Teenagers change. Mood swings, new friends and a need for privacy are a normal part of growing up, which is exactly why substance use in teens is so easy to miss. If something about your child feels different and you cannot quite name it, trust that feeling enough to look a little closer.
Warning signs of substance abuse in teenagers
No single sign proves that a teenager is using drugs or alcohol. What matters is a pattern, or a sudden change. Watch for:
Physical signs
- Red or glassy eyes, or pupils that look unusually large or small
- Changes in sleep, such as sleeping all day or staying up all night
- Sudden weight loss or gain, or a big change in appetite
- Smells of alcohol, smoke or chemicals on breath, clothes or in their room
- Poor coordination, slurred speech or frequent nosebleeds
Behavioural signs
- Falling grades, skipping school or losing interest in sport and hobbies
- A new group of friends they do not want you to meet
- Secretive behaviour, locked doors and vague answers about where they have been
- Money or valuables going missing from the house
- Breaking curfew or rules they used to respect
Emotional signs
- Irritability, anger or aggression that is out of character
- Anxiety, low mood or withdrawing from the family
- Sudden mood swings, or seeming unusually energetic and then very flat
Some of these signs can also point to depression, anxiety or other struggles, which is one more reason to talk rather than assume. You can read more about specific substances on our signs of abuse page.
What to do if you suspect your teen is using
- Stay calm. Choose a quiet moment when neither of you is angry, rushed or under the influence.
- Talk about what you have noticed. Describe specific behaviour, not labels. “I have noticed you are missing school and money has gone missing” lands better than “Are you on drugs?”
- Listen more than you speak. Ask open questions and try to understand what is going on in their life.
- Set clear boundaries. Be consistent about rules and consequences, and agree on them with any other parent or caregiver.
- Do not try to handle it alone. A school counsellor, your GP or an addiction professional can help you work out the next step.
When to get professional help
Get help sooner rather than later if the substance use is regular, if it is affecting school, safety or relationships, or if your teen has tried to stop and cannot. Get emergency help immediately if they have taken an unknown substance, are very drowsy or confused, or talk about harming themselves.
The national 24-hour Substance Abuse Helpline is available on 0800 12 13 14 (or SMS 32312).
How Tranquility Clinic supports families
Addiction affects the whole family, not just the person using. At Tranquility Clinic in Midrand, family involvement is one of the four pillars of our treatment, and we run weekly onsite family support groups. If you are worried about your child, call our team 24/7 on 011 568 5197 for a confidential conversation about your options, or start with our free self-assessment.