experience problems in relationships or legal troubles.

Can parents tell when kids are high?

Parents may be able to recognize signs that their kids are under the influence of drugs and alcohol use. Some common indicators of substance abuse include changes in behavior, such as unusual mood swings, slurred speech, impaired coordination, and altered perception. Physical signs like bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, and unusual odors may also be noticeable. However, it is important to note that the ability to detect substance use can vary depending on individual circumstances and the substances involved.