Recognizing the Red Flags: A Parent’s Guide to Early Warning Signs of Teen Substance Use

Parenting a teenager has never been easy. But if you’ve found yourself worrying about changes in your teen’s behavior, mood, or social circle, you’re not alone. Substance use among adolescents is more common than many parents realize, and often, the earliest warning signs are subtle, easy to dismiss, or mistaken for “normal teenage behavior.”

As a psychologist specializing in adolescent behavioral and substance use issues, I’ve seen how early recognition and intervention can make all the difference. Below, I’m sharing a practical, research-backed checklist you can use at home to spot the red flags early and know when it’s time to seek help.

Behavioral Warning Signs

• Changes in daily routines: Is your teen suddenly staying up all night and sleeping through the day? Have they abandoned hobbies or activities they used to love? Neglecting hygiene, missing curfews, or being secretive about their whereabouts are all worth noting.

• Personality shifts: Watch for extreme mood swings, increased irritability, or withdrawal from family life. Paranoia, suspiciousness, or alternating bursts of hyperactivity and depression can also signal trouble.

Physical Warning Signs

• Physical changes: Bloodshot eyes, unusual pupil size, frequent nosebleeds, sudden weight changes, or unexplained injuries may indicate substance use.

• Energy and health: Is your teen always tired, or suddenly hyperactive? Changes in appetite, frequent illness, or finding drug paraphernalia (pipes, rolling papers, small bags) should never be ignored.

Academic & Social Warning Signs

• School performance: A sudden drop in grades, skipping classes, or negative reports from teachers can be a red flag, especially if your teen loses interest in their future.

• Changing friends: If your teen ditches old friends for new ones they won’t introduce, gets calls or texts at odd hours, or suddenly has unexplained money or expensive items, it’s time to ask questions.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re noticing several of these signs at once, especially alongside talk of self-harm, legal trouble, or a complete breakdown in communication, don’t wait! Early intervention is critical, and professional support can make all the difference.

Why work with me?

I specialize in helping teens and families through these difficult times. My approach is direct, reality-based, and rooted in both clinical experience and compassion. I focus not just on substance use, but also on the underlying issues, like depression and anxiety, that often go hand-in-hand.

What to Do Next

1. Document what you’re seeing. Keep a simple log of behaviors, dates, and incidents. This will help during a consultation.

2. Reach out for a consultation. Don’t wait for things to get worse. The sooner you act, the better the opportunity for more preferable outcomes for your teen.

3. Prepare for honest conversations. My approach is straightforward and supportive. We’ll address the real issues together, with honesty and respect.

   
   

If you’re concerned about your teen, you don’t have to face this alone. Call me at 512-200-2516 or visit waypointpsychtx.com to schedule a confidential consultation. Early action can change the course of your child’s life.

Dr. Zackery A. Tedder is a licensed psychologist in Austin, TX, specializing in adolescent behavioral issues, substance use, and comprehensive psychological evaluations.