How to Recognise Substance Abuse in Children

Written by:

Johnny Beggache

Last Updated:

December 3rd, 2024

Whilst often romanticised, childhood can be a period of tumultuous change, pressures and difficulties. We experience a lot that can become overwhelming during our childhood and early teens. With social changes, puberty, exploration of sexuality and a social scene becoming increasingly more complex, our worries start to deepen as we move through childhood. When we think of addiction, the classic image is usually of someone in middle age. But addiction does not discriminate. It is possible to become addicted to substances at any age – even during childhood. But how does this happen? How common is addiction in children? What, as parents, carers and guardians, should we look out for?

How common is substance abuse in children?

Between April 2021 and March 2022, there were a total of 11,326 young people (under the age of 18) in contact with drug and alcohol services in England. Out of these young people, 80% had an early onset of substance abuse, meaning they had engaged with drugs for the first time before turning 15.

The report broke down this data further, showing the gender and age demographics of the young people in addiction treatment. They found that the following young people were in treatment for addiction:

• 8 girls & 31 boys younger than 12
• 81 girls & 119 boys aged 12
• 299 girls and 431 boys aged 13
• 751 girls and 1,089 boys aged 14 
• 1,152 girls and 1,856 boys aged 15
• 934 girls and 1,721 boys aged 16 
• 964 girls and 1,890 boys aged 17 

This indicates that substance abuse difficulties are experienced at as young as 12. The data would suggest that for some children, the onset of drug use may be even younger for the substance usage to have progressed to the point of requiring treatment at this age.

It is important to remember that this data only represents the number of children in treatment, not the number of children dealing with addiction. This suggests that the real prevalence of childhood drug abuse is much higher than these numbers indicate.

Early onset or childhood addiction comes with a range of risks, such as:

• Academic difficulties
• Risk of becoming a victim of abuse or other forms of violence
• Suicide
• Alcohol poisoning
• Developing longer-term mental health difficulties
• Developing longer-term physical health complications

These dangers make managing childhood substance dependency especially crucial.

Risk factors related to childhood substance abuse

Just like in adults, addiction in children can manifest for a range of reasons. These are often linked to social, environmental, social, or even genetic factors. Examples include:

• Negative self-image
• Difficulties or pressures in school
• Social difficulties
• Bullying
• Feeling different
• Conflict or dissolution of the family household
• Experience or abuse of neglect
• Experience of homelessness
• Experience of the care system
• Family history of addiction
• Peer pressure
• The influence of media and social media
• Child criminal exploitation

If your child is experimenting with drugs, it can be useful to get a sense of why they may have engaged with substances in the first instance. By learning the underlying catalyst, we can identify potential triggers and also assess the safety of our children. For example, if a child has turned to drugs in order to help them manage difficult feelings around abuse, or if a child has been given alcohol by an adult, then it is crucial to unveil this information for your child’s protection.

Signs of childhood addiction

Identifying addiction in our children can be very distressing. However, it is important to remain objective where possible in order to help your loved one as much as possible. The first way to do this is to look out for signs. Key signs of addiction in children can be broken down into three categories:

1. Physical
2. Emotional
3. Behavioural

Physical signs

• Red or sore eyes
• Dilated (large) or pinpoint (small) pupils
• Unexplained bruises
• Frequent headaches and periods of sickness
• Smelling of paint fumes or having paint on hands, face or clothes
• Smelling of cannabis, cigarettes, or alcohol
• Lowered immune system
• Appearing to feel more tired
• Getting sick more frequently
• Weight loss

Emotional signs

• Unpredictable moods
• Struggling to focus
• Feeling isolated but struggling to socialise
• Anxiety or paranoia
• Appearing angry
• Apathy
• Appearing to ‘not care’

Behavioural signs

• Engaging with a new group of friends
• Periods of unexplained absence
• Unexplained difficulties in school
• Social withdrawal
• Self-harming
• Engaging with adult content
• Reduced attention to hygiene
• Appetite changes
• Sleeping issues
• Becoming defensive
• Showing distress when you wish to enter their room

These signs are a strong basis for identifying substance use in your children. However, there are some additional signs you can look out for that may be specific to different age groups.

Preteens (12s and under)

• Erratic behaviour
• Unpredictable mood swings
• Becoming tearful or having tantrums
• Difficulties engaging with peers
• Being sick

Younger teenagers

• Shouting, swearing or arguing
• Apathy
• Increased engagement with the online world
• Sudden difficulties at school

Older teenagers

• Threatening to move out
• Leaving the house for long periods of time, including overnight
• Engagement in criminal activity
• Engagement in unsafe sex

An additional sign to look for amongst all young people is the threatening of or plans to engage with self-harming behaviour, including suicidal ideation.

How do I talk to my child about drugs and alcohol addiction?

The addiction conversation is very difficult to have regardless of age. By tailoring your approach to the age of your loved one, you can work to pitch your discussion on an appropriate level.

Preteens (12s and under)

• Ask how they are feeling
• Explain reasons for your concern
• Explain that substances can cause harm
• Asks why they are using it
• Ask if they know what they are using
• Ask how it makes them feel
• Asks where they may be getting it from

 Teenagers

The goal with teenagers is to address them as adults. Pitching yourself as though you are talking to a young child can lead to disdain or apathy. This means that the best way to speak to teenagers about drug us is to:

• Refrain from passing judgement
• Avoid assumptions
• Asks why they are using it
• Explain the long-term risks of drug use
• Promote an open, honest environment at home

Initiating support for childhood drug addiction

Unfortunately, one of the dangers around childhood addiction is that an earlier onset of drug use can be linked to increased risk.Scientists link this to the impact of substances on a developing brain and body. This makes getting support for your child very urgent.

Potential treatment routes include contacting:

• Primary care practitioner (such as a GP)
• Relevant social care professional
• Children’s charity (such as NSPCC)
• Addiction charity (such as Alcohol Change)
• Mental health charity (such as Young Minds)
• Local drug and alcohol service
• Young person’s rehab

Get help

At Primrose Lodge, we know that addiction is a very heavy weight to bear alone. This is why we strive to make the specialist, confidential support we offer some of the best in the sector.  We provide individuals struggling with dependency the opportunity to engage with innovative treatment. From addiction counselling to monitored detox, all our interventions are facilitated by clinical professionals. Take the first steps towards lightening the load of addiction by contacting our team for a consultation.