Last Updated on December 10, 2019 by Valarie Ward

Chances are you know your child better than anyone. You can pick them out of a crowd with eagle-like precision. No matter their age or appearance, you will always recognize your child because you’ve been there for them from day one. But can you as easily recognize the signs indicating you teen is abusing drugs?

Identifying a drug habit is tough. Addicts are skilled at hiding their addiction, especially from those closest to them. Just because you know your son or daughter better than anyone else doesn’t mean you’ll always see when they are in trouble. One in five students drinks and does drugs. As parents, it’s hard to see the bad because we know how much good is present. With that in mind, let’s cover three major signs of teenage drug abuse.

#1: A Change in Personal Appearance

Teens can sport some pretty wild styles, but a style takes work. There’s a brand of hair products called Bed Head because even messy looks take time to perfect in front of the mirror. Teens who develop a drug habit start to care less about their personal appearance. Major signs of a brewing issue include:

• A messy appearance that isn’t cared about
• Poor to no hygiene habits
• Flushed, red cheeks or face
• Wearing lots of long sleeves in warm weather to hide track marks on arms or legs
• Burns or soot on lips or fingers

#2: Secretive Behavior

It’s natural for teens to crave independence and with that a certain amount of privacy, but secretive behavior is cause for concern. You know how introverted or extroverted your child is and should be able to spot change. If your teen is withdrawing for the first time or more than usual, there might be a drug issue in play. Watch for these behaviors:

• Avoiding eye contact and dodging questions about where they were, what they were doing, and who they were with
• Locking doors or trying to hide objects
• Stealing
• Skipping or missing class, work, or activities
• Going out at night or sneaking out
• Disappearing for long periods of time
• Changing hangouts
• Sudden and unexplainable mood swings

#3: Changes in Friends

As a parent, it’s hard to let go and allow your child the choice of whom to call a friend. Most teens will have bad company and learn from the experience, but if your teen hangs out with questionable friends who you suspect are doing or dealing drugs, be aware of how your child changes. Watch for:

• New friends who avoid you
• New friends who show the signs listed above
• New friends your teen doesn’t want to introduce you to
• Sudden changes in friends
• Loss of longtime friends for odd or no reasons
• Withdrawal from good friends

What to Do Next

How should you proceed if your teen is presenting several of the signs above? Broach the topic. It’s important to do so in a non-confrontational way. Give your teen the benefit of the doubt. You have immense power over their willingness to get help if you approach them with a positive attitude. Get started with these five ways to talk to your teen about drugs.