Substance abuse in teenagers often goes unnoticed by parents for months or years. Warning signs of drug use in teens include neglecting hygiene, poor grades, changes in friends, and hostility towards family. If parents suspect their teen is using drugs, they should not ignore the signs, as teenage drug abuse is increasing and can lead teens to criminal behavior. With immediate intervention, counseling, and rehabilitation, parents can help prevent further destruction in their teen's life and future from substance abuse.

1. The Signs of Substance Abuse in Teenagers
The use of drugs can be very destructive not only to teens but also their
families. Therefore, the earlier the intervention, the better it will be. But the
problem is that most often, substance abuse in teenagers have already been
happening months or years before their parents know about it. Even when
their parents are aware about their teens using drugs, some just take it for
granted or even underestimate the level of involvement of their child.
If you are suspecting that your teenager is using drugs, do not ignore the
warning signs. Teenagers rarely grasp the idea of addiction. Most of them
thought that they are resistant to danger. For some teenagers, the pressure
from peers and stress of adolescence is just so overwhelming and drugs
have become a tempting escape. Some of the common signs your child is
using drugs include:
 neglected hygiene or self appearance
 grades dropping
 poor self image
 unexplained drop of weight
 glassy eyes
 violent reactions at home
 skin abrasions

2.  chemical breath
 red eyes
 change in friends
 valuables missing
 borrowing or stealing money
 reckless behavior
 hostility towards the members of the family
 depression
 apathy
 verbally abusive
 disrespectful to parents and elderly
 loss of interest in healthy and physical activities
 slurred speech
 lack of motivation and a whole lot more.
Unfortunately, in the recent years, teenage drug abuse statistics have shown
to increase. As a result, more teens are getting involved in various forms of
crimes. If any of the above given signs seemed applicable to your teenager
as well as their behavior, there is a high chance of destructive pattern
developing in them which requires immediate intervention. Reponses of
shame or denial to drug use will only become an additional obstacle that
needs to be overcome. There are many reasons why teenagers are enticed
to use drugs.
It could be because they see it as an escape to their problems. Others use
drugs because they want to fit in a new group, they want to rebel against
their parents and want to experience the excitement and thrill of taking a
risk.
It is very frustrating to know that teenagers have been hooked into using
drugs. Substance abuse in teenagers can be prevented. Teens involved in
drugs need serious attention from their parents or other members of the
family. It is not too late to make them realize that drugs will only be
destruction to their future. There are many rehabilitation centers and
medical professionals that can aid parents in getting help to eliminate the
use and dependency of drugs in teenagers.