signs drugs | Help For Parents

31.2%

of 12th graders reported using an illicit drug at least once in the past year.

5,926

young people ages 15–24 died from illicit drug overdoses in the United States in 2023

15%

of U.S. high school students reported having ever used select illicit or injection drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, hallucinogens, or ecstasy.

442,000

adolescents ages 12–17 reported using an illicit drug other than marijuana in the past month.

Signs & Symptoms

Common signs of drug addiction in teens include sudden changes in behavior or mood, declining school performance, loss of interest in hobbies, secrecy, changes in sleep or eating habits, poor hygiene, and unexplained physical symptoms such as bloodshot eyes or unusual smells. Teens may also begin withdrawing from family and friends or spending time with a new group of peers.