Teenagers attempt drugs or alcohol sometimes. This can be very dangerous. They may do it because they are interested, desire to fit, or are sad or stressed. The signs have to be recognized by parents and friends. Seeing these signs can help a teen get help before things get worse.
Here’s the thing: noticing the signs does not mean you have to fix them alone. Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care in Marysville, WA, helps teens and families with behavioral health and substance use problems.
Below, we will help you understand the signs of substance abuse in a teenager so you can take action if needed.
What Is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse is when someone uses alcohol or drugs in an unhealthy manner. It may cause an individual to get ill, damage the brain, or interfere with friends and relatives.
Other teenagers experience this due to curiosity, peer pressure, or stress. When they are used excessively, they may be dangerous.
What Are the Signs of Substance Abuse in a Teenager?
Behavioral Signs
One of the first signs is how a teen acts. They may act very differently from before. Some things to notice:
- Mood Swings: They might get happy, sad, or angry quickly.
- Being Secretive: They hide things or don’t tell you where they are going.
- Spending Less Time with Family or Old Friends: They may want to be alone or only with new friends.
- Losing Interest in Things They Liked: Sports, games, or hobbies might not be fun anymore.
Even small changes can be substantial.
Physical Signs to Notice
Substance abuse can change the body. Look for:
- Red eyes or small pupils
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Not caring about cleaning or clothes
- Bruises, cuts, or accidents that are unusual
- Sleeping too much or too little
The body often shows problems before words do.
Emotional Changes
Substance use affects feelings, too. Your teen may:
- Get angry or upset easily
- Feel very worried or scared
- Feel sad or hopeless
- Say negative things about themselves
Emotions can show you that something is wrong.
Social Signs That May Appear
Substance use often affects a teen’s social life:
- Spending Less Time with Family
- Changing Friend Groups
- Getting in Trouble at School or Work
- Arguing More with Parents or Teachers
Signs of Drug or Alcohol Use
Some signs tell you they might be using substances:
- Smell of alcohol, smoke, or chemicals on clothes or breath
- Finding pipes, papers, or small containers
- Coughing, nosebleeds, or looking sick often
- Lying or making excuses about where they go or what they do
Even a few signs can mean a teen needs help.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Substance abuse and mental health are synonymous. Anxiety, depression, or ADHD in teens can make them more apt to use substances.
These conditions may be exacerbated by substance use disorder and become a cycle that is difficult to get out of without professional assistance.
At Grace Health Clinic and Urgent Care, behavioral health services and mental health focus on substance use and mental health to restore balance for the teens.
Why Early Help Matters
Finding problems early helps teens stay safe. Substance abuse can cause:
- Accidents or injuries
- Bad grades or trouble in school
- Mental health issues like anxiety or depression
- Legal problems
Helping early keeps teens healthier and happier.
How Grace Health Clinic Can Help
Here’s the thing: knowing the signs is the first step. Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care helps teens and families.
We offer:
- Behavioral Health Evaluations: Experts check feelings, behavior, and habits.
- Personal Support: Dr. Abisola Onashile is a nurse practitioner who helps teens with care that fits them.
- Therapy: Teens learn healthy ways to cope with stress and feelings.
- Medication Support: If needed, safe medicine can help as part of a plan.
Our team cares about both mental and physical health. We listen, understand, and guide teens safely.
What Parents Can Do
Parents can help a lot. You can:
- Watch for signs in behavior, body, emotions, and school.
- Talk kindly and openly with your teen. Listen more than you talk.
- Get professional help if needed. Experts know how to help teens.
- Stay involved, know their friends, help with school, and spend time together.
- Learn about substance use and mental health.
Substance use often comes from stress or sadness. Treating the cause is as important as stopping the behavior.
When to Ask for Help
If you see many signs, don’t wait. Getting help early works best. Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care is ready to help families and teens.
We offer:
- Walk-ins welcome
- Same-day appointments
- Virtual care
- Online scheduling
You don’t have to wait to get help.
Final Thoughts
It is the first step to see the signs of substance abuse in a teenager. Find behavior change, body change, school life change, friend change, and emotion change. Get help early to make a difference.
If your teen shows signs of substance abuse, contact Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care. Dr. Abisola Onashile and our team provide caring help for teens with behavioral health or substance use problems.
Your teen’s health and happiness are important. Early action helps. Call today.
FAQs
Q: Can teens get help online?
Yes. Grace Health Clinic offers online appointments, making accessing the help safely at home easier.
Q: Do I need an appointment to get help?
No. Grace Health Clinic accepts both walk-ins and same-day appointments and virtual care.
Q: Will the clinic give medicine?
Only if needed. Experts at Grace Health Clinic decide carefully if medicine can help as part of a complete plan.
Q: How does therapy help?
Therapy educates adolescents to deal with emotions, make wise decisions, and quit substance use.