When it comes to raising teenagers, few questions feel as heavy as “Is my teen taking drugs?” Recognising the signs of teen substance abuse early can make all the difference in helping your child before things escalate.
It’s a confronting thought, but turning away from it won’t make it go away. And one of the worst mistakes you can make when parenting a teen is to hide your head in the sand when it comes to drugs.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare:
“The use of illicit drugs remains highest among young people. In a 2023 study, it was noted that there was an increase in the number of young people aged 14-17 who had used an illicit drug in their lifetime, from 13.4% in 2019 to 18.8% in 2022–2023.”
That statistic can feel overwhelming. However, it’s important to know the facts, get educated, and hope that you never need what you learn.
In this article, we’ll take you through the early signs of substance abuse in teenagers, how parents can recognise teen behaviour changes, and what to do if you think your child may be using drugs.
10 Warning Signs of Teen Substance Abuse Every Parent Should Know
If your teen is struggling with substance use, seeking professional help early is crucial. Accessing a trusted rehab in Melbourne can provide structured support, therapeutic guidance, and a safe environment for recovery.
Here are some of the most common warning signs of drug use in teens and what they may look like day to day.
1. Sudden Changes in Habits or Behaviour
One of the first things that parents notice in a teen taking drugs is changes in habits and behaviour.
For example, suddenly changing their friends or joining a new group (that maybe you don’t approve of), staying out late, frequent moodiness, depression, anger, and lying. They may also get upset and invent stories when confronted about their actions.
While mood swings are common during adolescence, drastic or persistent changes may signal something deeper.
2. Changes in Appearance
If your teen is taking drugs, you may notice intentional or unintentional changes in their appearance.
You might notice a decline in personal hygiene and/or grooming, such as greasy or unwashed hair and bloodshot eyes. Some teens may experiment with different styles of fashion, piercings, and tattoos as they try to fit in with a new crowd of people.
3. Irresponsible or Risky Behaviour
Since risk assessment is pretty much non-existent in a teenage brain, it is hard to know if they are being naturally lackadaisical or if something more sinister is occurring.
Teen brains are wired for experimentation, but drugs and alcohol can impair their judgment and self-control further, causing irresponsible behaviour.
Skipping classes, absenteeism, and poor grades at school can all be signs of teen substance abuse. Your teen may also have difficulties socially due to aggression and hostility.
4. Stealing or Lying — Behavioural Signs of Teen Substance Abuse
Supporting a drug habit can be expensive. That’s why teenagers may start stealing money or other items to fund their use of drugs.
So, watch out if teachers, classmates, and neighbours report missing items or multiple thefts. Also check for missing jewellery and expensive electronics (these could have been pawned) in the house.
This can be one of the most confronting signs, but remember, it’s a behaviour driven by addiction, not a reflection of your teen’s character.
5. Asking for More Money
It’s normal for teens to ask their parents for extra cash from time to time. However, if this is a sudden or increasing occurrence and you don’t know where the money is going, your teen may be asking for money to buy drugs. Combined with other red flags, this may point to teen drug use.
6. Withdrawing from Family and Friends
Is your teen frequently absent from family gatherings? Maybe they’ve stopped talking to you about their personal life or stopped asking you for advice?
If they are suddenly withdrawing from parents, siblings, and family members, it may be more than the usual moodiness or teenage desire to be left alone. Instead of hanging out with you, they may be spending their time with friends who take drugs.
Substance use can isolate teens — not because they don’t love their family, but because they may feel ashamed, anxious, or afraid of being found out. Keeping communication open and judgment-free can help bridge that distance.
7. Sneaky or Secretive Behaviour
Drug use can make teens extremely defensive and protective of their privacy. You may notice them locking doors, sneaking out at night, and avoiding eye contact.
When your outgoing teen suddenly becomes sneaky and secretive (or an introverted teen crawls even further into their shell) and gets angry and even abusive when questioned, it may be time to take a closer look.
Try gentle curiosity rather than confrontation, since this encourages honesty and keeps trust alive.
8. Finding Drug Paraphernalia in their Room
One of the most common telltale signs of teen substance abuse is drug paraphernalia in their room. These can include, but are not limited to:
- Syringes
- Rolling papers
- Pipes
- Rags
- Paper bags
- Prescription/OTC drug containers
- Inhalant products
Also look for room sprays/perfumes that mask the smell of smoke and chemicals, eye drops to hide bloodshot eyes, and gum/breath mints to cover up alcohol.
9. Obvious Physical Changes
When under the influence, your teen may show physical changes or symptoms, such as:
- Dilated pupils
- Bloodshot eyes
- Track marks on arms
- Trembling or unsteady movement
- Extreme tiredness or changes in appetite
When not actually under the influence, they may just appear tired and lacklustre with dark bags under their eyes. Unexplained weight loss or weight gain are also possible indicators that they are dabbling in something they shouldn’t have.
10. Lack of Motivation or Loss of Interest
Substance use can drain energy and dull motivation, making even simple tasks feel impossible. Some of the signs of teen substance abuse include:
- Loss of motivation or interest
- Emotional instability
- Inability to focus
Teens taking drugs usually lose interest in school activities, hobbies they usually love, and socialising. Additionally, if you often get complaints from teachers about truancy and difficult behaviour, drug use may also be the culprit.
What to Do If You See the Signs of Teen Substance Abuse
Realising your child might be using drugs can feel terrifying, but you don’t have to face it alone. Here’s what helps:
- Stay calm and compassionate. Your response sets the tone. Listen before lecturing.
- Have an honest conversation. Use “I” statements (“I’ve noticed you seem different lately”) instead of accusations.
- Reach out for professional help. Counsellors, GPs, or teen substance abuse prevention programs can guide you.
- Lean on your support network. Whether it’s other single mums, trusted friends, or online communities — you deserve support too.
If you’re looking for more guidance on connecting with and understanding your teenager, check out these tips and tricks to help you navigate the teen years.
Signs of Teen Substance Abuse: Is My Teen Taking Drugs?
Watching your teen struggle with drugs is gut-wrenching; there’s no sugar-coating it. As a single mum, I’ve felt the fear, the helplessness, and the guilt. You wonder if you missed a sign, if you were too busy, too strict, or too lenient.
But here’s what I’ve learned: blame doesn’t help anyone. What helps is staying present, staying calm (even when you’re falling apart inside), and showing up with love and boundaries, over and over again.
You don't need to be the perfect parent. Some days will feel impossible, and others will give you a little sliver of hope. Just hold onto that. Reach out for support, whether it’s from other mums, professionals, or mates who get it. You’re not alone in this. And neither is your teen.
