Friendship Changes And 11 Subtle Signs Your Teen Might Be Doing Drugs

It’s thought one in five teenagers will dabble with drugs at some point. A 2021 survey of secondary school pupils in England (aged 11 to 15) found 18% reported they had ever taken drugs – 12% had taken drugs in the past year, and 6% in the last month. Ryan Erispe, from The Cabin Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Thailand, said the most abused substances by teens include alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine, as well as prescription drugs like painkillers or stimulants, and even over-the-counter medications like cough syrup.There are also online social media ‘challenges’ encouraging dangerous behaviours involving household cleaning products. One such trend, dubbed ‘dusting’, saw a 19-year-old die after inhaling a keyboard cleaning product delivered to the family home.How can you tell if your teen is doing drugs? ‘Normal’ teen behaviour is “temporary, explainable, and improves with guidance or time,” said Erispe. On the other hand, drug-related behaviour tends to be “persistent, extreme, secretive, and worsens despite parental involvement”.The signs of substance abuse in teens can be physical, behavioural, emotional, or social, and vary depending on the type of drug being used.Here are some of the signs that Erispe has become familiar with in his line of work:1. Bloodshot eyesBloodshot eyes are a physical sign of drug use, “characterised by the redness or glassiness of the eyes caused by the enlargement or irritation of blood vessels in the white part of the eye”, he said.It occurs after using substances like marijuana, alcohol, or stimulants, which affect blood pressure, cause dryness, or dilate blood vessels. 2. Mood swingsMood swings are marked by rapid and unpredictable changes in a person’s emotional state, such as sudden shifting from happiness to anger, or from calmness to irritability.“The changes are triggered by the way drugs affect brain chemistry, which interferes with neurotransmitters like dopamine or serotonin,” said Erispe.While mood swings alone might not be a sign of drug use (because hormones can be all over the place in the teen years), if they appear alongside any of these other signs, it might be worth having a conversation with your kid.3. Lack of motivationAnother possible sign of drug use, said Erispe, is lack of motivation – you might spot a noticeable drop in drive or interest to engage in everyday activities such as school, work or hobbies.4. Poor hygieneIf there’s been a noticeable decline in personal cleanliness and grooming habits such as not bathing regularly, wearing dirty clothes, or neglecting dental care, it could be a sign of substance misuse.Erispe explains it “impairs judgment, lowers energy levels, and shifts priorities, causing individuals to ignore routine self-care”.5. Anxiety or depressionThese are characterised by persistent feelings of worry, fear, sadness, hopelessness, or low self-worth. “Anxiety conditions are triggered or worsened by drug use, as many substances alter brain chemistry and disrupt emotional regulation. Stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens all contribute to mood disorders, either during use or withdrawal,” added the expert.It’s worth noting that pupils with low wellbeing are more likely to smoke, drink or take drugs – so poor mental health might be the reason they are turning to these substances (to cope).6. Secretive behaviourThis is defined by a person’s tendency to “hide their actions, lie about their whereabouts, avoid eye contact, or become defensive when asked questions”, said Erispe.“Teens using drugs start locking doors, changing friend groups, or being vague about their activities to avoid detection,” he noted.7. Declining academic performanceIf your child’s experiencing a noticeable drop in grades, or is repeatedly missing assignments and struggling to concentrate, it could be a sign of drug use. “Drug use impairs memory, focus, and motivation, making it difficult for teens to keep up with academic demands,” said the expert.8. Sudden weight loss or gainRapid and noticeable changes in body weight that are not due to diet or exercise could be as a result of drug use.“Stimulants (cocaine or methamphetamine) suppress appetite and lead to weight loss, while others, like marijuana or some depressants, increase appetite and cause weight gain,” said Erispe.9. Unusual body odoursThis could mean “strange or strong smells coming from a person’s breath, skin, or clothing” that are not typical for them.“Certain drugs cause chemical changes in the body that produce distinctive odours such as the smell of alcohol, marijuana smoke, or the chemical scent associated with methamphetamine or inhalants,” said Erispe. 10. Changes in friend groupsIf your teen has spent time distancing themselves from longtime friends and associating with new peers it could be a sign of drug use. The changes may be driven by the desire to hide drug use, seek acceptance, or avoid judgment. 11. Irritability or aggressionIrritability or aggression can be signs of drug use, characterised by frequent anger, frustration, or hostile reactions that are “out of proportion to the situation”.“The outbursts result from the way drugs disrupt brain chemistry, lower impulse control, or trigger mood swings during intoxication or withdrawal,” said Erispe.12. Withdrawal from family activitiesLet’s be clear, teenagers typically don’t want to spend huge amounts of time with family. But withdrawal can be a sign of drug use – so it’s worth keeping an eye on the situation. Teens might become very reluctant to participate in family events, conversations, or routines they once enjoyed. “The distancing stems from guilt, fear of being discovered, or a growing emotional disconnect caused by drug use,” added the expert.How to talk to them about itNo teenager wants to be lectured (hey, we’ve all been there, and I don’t know about you, but a lecture never made me want to listen or comply growing up).So, what’s the solution? First of all, try not to blow up. Avoid reacting with anger or fear, said the expert, as teens are more likely to respond when they don’t feel attacked. (Easier said than done when you’re worried sick, but patience is key here.)Instead, it’s best to approach them with “calm, nonjudgmental concern in a private, supportive setting”, said Erispe.His advice is to focus on: open communication, expressing specific observations, avoiding accusations, and offering help rather than punishment.“Use ‘I’ statements such as ‘I’ve noticed you’ve been more withdrawn and your grades have dropped. I’m worried about you’ to express concern without blame,” he suggested.Teens are more willing to open up when they feel heard and respected. “Pointing out specific changes, like shifts in hygiene, mood, or friend groups, shows attentiveness rather than accusations. Listen actively and without interrupting, even if the conversation is difficult,” he suggested.Talk about the risks of drug use, but always pair that with consistent support. “The role is not just to correct, but to guide and protect them through a vulnerable time,” he added.If they do open up about drug use, or mental health, don’t be afraid to offer professional support – whether that’s through a counsellor, therapist or addiction specialist. “Avoid ultimatums, which drive secrecy or defiance,” he added. “Empathetic intervention leads to better outcomes and reduces long-term harm.”Help and support:Contact FRANK on 0300 123 6600 or visit the website for alternative contact methods.Related...Teens Are 'Dusting' – And It's Not What You Think It MeansI'm A Child Psychiatrist – Don't Make This 1 Mistake When Talking To TeensUK Porn Age Verification Is Here – But What If We’re Sending Teens Somewhere Worse?

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