Signs of Drug Use in Teens

Consider whether the following statements have applied to your teen during the past 12 months:

1. My teen often uses alcohol or drugs in larger amounts or for longer than they intended.
2. My teen has wanted or tried to reduce their substance use but has been unable to do so.
3. My teen spends a significant amount of time obtaining substances, using them, or recovering from their effects.
4. My teen experiences strong urges or cravings to use alcohol or drugs.
5. My teen’s substance use has made it difficult for them to meet responsibilities at home, at school, or at work.
6. My teen continues using substances even though it causes or worsens conflict with family members, friends, or others.
7. My teen has reduced or stopped participating in activities that once mattered to them because of substance use.
8. My teen repeatedly uses substances in situations that could put them or others in danger, such as before driving or while engaging in other risky activities.
9. My teen continues using substances despite knowing that the use may be causing or worsening a physical or mental health problem.
10. My teen needs increasing amounts of a substance to experience the same effects or notices that the same amount has less effect than it once did.
11. My teen experiences withdrawal symptoms when they stop or reduce their use, or they use the substance to prevent or relieve those symptoms.