Recognising Substance Abuse in Children

Substance abuse among children is a bigger problem than most of us first think. Statistics from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities show 14,352 children were in alcohol and drug treatment in 2024, 16% up from the year before.

We wish to parents, guardians and anyone involved in a child’s life to recognise signs of substance abuse before this tragic problem worsens. We want to be there for you as you navigate and understand what your child needs, and deserves.

What drives children and teenagers to try drugs?

In many ways, children and teenagers are even more vulnerable to the driving factors of drug experimentation than adults. They might not yet have the life experience to know the strongest choices to make or know how to shield themselves from outside pressures. Some of the most common drivers include:

• Social influences and peers: Younger people are often more susceptible to the influence of friends and those around them. This may be more true than for adults, as a child’s friend often becomes a kind of buddy who does the same risky activities as them.
• Homelife and family history: If a child grows up in a household where drug use is minimised, or even normalised, it might seem like a normal response to deal with the commonplace experiences children and teenagers go through. Research shows that a parent having a substance use disorder (SUD) directly relates to the likelihood of the child developing a similar disorder.
• Risk-taking in adolescence: Most children, especially in adolescence, will go through phases of rebellion, striving to do everything their parent tells them not to. Many teenagers seek a thrill in doing something taboo, especially if they don’t have a role model they truly believe in.
• Underlying trauma and emotional pain: Lastly, we should note that one of the biggest drivers of addiction formation is “Adverse Childhood Experiences” (ACEs). While it may be true that a child going through trauma has had less time for the dangers to ferment, they may still be immediately affected by ACEs and, sadly, see drugs as a form of escape from traumatic events.

What are the signs of substance abuse in children?

A lot of children who are suffering turn to internalising their feelings or expressing themselves in more subtle ways than adults. This is why it’s important to pay attention to the signs across multiple areas, and not just in physical indicators:

Physical indicators of drug use

The physical signs that suggest a child has used a substance can include:

• Regular headaches, sickness, and nausea
• Smelling of strange chemicals, alcohol or smoke
• A decline in hygiene and grooming
• Rapid changes in weight and appetite
• Bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils
• Unexplainable fatigue

Emotional and psychological signals

Emotional and psychological indicators of drug use in a child include:

• Extreme mood swings and emotional outbursts outside of what you’ve seen before
• A prevailing sense of anxiety, depression or paranoia
• Withdrawing from friends and previously enjoyed activities
• Increased sense of secrecy and defensiveness on the topic of drugs

Shifts in behaviour due to physical and psychological changes

The physical and mental changes a child goes through if they’re abusing a substance may lead them to form new behaviours. These may be easier to spot in a child than in an adult, and can include:

• Declining grades or skipping days at school
• Feeling like they can’t focus on their work like before
• Suspicious behaviours around money, or stealing
• Becoming evasive about explaining how they spend their time
• Staying up all night or oversleeping in the day

These signs might not be a guarantee that drug use is affecting the child, but if multiple are appearing, and you feel the child is behaving out of character, you may need to make an action plan.

 

How can I start talking to a child about their drug use?

Talking with children about a sensitive subject can feel incredibly challenging. You may feel scared to break the connection you have with them or fearful of saying something that hurts them.

However, if you remember to be careful and measured in your approach, your conversation could be the key that opens the door to a sober childhood, as all children deserve. Here are steps you can take:

Wait for a time that feels calm

Children often go through emotions much faster than adults, and your timing really does matter. Try to avoid times when you know the child is going through stress or high pressure, like during exam times. Think about times when the child feels most calm, like during a walk, a car ride, or another shared activity with them.

Keep questions open-ended and utilise active listening

It helps to communicate with a child through open-ended questions, rather than yes-or-no questioning. Try lines like “Can you tell me how things have been lately?” or “What’s been on your mind over the past few weeks?” Then, simply let them speak, without interruption. You might find they open up if it feels like they’re truly being heard.

Acknowledge family history, if relevant

Finally, this is applicable in different ways depending on your relationship with them. For your own child, it is important to know if your family has a history of substance misuse or mental health problems. Research shows that substance use disorders (SUDs) are heritable psychiatric disorders, so you should look for patterns in your family history. If the child is not your relative, it can help to reach out to some of their family members and ask the same questions.

What should I do if I know they’re using a substance?

If you are growing more certain that a child is using substances, it’s important to take proactive measures before the problem grows worse. Steps include:

• Keep a record of behaviours and warning signs so that you have a reliable document and can potentially start working with a treatment provider. Keep careful note of the dates and times when you think the child is taking the substance.
• Develop relationships with those close to the child. For parents, this may be reaching out to some of the teachers your child gets along best with, or the managers of school sports teams. If it isn’t your child, speaking to relatives and friends can help you piece together a clearer picture of what the child is going through.
• Think about boundaries and consequences: It may benefit you to set clear and age-appropriate expectations around substances. Depending on your relationship, more or less strict boundaries should be applied, but it is important to remain consistent. Plan your boundaries beforehand, and stick to them.
• Consider professional evaluation and treatment options: If the behaviour persists or escalates, speaking with a GP, counsellor, or addiction specialist may be needed. Professional guidance provides a clearer picture of the problem. They will be able to talk to you about the next important steps to take.

Where can I find support for a child struggling with addiction?

If you suspect that a child in your care is misusing drugs or alcohol, you don’t need to shoulder the worry alone. Acting early can prevent long-term harm, and professional help is available to support both you and your child every step of the way.

At Liberty House Clinic, we deliver safe and compassionate treatment for young people facing addiction. We understand the importance of family involvement, and our therapies include family-based treatment. A struggling child’s well-being is always at the heart of our recovery programmes. Reach out today, because no child should have to face these challenges without proper support.