As a teen, friendships are one of the most important parts of your life. You share secrets, laugh together, and support each other through tough times. But what happens if you notice that your friend isn’t acting like themselves anymore? They might be struggling with something serious, like substance use. It can be scary and confusing, but knowing the signs and how to help can make a huge difference.
What to Look For
If you think your friend might be using drugs or alcohol, there are some signs you can watch for. These changes might not happen all at once, but if you notice a few of them, it’s important to pay attention.
Changes in Behavior | Is your friend acting differently? Maybe they’re more secretive, or they’re hanging out with a new group of people who aren’t a good influence. They might also start skipping school, lying more often, or getting into trouble. If they used to be outgoing and now seem withdrawn or sad, that could be a sign too.
Physical Changes | Drugs and alcohol can affect how someone looks. Your friend might have red or glazed eyes, or they might seem unusually tired or energetic. Weight changes, like suddenly gaining or losing weight, can also be a sign. You might also notice that they stop caring about their appearance or hygiene.
Mood Swings | Substance use can make someone’s emotions go up and down quickly. One minute, they might be really happy and laughing, and the next, they’re angry or crying for no reason. If your friend is having extreme mood swings, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
Changes in Hobbies and Interests | If your friend suddenly loses interest in things they used to love, like sports, hobbies, or even hanging out with you, it might be because of substance use. They might also start missing important events or activities that they used to care about.
How to Help
If you think your friend might be using substances, it’s important to approach the situation with care and kindness. Here are some steps you can take:
Talk to Them | Find a quiet, private place to talk to your friend. Let them know that you’ve noticed they’re acting differently and that you’re worried about them. Use “I” statements, like “I’m really concerned because I’ve noticed you’re not yourself lately.” This can help them feel less defensive.
Listen | Give your friend a chance to talk. They might be feeling scared, ashamed, or confused. Let them know that you’re there to listen and support them, no matter what.
Encourage Them to Get Help | It’s important for your friend to get help from a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or counselor. Offer to go with them if they’re scared, or help them find someone to talk to. Remind them that getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Don’t Take it on Alone | Helping a friend who is struggling with substance use can be really tough. It’s important to talk to a trusted adult yourself, too. They can give you advice and support as you try to help your friend.
Seeing a friend struggle with substance use is hard, but you don’t have to go through it alone. By knowing the signs and offering support, you can make a big difference in their life. Remember, the most important thing is to be there for them and to encourage them to get the help they need. Your friendship could be the key to helping them turn things around.
Elevate “U” is a youth intervention program comprised of multiple research-based programs that are designed to help teenagers get back on track if they are experiencing negative impacts from alcohol or drug use. Find more information by visiting https://elevateyou.org/youthintervention.
