Substance use is a significant issue among youth.

It's crucial to recognize signs the young people in your life may be using substances and understand the consequences of substance use. Knowing and communicating the impacts substances have on a young person’s body, mind, social interactions, and academic performance can help prevent youth from using substances.

Knowing the signs and consequences can help prevent or delay youth substance use.

Signs a teen may be using substances

Recognizing early signs of substance use can help prevent long-term issues. While changes in behavior are common during adolescence, persistent or drastic shifts may indicate a deeper concern. Here are some warning signs to watch for:

  • Changes in mood or behavior: increased secrecy, defensiveness, or sudden mood swings.
  • Declining academic performance: drop in grades, skipping school, or loss of interest in school activities.
  • Physical signs: bloodshot eyes, frequent nosebleeds, unusual smells on clothing or breath, or changes in energy levels.
  • Social shifts: new friend groups, avoiding family time, or sudden isolation.
  • Missing money or items: unexplained loss of money, valuables, or prescription medications.
  • Risky or reckless behavior: more frequent rule-breaking, legal trouble, or engaging in unsafe activities.

If you’re concerned, start an open and non-judgmental conversation with your teen. Express your observations, offer support, and seek professional guidance if needed. Early intervention can make a huge difference in preventing long-term substance use issues.

Legal consequences of underage substance use

Many teens don’t realize that experimenting with substances can come with serious legal consequences, in addition to increasing the risk that they can become addicted. In most states, underage possession or consumption of alcohol, marijuana, or other substances can lead to fines, community service, or even suspension of a driver’s license. This is in addition to consequences at school as well, including suspension from school, sport, and other extracurriculars.  Additionally, supplying substances to minors—even unknowingly—can result in criminal charges.

For more severe cases, certain offenses (such as DUIs or drug-related incidents) can have lasting legal records that impact future job opportunities, college admissions, and financial aid eligibility. Parents and caregivers can help teens understand that their choices now can affect their future freedom, education, and career paths.

Resources are available to support youth and families.

If you or someone you know is abusing substances, you are not alone - there are several resources to help! Below are a few places to start. More mental health resources here.

My Life, My Quit

My Life, My Quit is a free and confidential program to help Minnesota teens ages 13-17 quit commercial tobacco and nicotine, including vaping. Teens can text to chat with a quit coach, engage in coaching calls and online chat, and receive youth-specific materials.

Website

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) for more information or text “Start My Quit” to 36072

Quit Partner

Quit Partner is Minnesota’s free way to quit nicotine, including smoking, vaping and chewing. They can support an individual's quit journey with one-on-one coaching and other helpful tools. Support via talk or text is available 24/7.

Website

Teens can text “Start My Quit” to 1-855-891-9989 or call to talk with a coach

Or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for more information

Minnesota Prevention and Recovery Alliance

Minnesota Prevention & Recovery Alliance (MnPRA) is a statewide recovery community that provides youth prevention services, peer recovery support for youth and adults, community education sessions, and peer recovery specialist training.

Website

Call 612.238.6393 for more information or email[email protected]

Steve Rummler HOPE Network

As a leader in addressing the opioid crisis in Minnesota, the Steve Rummler HOPE Network provides education and conducts policy advocacy to prevent drug overdoses. This includes offering naloxone training and fentanyl and xylazine test strips to the public at no cost.

Website

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

As the nation's foremost nonprofit provider of comprehensive behavioral health care, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation helps society rise above stigma and overcome addiction. This includes providing addiction and mental health care for Minnesota teens, young adults, and families.

Website

Call 1-844-894-2967 for more information

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. This includes connecting individuals to education and services to help better their mental health and well-being.

Website

American Lung Association

Founded 120 years ago, the American Lung Association (ALA) is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. ALA also offers teen specific tobacco cessation resources and services to help young people quit smoking and/or vaping.

Website

Teen program information

Call 1-800-LUNGUSA (586-4872) for more information