Is my teenager normal, or on drugs?

Your beautiful child is now a teenager, and you know that means they’ll become more difficult. But something tells you this is more than just normal youthful rebellion. You suspect they’re mixed up in drugs. The problem is, how can you know for sure? They’re not doing drugs in front of you, and they sure won’t admit to it. Our private detectives have investigated countless teens to help worried parents found out the truth, so we’ve put together a list of tell-tale signs to help you figure out if there is a good chance your teenager is doing drugs.

So how do you differentiate normal teenage mood swings from the warning signs of substance abuse? Here are a few warning signs to tell you whether the situation needs investigating.

Red eyes
Red eyes as a once of could be a sign of a late night or crying, but if your teenager often has red eyes, particularly is there seems to be no reason for it, this could indicate that they’re on drugs. It could be the more common marijuana and alcohol, but hardcore drugs like heroin can also give you red eyes. If you notice your teenager often has bloodshot or particularly glassy eyes often, you may have reason for concern.

Bursts of anger or unpredictable behaviour
Your brain chemistry can be severely affected with prolonged drug use. This can lead to anger, paranoia and violence. Sure, moody teenagers will have the odd outburst, but if they change is very sudden and dramatic, and doesn’t link to anything else like a recent traumatic event, it could be because of drug use. Also watch out for if they become more erratic, change their usual sleep patterns or strange speech. These are common symptoms of Cocaine, Crack, and Meth.

Lack of motivation
Ok, teenager are lazy. We all know that. But our investigators have noticed that, when investigating teenagers with drug addictions, their laziness extends to even things they used to be fine with, or simple tasks suddenly become too difficult. You may also find they’ve lost interest in something they used to enjoy, such as video games or watching movies.

Lying and sneaking around
If your teenager is coving up a drug addiction, this will force them to lie about seeming innocent things, such as who they’re hanging out with, where they’re going or where their money has gone. They may even be stealing from you, so if you suspect money has gone missing from your wallet, you could be right! Constant lies are a common warning sign of drug addiction.

Nosebleeds
Drugs that need to be snorted, like cocaine, can disturb the tiny blood vessels in the nose and lead to nosebleeds. Alcohol abuse can also cause nosebleeds by dilating the blood vessels. This is also a warning sign of heavier drugs, such as Cocaine, MDMA, and Amphetamines.

So these warning signs may ring true for you. Your suspicions may be correct. But you still can’t know for sure. Often the best way to find out the truth without breaking your child’s trust or the law is with a private investigator.  A private eye will find out the truth through discreet surveillance, and will get you the evidence you need so you can be sure that your teenager needs your help. Help them get off drugs and recover from their addiction by arming yourself with the right information. Give us a call on 1300 721 715 or email info@eliteinvestigations.com.au.