Teen substance abuse: Behavioural changes parents should never ignore

Every year, International Day Against Drug Abuse reminds us of an uncomfortable reality—substance use is no longer a problem confined to adults. Increasingly, adolescents are being exposed to substances through peer influence, social media, academic pressure and curiosity.

Parents often imagine that addiction begins suddenly, but in reality, it is usually a gradual progression. A teenager who experiments for curiosity can gradually grow from recreation to dependence until it is dependent at a certain point before anyone notices.

However, one important message must be emphasised: not every teenager who experiments with a substance becomes addicted. Early identification, family support and timely intervention can prevent progression.

A Case Scenario

A 15-year-old boy studying in 10th standard was brought by his parents due to irritability, sleep disturbances and declining behaviour at home. He used to be a good student before, but had been becoming more and more withdrawn for the past few months. He used to keep himself awake till late at night, saying that he was studying for his board exams. His parents admired him for his hard work but were unaware of any wrongdoing on his part. They noticed him suddenly getting more energetic and sleepless, with no appetite.

Eventually, it was discovered that he had started consuming “cake”, a street name commonly used for certain illicit stimulant substances, after a friend suggested it would help him stay awake and study longer.

What began as occasional use for wakefulness gradually became frequent use. He soon found himself unable to concentrate without it.

It underscores an essential lesson: substance abuse among adolescents is not always about searching for pleasure at first; in some cases, it can be an effort to cope with stress or a fear of failure or a need to excel academically.

Behavioural Changes Parents Should Never Ignore

Parents should pay attention if multiple changes appear together.

1. Rapid change in sleeping patterns

· Insomnia

· Oversleeping in the day

· Staying awake throughout the night

2. Dramatic decline in academic results

- Getting poor grades

- Losing interest in studies

- Arriving at school late

- Being unable to concentrate in class

3. Sudden changes in personality

- Becoming easily irritated

- Becoming aggressive

- Having lots of mood swings

- Being overly confident

4. Social changes

· New group of friends who keep things confidential

· Detachment from the family

· Staying out too much

· Increased secrecy about their whereabouts

5. Physical warning signs

· Red eyes

· Sudden weight loss

· Poor appetite

· Tremors

· Unusual body odour

6. Financial red flags

· Missing money at home

· Repeated requests for extra money

· Unexplained online transactions

Why are teenagers vulnerable?

Several factors increase vulnerability:

# Academic pressure

# Fear of disappointing parents

# Peer pressure

# Social media influence

# Curiosity and experimentation

# Emotional distress, anxiety or depression

# Lack of healthy coping mechanisms

It is okay to fail

Perhaps one of the strongest protective messages we can give our children is this:

“It is okay to fail.”

When success is measured by grades, rankings and achievements, adolescents are being inundated with the pressure to be perfect and experience anxiety. Parents help to alleviate that pressure by telling their children that failure is okay and that a single test does not determine how they will grow. Mental well-being is just as important as having a perfect record for a healthy mindset.

When children learn that failure is a natural part of development and that it is a sign of strength and not weakness, which helps them to become strong, they develop psychological resilience that’s a shield. Without that protection, the obsessive goal for perfection will push young people toward self-destructive behaviours like substance use as a strategy for coping with anxiety.

Substance use often follows a continuum:

Experimentation → Occasional/Recreational Use → Regular Use → Dependence → Addiction

Early intervention during the first two stages can prevent progression. The earlier help is sought, the better the outcome.

What should parents do?

Do’s:

Stay calm.

Initiate open conversations without accusation.

Give attention to your child.

Monitor sudden behavioural changes.

Encourage sports, hobbies and healthy routines.

Get help from professionals.

Don’t:

Shame or humiliate your child.

Compare them with others.

Use threats or physical punishment.

Ignore warning signs, hoping they will disappear.

Prevention Begins with Trust, Not Fear

Parents should remember that behind every adolescent struggling with substance use is usually an unmet emotional need, overwhelming pressure or a cry for help. The goal is not to create fear but to build trust. A teenager who feels safe enough to talk to parents is far less likely to silently slip into addiction.

International Day against Drug Abuse is a reminder that prevention begins at home—with conversations, compassion and the reassurance that every child needs to hear: “Your life is more important than your marks, and it is okay to fail.”

DR NEERAJ H, Consultant Psychiatrist, Apollo Adlux Hospital, Angamaly