Recognising Substance Abuse in Children

We hope to give parents, guardians and caregivers the best chance of recognising the early signs of drug use. With timely awareness and the right support, every child has the chance to recover and step into adulthood free from addiction.

What drives a child or teenager to turn to substances?

Young people face unique pressures in their early teenage and adolescent years. Without yet having the maturity or life experience to manage external influences, they can become especially susceptible to trying and, unfortunately, becoming addicted to drugs. Some of the most common influences that can lead a child down that path include:

• Peer influence and a desire for “belonging”: During adolescence, peer approval is often valued more highly than being cautious. Many young people use substances simply because their friends do, seeking acceptance or to “belong to a group.”
• “Normalised” drug use at home and family history: When substance use is minimised or accepted at home, a child is more likely to perceive it as “normal” behaviour. Research shows that children with a parent who has a substance use disorder are twice as likely to develop one themselves.
• Trauma and emotional pain: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as abuse, neglect, or family conflict significantly increase vulnerability to addiction. Research shows that males with ACEs are 5 times more likely to develop a drug use disorder, while females are 5.9 times more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder.

There may be more key drivers of childhood drug use, but it helps to understand the main forces that push a child into dangerous territory. It reminds us to approach the topic with sensitivity and empathy, which are crucial if you truly want to get through to a child.

What signs of drug use can I watch for in a young person?

Recognising substance use in a child isn’t always straightforward. Many will conceal their emotions or show inconsistent changes that are easy to misread. That’s why identifying patterns across physical, emotional, and behavioural areas is so important:

Physical signs of drug use

Some of the physical and most overt signs of substance use in a child or teenager can include:

• Persistent tiredness or bursts of unusual energy
• Bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, or frequent nosebleeds
• Regular headaches or nausea
• Uncharacteristic or unexplained illness
• Sudden changes in appetite or noticeable weight loss or gain
• Neglecting hygiene or appearance
• Smelling of smoke, alcohol, or unfamiliar chemicals

Emotional and psychological signals

Substance use often affects a young person’s mood and thought patterns before it shows physically. Look out for:

• Noticeable mood swings or sudden emotional outbursts
• Withdrawing from family, friends, or other gatherings they used to enjoy
• Heightened anxiety, paranoia, or signs of depression
• Becoming defensive, secretive, or unusually guarded when questioned

Shifting behaviours, relating to both physical and mental drivers

The physical and mental changes a child is going through might combine and lead them into new behaviours, which could look like:

• Suddenly hanging around with new friend groups
• Falling grades, skipping school, or struggling to concentrate
• Lying, taking money, or being vague about where they’ve been
• Staying up late or sleeping far more than usual

When several appear together or seem completely out of character, it could be time to prepare for a serious talk with the child.

How can I start the conversation with a child about their drug use?

You’ll likely feel worried or intimidated about starting the conversation about a child’s possible substance use, especially if you are very close to them. It is natural for parents or guardians to fear saying the wrong thing or damaging the trust they’ve built.

Yet it could be so much worse to leave your worries unchecked.

Approaching with patience and care could be the turning point the young person needs, making them feel deeply seen and heard. Keep these principles in mind:

What steps should I take if I suspect a child is taking drugs?

If you’re growing more sure that a child is using drugs, you should take proactive steps before the problem worsens:

• Carefully log behaviours and warning signs: This way, you’ll have a document you can come back to and share with a treatment provider, if you need to take that next step.
• Speak with others who are very close to them: If you are the parent, you might consider reaching out to the teachers your child gets along with best. If they are not your child, getting in touch with their relatives might help create a clearer picture.
• Consider the boundaries and consequences they need: It may be important to start establishing clear, age-appropriate rules and follow through consistently. Remember that boundaries should reflect care, not punishment.
• Speak with professionals and explore treatment options: If you notice their behaviour getting worse, it may be time to speak with a professional. A GP, addiction specialist, or counsellor can give you professional insight into the problem.

Where can I find support for someone I know using drugs?

If you’re worried that a child or teenager in your care is misusing drugs or alcohol, you don’t have to face it alone. Taking action early can prevent lasting harm, and the right professional support can guide both you and your child toward recovery.

At Linwood House, we provide safe, specialist care for young people and families affected by addiction. Our rehab programmes combine clinical expertise with the emotional support a child needs and deserves.

Reach out today. Help is ready and waiting, for no young person should ever have to face addiction without support.