According to a survey, most parents miss the warning signs that their teen is using drugs. It’s only when something obvious happens—such as an arrest or trouble at school—that the truth comes to light. Teens have become adept at hiding the truth from their parents, a skill that, while not new, takes considerable planning and lying. But with attention and awareness, parents can spot these signs.
In today’s world, many parents return to work once their kids hit middle school. They may feel that having a double working household is the best way to keep up with others, but this thinking is ironic. When our children are young, the biggest worries are things like forgetting to turn in a homework assignment or biting a classmate on the playground. At that age, we don’t let them out of our sight for even a second. However, when the issues evolve into unwanted pregnancies, drug abuse, failing grades, and peer pressure during the teen years, mom and dad are often blissfully unaware—busy working to provide a better life for their children. No one can be blamed for wanting to pursue a living, but if you choose to work outside the home and are raising teens, you need to stay aware, especially in today’s technological age.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
The signs that your teen may be using drugs can be more obvious than you think. A simple scan of their emails, chat rooms, or text messages can often give their habits away. If you’re unsure about certain sayings or abbreviations, you can easily look them up in urban dictionaries available online. While many parents feel that snooping through their teen’s personal items is a breach of trust, the truth is that your child is still a teenager. It’s important not to trust them too much or let them roam too freely. If you wait too long, it could be too late. Watch for text messages from unknown contacts or emails that make little sense. Teens often use silly catchphrases to hide things like sexual encounters or drug and alcohol use. If something seems off, it probably is. You have to become one hell of a detective. The signs of teenage drug use are often evident in their communication if you know what to look for.
Other warning signs include noticeable drops in grades, new friends, and a lack of passion for activities they once enjoyed. If your sports enthusiast son suddenly has no desire to attend practice, consider whether it could be mono or drug use. If his old friends are missing and his new ones seem a bit rough around the edges, this is a clear indication that something is wrong. It’s perfectly fine to get to know your child’s friends, and it’s a good idea to check in with other parents to see what their kids are like. Look them up online and use whatever resources you have to find out if their home life aligns with yours. If it doesn’t, forbid the friendship. Don’t let your child visit other homes unless adults are present, and maintain an open-door policy at your own house (as long as you’re there).
Other signs that your teen may be using drugs include the sudden use of incense in their room or car. If they’ve been spending time in the garage and have recently become fond of Yankee candles, they may be trying to mask drug, alcohol, or tobacco odors. If your teen drives, check their car often and thoroughly for marijuana remnants or other drug paraphernalia. If they’re on your insurance, they’re taking advantage of you—and research shows that around 85% of teens drink or use drugs while driving. After all, where else can they go?
Look for changes in mood. While it’s normal for teenagers to be moody, their mood swings are usually predictable. If they become excessively moody or seem more interested in sleeping all day, something might be going on. Also, if you notice them using mouthwash more often, they may be trying to cover up their breath.
Today’s drug use is not limited to street drugs, beer, or alcohol. In fact, as many as 78% of teens use inhalants to get high. If you start seeing spray paint cans, extra bottles of hairspray, or missing prescription drugs from your home, you should be suspicious. Before you accuse them, do your research and investigate further to make sure you’re correct.
Many of the signs that your teen is using drugs are more obvious than you may realize. However, many parents choose to ignore them because they don’t want to believe their child could make such a decision. Teens often prey on the fact that mom and dad don’t want to admit or believe that their child has a problem. This form of manipulation can be easy to detect. While you may not want to believe it, acknowledging the issue is the first step toward helping your teen.
Teenagers are caught between childhood and adulthood. They may seem as big as you and act responsible, but they aren’t. They’ll make bad choices—and many of them—which is why parents need to remain vigilant about their behavior. The most important thing to remember is that YOU KNOW THEM BEST. No matter what your teen may think they know about themselves, you’ve been there for many years and should be able to instinctively tell when something is wrong. Use your early warning system to prepare yourself and help face the problems, including drug use, that your teen might be dealing with.
