Warning Signs of Substance Use in Teens and Young Adults

Substance misuse in young adults and teenagers can quickly lead to an escalating set of behavioral and mental health problems. Learning warning signs of substance use in teens, especially to prevent addiction and substance use disorder signs early, can save your adolescent from progressing on a path that leads nowhere.

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Prevalence of Young Adult Substance Use

Adolescence is often the time of life when people begin experimenting with alcohol and illicit drug use for the first time. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse:

• 31.2% of 12th-grade high school students reported illicit drug use in the past year
• 19.8% of 10th-grade high school students reported illicit drug use in the past year
• 10.9 % of 8th-grade high school students reported illicit drug use in the past year

Rates of reported substance use in the past month tend to peak between the ages of 18-25, before slowly beginning to drop in later adulthood.

Adolescence is a key stage of healthy brain development, and substance misuse at this age carries an increased risk of developing a substance use disorder, other mental health symptoms, and poor health outcomes. Family members who are aware of the warning signs of substance use among adolescents place themselves in a better position to provide help and prevent the potential consequences of developing an addiction.

Key Warning Signs of Teen Substance Use

Drug use in young adults is often difficult to detect. Young people are physically resilient, already going through substantial mental and physical changes, and typically experience fewer consequences from their substance use compared to older adults.

But there are key signs that can be an indication that an adolescent has started using illicit drugs:

Shifting Social Groups

Young people who start using illicit substances will often suddenly change their social groups. Typically, this is a shift toward people who engage in substance use themselves or are more positive about drug use in general.

Lack of Motivation

One of the most striking signs of youth substance use is a sudden lack of motivation. This could include a loss of interest in school, sports, or hobbies.

Substance use causes direct changes in regions of the brain associated with motivation. Substances such as cannabis, opioids, cocaine, or prescription drugs all cause lasting changes in the brain’s dopamine reward system, making it difficult for young people to find motivation for activities outside of substance use.

Sudden Mood and Personality Changes

Mood and personality changes are associated with both being under the direct effects of an addictive substance, and drug addiction itself. Your teenager may suddenly start to show signs such as:

• Depression
• Anger or irritability
• Defiance
• Deception
• Introversion

These changes can be sudden and exaggerated, far above what is normally expected of young people going through puberty or adolescence.

Changes in Appearance

Illegal drug use can lead to a number of changes in physical appearance that may serve as a more definitive measure of whether your teenager is under the influence. Common symptoms caused by drug use include:

• Bloodshot eyes: Often a sign of recent cannabis use.
• Dilated pupils: Can indicate the use of drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, or hallucinogens.
• Constricted pupils: This happens as the result of opioid use, including heroin, fentanyl, or prescription painkillers.

These signs often happen in conjunction with fatigue, poor physical coordination, or abnormally energetic movements.

When Substance Use Becomes Addiction

Perhaps the most frightening aspect of substance use among adolescents is the risk that they develop a substance use disorder. Living with a drug addiction can be devastating to your child’s physical and mental health and may stick with them for years if they don’t find effective treatment.

Not all teenage substance use results in addiction, but it can be difficult to tell when that barrier is crossed. The hallmark of an addictive disorder is when a person cannot stop using on their own despite consequences, but this can often be difficult to assess on your own.

No amount of drug or alcohol use is safe for adolescents. If your teen is showing signs of substance use, the time to seek help is now.

Getting Help for Teenage Substance Use Disorder

The best method for helping a teenager or young adult break free from substance use is to reach out to professional treatment services. Recovery programs for teens can provide evidence-based services to help your child overcome their challenges with substance use, learn healthier ways of dealing with life’s challenges, and build strong and worthwhile lives in recovery.

Ready to get help with substance use? Reach out to us at Project Eden and improve your life today.