20 Unmistakable Signs Your Teen Might Be Experimenting with Drugs

17. New or Excessive Use of Slang or Code Words

Listen carefully to your teen's conversations, especially with new friends. A sudden adoption of new or excessive slang or code words that you don't understand, particularly when discussing plans or substances, can be a red flag. Teens might use specific terms to refer to drugs, drug use, or paraphernalia, creating a coded language to avoid detection. While teens naturally adopt new slang, a rapid immersion into a specific, secretive vocabulary warrants attention.

18. Unusual Sensitivity to Light or Sound

Beyond typical headaches, an unusual or heightened sensitivity to light (photophobia) or sound (phonophobia) can indicate drug influence or withdrawal. Certain substances can make normal sensory input feel overwhelming or painful. Your teen might start wearing sunglasses indoors, complain about normal noise levels, or become withdrawn in brightly lit or noisy environments. This sensory overload is a physiological sign that something is disrupting their brain's normal processing.