Teenagers can change fast. Sometimes those changes are normal. Sometimes, there are signs that a teen is using drugs or alcohol. At Integrated Health & Wellness Services, LLC, we will explain the signs clearly. We want parents, teachers and friends to feel safe and prepared to help.
What Is Substance Use?
Substance use means a teen drinks alcohol or uses drugs that change how they feel or act. These can be medicines that are not used the right way, illegal drugs, or too much alcohol. Substance use can make a teen sick, scared, or hurt their future.
Signs to Watch For
Here are things you might see. Seeing one does not always mean a teen is using. But many signs together can be a warning.
Changes in Mood
- The teen is angry for no clear reason.
- The teen is sadder or quieter than usual.
- The teen acts anxious or scared a lot.
Changes in Behavior
- The teen skips school or stops doing chores.
- The teen loses interest in hobbies or sports.
- The teen lies or hides things more than before.
Problems with Friends
- The teen has new friends who seem secretive.
- The teen spends time with people who make you worry.
- The teen avoids old friends or family.
Changes in Sleep and Eating
- The teen sleeps much more or much less.
- The teen loses weight or gains weight fast.
- The teen has no energy most days.
- Grades drop fast with no clear reason.
- The teen misses classes or gets detentions.
- The teen has trouble focusing or remembering.
Trouble at School
Physical Signs
- Red or glassy eyes.
- Small or big pupils.
- Bad breath or a smell on clothing.
- Sudden sores, needle marks, or odd rashes.
- Walking or talking in a slow, strange way.
Money or Things Go Missing
- The teen asks for more money and cannot explain it.
- Small items or family money go missing.
- The teen sells things without telling you.
How to Talk to a Teen
Talking helps. Use calm words. Here are tips that work for most teens.
- Pick a quiet time when you are not angry.
- Say you care about them. Use “I” sentences. For example, “I am worried about you.”
- Listen more than you talk. Let them speak.
- Do not shout or blame. Blame can push them away.
- Ask simple questions. For example, “Are you using anything?”
- If they say yes, thank them for telling you. Being honest is hard.
What to Do If You Suspect Substance Use
Take action with care. Steps you can take:
- Keep them safe. If they are very sick or not breathing, call emergency help right away.
- Talk to the teen. Be calm and kind.
- Remove easy access to alcohol or drugs from the home.
- Get help from a doctor, counselor, or treatment service.
- Stay involved. Teens need a safe place and caring adults.
How We Help at Integrated Health & Wellness Services
We offer many services to help teens and families. We know each teen is different. We work with you, step by step.
- Addiction treatment and counseling. We meet with teens in person or online.
- Family and group counseling. We help families talk and heal together.
- Psychiatric medication management. A doctor can check if medicine can help.
- Opioid treatment and MAT program for teens who need it.
- DNA drug testing when a clear test is needed.
- Psychiatric evaluations and cognitive assessments to learn more about a teen’s needs.
- Telehealth and in-person appointments for your comfort.
We are at 1508 Pennsylvania Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806. You can call or ask for an online consultation. We want to guide you to safety and hope.
What Parents Can Do Every Day
Small steps matter. Do them often.
- Talk and listen every day. Short chats help build trust.
- Get involved in their life by asking about their studies or interests.
- Keep rules clear and fair. Teens feel safer with rules.
- Watch for signs without spying. Let them know you care.
- Praise good choices. Say thank you when they do well.
When to Find Professional Help
Look for help sooner rather than later if:
- The teen is using drugs or alcohol daily.
- The teen uses needles or hard drugs.
- The teen shows harmful thoughts or plans to hurt themselves.
- The teen is not eating, not sleeping, or is very sick.
- The teen lies about use or hides a lot.
We can help you decide what kind of care is right.
Hope and Healing
Many teens recover with the right support. Recovery can mean fewer cravings, better sleep, better grades and happier days. Family support and good medical care help a lot. You are not alone.
How to Reach Us
If you see signs and want help, contact Integrated Health & Wellness Services, LLC. We offer a friendly team and many services for teens and families. Call us or book an online consultation. Our goal is to help your teen find peace and joy again.
We care for teens and families in Wilmington, DE. Let us walk with you.
FAQs
Q. How should I talk to my teen if I am worried?
Be calm. Say you care. Let them talk. Use short, kind sentences.
Q. My teen won’t talk. What can I do?
Keep being kind. Offer to go to an appointment with them. Try family counseling.