As a parent, you’ll always worry about your children at every age. The teenage years can be particularly worrisome because you know your growing youth is probably being exposed to new and dangerous things, such as peer pressure, sex, drugs and alcohol. If you’re worried your teenager is dabbling in drugs, one of the first steps you may want to take is to try to find some proof at home. Keep reading to discover the most common hiding places for drugs in the house, including bedroom secret hiding places.
Why People Hide Drugs and What It May Indicate
You suspect your teenager is doing drugs and possibly even bringing them into the home. Here’s what could be driving your teen to hide drugs in the house:
- They don’t want you to know. Of course, the most apparent reason for hiding drugs in the house is that they don’t want you to know what they’re doing. Your teen might be battling feelings of shame for their drug use or be scared of your reaction.
- They’re addicted and use frequently. Individuals might have a hidden drug stash box because they’re in a full-blown addiction and need to use drugs even when they’re at home.
- They sell drugs. Some people who abuse drugs also end up selling drugs to fund their habit. If this is the case, your teenager might be storing their drug supply at home to sell later.
- Storing for a friend. In the best-case scenario, your child isn’t doing drugs at all and is simply storing them for a friend. If this is true, though, why would they take on the risk of hiding drugs they have no intention of using?
Where to Look for Hidden Drugs: Bathroom, Vehicles and Bedroom Secret Hiding Places
Your teenager may be clever, but they’re probably using the same hiding places as other teens. Here’s where to search in your house:
- Bathroom. Drugs may be taped to the inside of the toilet tank or put in makeup and toiletries bags or tampon containers. They may also be in the back of bathroom cabinets.
- Bedroom. Illicit substances may be concealed under the mattress, in the back of closets, behind posters, inside heating vents, inside teddy bears and inside alarm clocks. Check to see if they’re taped to the back of a nightstand.
- Living room. Substances may be secreted underneath or behind the couch, inside books on a bookshelf or taped to the back of the television.
- Kitchen. Look in the back of cabinets, behind the microwave, deep inside the pantry and even inside food containers (such as a box of cookies).
- Vehicles. Drugs may be stashed inside the glove compartment or in the trunk. They may also be taped underneath seats and to the undercarriage of the car.
If your teenager doesn’t think you suspect them of drug use, the substances might be easy to find, so look in the obvious places, too, such as school backpacks and purses.
Less Obvious or Creative Concealment Areas
If you have a very creative teenager, they might have gone beyond the typical places and hidden their drugs elsewhere. Consider checking:
- Their school locker
- Inside shoes
- In candy wrappers
- Inside game consoles (Xbox, PlayStation)
- In a fake lipstick or concealment container (such as a hollowed-out deodorant container)
- Inside flashlights
Warning Signs Beyond Physical Evidence
Aside from drug paraphernalia, there are other signs your loved one is abusing drugs. The warning signs can differ depending on the type of drug they’re using, but generally speaking, watch for the following concerning issues:
- Displaying dramatic changes in mood and behavior
- Undergoing extreme changes in appetite and sleep
- Spending time with new friends
- Having problems at school
- Isolating
- Developing a sudden loss of interest in hobbies and passions
- Frequently having red eyes
- Feeling a lack of motivation
- Needing more money all the time
- Having a poor physical appearance (not showering, grooming, dressing well)
The most obvious sign is that your teenager doesn’t seem like themselves, and the changes are drastic.
What to Do If You Suspect Drug Use in the Home
So, what to do if you find drugs in your house? If you’re worried your teenager is abusing drugs, it’s important to approach them the right way. Teenagers can be moody and defensive even on their best days. If you’re trying to get through to them about a real problem, you need to do so with care.
Have a plan before you approach them. Consider the following:
- Be clear in your evidence. Make sure you have proof you can refer to as to why you suspect they’re using drugs. A teenager will almost always automatically deny the claim. You’ll need to bring up the drug paraphernalia you’ve found or the signs you’ve noticed.
- Approach them carefully at the right time and in the right place. This isn’t a conversation to have when they’re about to walk out the door. In addition, it might not be something you want to discuss in front of other family members, such as siblings.
- Keep your tone calm, be understanding and discuss without blame. You need to clarify that your teenager isn’t in trouble. The point isn’t to punish. Instead, you need your child to know you’re concerned for their safety and only want to help. Use a lot of “I” statements rather than “you” statements. “You” statements can feel like you’re shaming or blaming the person.
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 50% of teenagers have misused a drug at least once. But what starts as recreational use can spiral into an addiction that becomes all-encompassing. Drug use in teenagers can be dangerous, possibly leading to addiction, health problems and overdoses. Teens are more susceptible to addiction than adults because their brains are still developing.
The most critical thing you can do for your teen is to get them support. Substance abuse addiction can be treated, but professional help is the best route to recovery.
Your child can get through this, but they need to know you’re there for them. Now isn’t the time to get mad; it’s the time to show your teenager you’re on their side. Intervention now can help them recover so they can go on to live a happy, healthy life.
Get Addiction Support at the National Rehab Hotline
If your teen is struggling with drug addiction, the National Rehab Hotline is available 24-7 to support you. Call to speak with a trained professional who can assist you with free, confidential support. You’ll even get additional resources to help you support your teen. Reach out today.