How do I know if my teen is using drugs?

It's hard to believe that your child could be using alcohol or other drugs. Many teens experiment with drugs and you need to know how to recognize the signs that they may be experiencing problems. You already know more than you think you know. Remember that you know your child better than anyone else.

It can be hard to talk about this issue with teens. If they are not using drugs, they may feel like they are being accused, even if that is not your intention. If they are using, they may not be willing to talk about what is happening in their lives. You may end up arguing with your teens. But don’t give up! If you make the effort to discuss difficult topics with your teens, they will know you care. And if they feel that the lines of communication are open, they will be more likely to turn to you when they are having problems with things like relationships, school, stress or drugs.

There is no single reason why teens use drugs

For many people, alcohol and other drug use is regarded as a common and acceptable part of everyday life, even though it is dangerous for some. And adolescence is a time when teens are curious and willing to take risks, even risks related to drug use.

Different factors may put a teen at risk of using, such as stress, learning disabilities, physical, mental or sexual abuse, depression, peer pressure, a desire to fit in with other kids, a desire to try adult behaviours, or low self-esteem. These factors don’t “cause” kids to use alcohol or other drugs, though, and many kids are able to deal with tough situations without using substances. But the chance that kids may turn to alcohol or other drugs increases if they are having some of the problems listed above. If they are experiencing stress, alcohol or other drugs may lead them to believe they have control of their feelings. Using can also make them feel that they are escaping reality.

What are the signs?

Remember, you know your kids. You do not need to be an expert to detect drug use. Trust yourself to know when there is a problem. How do you know when they’re sick? What’s the number one sign? That they are not acting like themselves. Use these same skills to detect alcohol or other drug use.

Keep in mind that these changes could be due to other reasons. No one sign alone indicates drug use. Look for patterns or combinations of indicators.

Possible changes to watch for include:

1. Changes in school performance.
2. Changes in attitudes toward sports and other activities.
3. Changes in weight or physical appearance.
4. Changes in eating or sleeping habits.
5. Changes in friends.
6. Changes in behaviour.

What should I do?

If you suspect that your children are using alcohol or other drugs, you may feel that you need to catch them using. Perhaps you feel that you should search their room, or control their activities and friends. These are normal feelings. After all, you want them to be safe.

It is much more helpful to talk with your children about the changes you have observed. Tell them the differences you see between the way they used to behave and the way they behave now. Try not to judge them. Stay focused on their behaviour. For example, saying “You used to be considerate!” may seem like a personal attack. If you concentrate on the behaviour you are observing, you will be less likely to hurt or offend them. For example, “You used to call when you were going to be late and you don’t anymore. Would you be willing to do that again?”

Now what?

If you see a pattern of changes in your children, talk to them. Tell them you are concerned and explain why. It is possible that there is another cause for their behaviour. If drug use ends up being the problem, help is available. And remember, you can see a counsellor yourself to help you find new ways of reaching your teens.

The Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act (PChAD)

Effective July 1, 2006, the PChAD Act gives you another option to help your child when all treatment options have been tried or if your child is refusing help. If your child is under 18 and has a serious alcohol or other drug problem that has caused or is likely to cause harm to them or others, you can ask the court to have your child admitted to a protective safe house for up to five days. If the court supports your request, your child will have a safe and supportive setting at the protective safe house to begin detoxification, and an AADAC counsellor will help you and your child develop a treatment plan to follow after your child leaves the protective safe house. For more information about PChAD and the courtordered detox and assessment program, please see “What if I’ve tried every option?” in this series.

For more information

AADAC staff understands that everyone’s needs are different. Whether you want to prevent your child from using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs, or you want to help your child deal with a drug problem, we can help. From information and prevention programs to group and family counselling, outpatient and residential treatment, and even a wilderness program, AADAC and its Funded Services offer a full range of services to help your child and your family.

For more information, contact your local AADAC office or call the AADAC Help Line at 1-866-33AADAC. We are available to give you information and support.