Beyond the Obvious Red Flags: Why Teen Drug Abuse Is Easier to Hide Than Ever Before

When assessing potential teen drug abuse, your teen’s overall disposition offers a more telling picture than statistical data. Their bedroom door isn’t left open as much. When they do come downstairs, they answer with one-word responses. You used to know all their friends, but suddenly none of them come over anymore. It’s tempting to write these changes off as typical teenage behavior. I mean, they are supposed to be trying to break away from you, right? Of course, physical changes in behavior are important.

Let’s start with a look at what the statistics have to say about teen drug use.

Teen Drug Abuse in American Homes by the Numbers

Using nationwide data from the CDC and the yearly NIDA Monitoring the Future survey, we can see the extent of drug use numbers facing American parents right now.

Current statistics show a dip in traditional drug consumption levels. But still, the data shows that 1 in 3 teenagers has misused a substance or tried an illicit drug by their senior year of high school. This is because modes of consumption are changing every year.

Did you know that vaping has surpassed other methods as the preferred way teens are using drugs?

Vape pens and edibles together made up nearly 70% of the THC usage for last year’s graduating seniors during their time in high school. Not only can teens vape without emitting a bad smell, but the substances are also easy to hide.

That said, vaping isn’t the only thing parents aren’t seeing. Today, one of the most concerning issues is fake prescription pills. Pills and gummies that teens are taking might unknowingly contain enough potent opioids or synthetic drugs to be lethal.

The Lure of The Instant Off Switch

Any type of drug that can provide someone with an instant numbing or off switch from life is highly addictive. When your teen takes something and instantly feels better, they’ll want to repeat those feelings. They think drugs are their way of numbing big emotions without anyone getting hurt, including themselves.

We know what you’re thinking: “Wait, is my teen not just moody or depressed?” Substance abuse symptoms can mimic or hide emotional health issues. Your teen could appear angry, tired, depressed, or anxious every day. But your teen may not actually be depressed. Your teen’s behavior and mood could be a side effect of using.

The initial rush that drugs provide can feel like the relief your teen is desperate for. But the chemicals they are putting into their bodies to push away their emotions only temporarily mask those feelings. What happens later is that those drugs cause your teen to be unable to produce feel-good chemicals naturally, leading them to feel more anxious and stressed than before.

The Signs of Teen Drug Abuse You Might Not Be Looking For

Drug use isn’t what it used to be. Your teen doesn’t come home smelling like weed or beer. Here are some other red flags you should be looking for:

• Use of energy drinks to cover up a lack of sleep
• They are obsessively watching you when you leave specific rooms
• Constantly charging portable USB batteries
• They are using excessive amounts of room spray, deodorant, or perfume

Helping Teens Cope with Stress the Right Way

Pay attention to how your teen is feeling. Really listen to what they have to say. Try not to ask questions that assume they are lying.

Say you’ve noticed they spend a lot of time in their room or by themselves. Tell them you love them and you miss them, and ask how their heart feels. Here are some ideas on how you can help your teen replace unhealthy coping mechanisms.

• Encourage your teen to recognize their feelings rather than burying them.
• Physical activity can be a fantastic method for the body to process excess cortisol.
• Encourage them to start simpler hobbies like journaling, reading, or creating art

Christian Counseling for Teens in Huntington Beach, CA

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting your teenager therapy or family counseling.

Therapy can allow your teen to feel like they have a judgment-free zone to open up. Sometimes kids feel like their parents and their friends won’t understand what they are going through. Contact our reception team today to talk about how to get your teenager started.