Use Your Nose: Have a face-to-face conversation when they get home. Smells of smoke, alcohol, chemical or other substances can linger on their breath, hair, and clothes.
Look Them in the Eyes: Are their eyes red, heavy-lidded, or are their pupils unusually large (dilated) or small (constricted)? This can be a key indicator.
Watch Their Behavior: Are they unusually loud, dizzy, clumsy, or lethargic? Are they laughing hysterically at nothing or stumbling? These could be signs of impairment.
Check Their Spaces: If you have serious concerns, it may be necessary to search their room, backpack, or car. Be prepared to explain that this is done out of love and concern for their safety.
Common Hiding Spots: Inside drawers, under beds, inside over-the-counter medicine containers, inside books, or in fake containers like soda cans. Hidden empty spray paint or solvent containers, and chemical-soaked rags or clothing are signs of inhalant substance abuse (huffing)
Also, pay attention to their digital life—texts and social media can contain clues.
Finding evidence—or finding nothing at all—requires a calm and loving response.
Visit Drug Free’s website to view sample conversations on how to approach and respond to your teen.
Having these worries is a sign of your care and commitment. Trust your instincts.
Need immediate support or someone to talk to?
Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Helpline: Call (800) 972-0590 if you are using alone. An operator will stay on the line with you and send help if you become unresponsive.