Parent Resource

Warning Signsof Teen Substance Use

Changes in mood, behavior, school performance, sleep, or social habits may be signs that something is wrong. No single sign proves substance use, but multiple changes deserve attention.

Parent and teen having a serious supportive conversation

Trust your instincts. Start the conversation.

Parents often notice small changes before a crisis happens. Look for patterns, stay calm, ask questions, and get help when symptoms, secrecy, or safety concerns appear.

1

Mood Changes

  • Irritable, angry, or quick to argue
  • Sudden mood swings
  • Feeling sad, anxious, or withdrawn
  • Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
Look for changes that feel sudden, intense, or out of character.
2

Sleep Changes

  • Trouble falling or staying asleep
  • Sleeping much more than usual
  • Tired, sluggish, or low energy
  • Odd sleep schedule or staying up all night
Major sleep changes can be one of the first things parents notice.
3

School & Activity Changes

  • Drop in grades or missing school
  • Loss of motivation or not trying
  • Not completing assignments
  • Losing interest in sports, clubs, or hobbies
A sudden decline in school or activities deserves a calm check-in.
4

Social Changes

  • Withdrawing from family and longtime friends
  • Spending time with a new group
  • Secretive about where they go or who they are with
  • Changes in online activity or phone use
New privacy is normal. Total secrecy or sudden isolation is different.
5

Secretive Behavior

  • More private or defensive than usual
  • Lying about plans or whereabouts
  • Hiding products, packages, or receipts
  • Excessive phone, text, or social media use
Pay attention to hidden packages, unfamiliar labels, or sudden defensiveness.
6

Risky or Unusual Behavior

  • Taking unnecessary risks
  • Decline in judgment
  • Getting into trouble at school or with the law
  • Unexplained need for money
Risk-taking plus secrecy can be a serious warning pattern.
7

Physical Changes

  • Bloodshot eyes or unusual pupils
  • Sudden weight loss or gain
  • Changes in appetite
  • Poor hygiene or disheveled appearance
  • Sudden changes in energy or appearance
Physical signs matter most when paired with behavior changes.
8

Signs To Look For

  • Alcohol, vape, or drug smell
  • Possession of alcohol, drugs, or paraphernalia
  • Missing items or money
  • Vapes, edibles, pills, powders, capsules, rolling papers, or unfamiliar packaging
Photograph unfamiliar products and save packaging if you need help identifying them.

What To Do If You Find Something

Stay calm and focus on safety. The goal is not to shame your child. The goal is to understand what happened and get help if needed.

Stay Calm Take a breath before confronting your teen. Anger can shut down the conversation.
Save Evidence Photograph the product, save the packaging, and write down where it was found.
Ask Questions Ask what it is, where it came from, how often it was used, and whether they feel sick without it.

When To Get Immediate Help

Call 911 or seek emergency care if your teen is unconscious, cannot be awakened, has slowed breathing, has a seizure, is severely confused, is hallucinating, has chest pain, severe vomiting, or talks about harming themselves or others.

Emergency Resources

Poison Control 1-800-222-1222
24/7 help for poison emergencies.
SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Free, confidential treatment referral and information.
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
Free, 24/7 support for any crisis.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988
Free, 24/7 emotional distress support.
You are not alone. There is help. There is hope. You can make a difference.