Substance abuse includes smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and abusing prescription or nonprescription drugs. Peer pressure to use the latest drug or to abuse alcohol is high for teenagers. Genetics could also play a role in substance abuse. In a July 5, 2007 article in Time magazine, Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, states that some people have a genetic predisposition toward addiction. The earlier your child starts abusing substances, the more likely the chances are that he'll develop an addiction.
School Problems
Poor or decreased academic performance is a noticeable negative effect of substance abuse in teens. Teenagers who engage in substance abuse often exhibit a sharp decline in grades and test performance. They might also develop problems with teachers, peers and cut or miss classes frequently. You might notice a change in your child's overall attitude, particularly negative changes, such as being negative about the future or changing plans to attend college. She might get into fights with classmates or school administrators, especially if she is challenged or questioned about her behavior.
Health Problems
Health problems can be the first and most noticeable effect of teen substance abuse. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, health problems such as increased fatigue, coughing, red, dry, bloodshot or glazed eyes and other physical complaints might become more frequent. Your child might oversleep more often or develop insomnia. He might have gastrointestinal upsets, experience blackouts, vomit frequently or seem dizzy or unbalanced. You might also notice that he has a dramatic weight gain or weight loss over a short period of time. According to Help Guide, substance abuse can also cause mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Social and Family Problems
Teens who abuse drugs or alcohol might suddenly seem like different people. You might feel like you don't recognize your own child any more. She might start arguments for no reason more frequently, withdraw from family members and friends or break rules, according to the American Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She might start hanging around a troubled group of friends or have problems with the law. She might not want you to meet her new friends and you'll feel as though she's hiding something from you and sneaking around.
