Youth and Substance Use: How Parents Can Spot The Signs

Substance use by youth has seen an increase in recent years.  Between 2016 and 2020, substance use increased by 61% among 8th graders.   According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics,  at least 1 in 8 teenagers has abused substances in the last year.  Iowa is among states with one of the highest incidences of alcohol use by youth in the United States according to The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.  

As parents/guardians, here are a few warning signs that you can look for if you suspect your youth may be using substances:

1. Evidence of drugs and/or drug paraphernalia
2. Behavioral problems and poor grades in school
3. Emotional distancing, isolation, depression, or fatigue
4. Overly influenced by peers
5. Hostility, irritability, or change in level of cooperation around the house
6. Lying or increased evasiveness about after-school or weekend whereabouts
7. Decrease in interest in personal appearance
8. Physical changes, such as bloodshot eyes, runny nose, frequent sore throats, rapid weight loss
9. Changes in mood, eating, or sleeping patterns
10. Dizziness, or memory problems
11. Unusual odor on breath (ex. alcohol, inhalants, marijuana)
12. Widely dilated pupils even in bright light or Pinpoint pupils even in dim light

So can we help? Talking to your children, even at a young age, about the effects of substances on their brains, can help prevent usage as your child ages.  Here are some tips to talking to your child about substances use at any age:

1. Use “teachable moments” to discuss substance use with your child
2. Talk calmly with your child
3. Use terms your child may understand
4. Teach your child early how to say no to others who offer substances to him
5. Listen to your child, when he talks, asks questions, or makes statements
6. Give your child facts about usage, even if you have to research it
7. Keep the lines of communication open with your child

For additional Information Check Out these Resources:

• Genesee County Prevention Coalition 
• National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics
• Power to the Parent  
• Health Park Pediatrics
• Kids Health 

If you would like to seek treatment for a substance use disorder for your youth or yourself, please contact us at www.life-connections.org and fill out a new client form for our substance use program.

Tiffany Crouse, tCADC
Outpatient Treatment Provider

Because Life is All About Connections

Life Connections provides in-home Behavioral Health Intervention services, Therapy services, autism (ABA) services and Children’s Mental Health waiver services in our 13 office locations and approved schools across Iowa. Life Connections was founded in March of 2009 with the intent to serve the children and families of Cedar Rapids and surrounding cities.

Life Connections is a highly professional and caring counseling and behavioral health provider. We offer a wide array of services to treat mental health issues including Applied Behavior Analysis Services,  Behavioral Health Intervention Services, mental health therapy, school-based therapy programs, and substance use treatment.

For more information, please call 319-409-6922.

Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255

• Crisis Text line text to 741741
• The Trevor Project – for LGBTQ+ young adult community 866-488-7386

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network 800-656-4673