Persistent negative self-talk, hopelessness, withdrawal, or major changes in mood and behavior can signal emotional distress or a mental-health condition, but they do not by themselves show drug or alcohol use. Substance use and mental health often overlap, so a young person with persistent distress should be screened for both rather than assuming one explains the other.
Your loved one may call themselves a failure, express shame or hopelessness, pull away from friends and activities, or show changes in sleep, energy, school performance, or behavior. These signs warrant prompt attention whether or not substance use is involved, particularly if they are increasing, persistent, or accompanied by risky behavior or use of alcohol or drugs.
Use the Checklist and Rating Scale to document specific, repeated behaviors. Start a calm, caring conversation focused on their feelings and safety, avoid blame or accusations, and arrange support from a pediatrician, mental-health professional, school counselor, or substance-use clinician as appropriate. If they talk about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or trapped, self-harm, or suicide—or you believe they may be in immediate danger—ask directly about suicide, stay with them or get another safe adult present, and contact emergency services or call/text 988 in the United States.
A person’s vision of themselves is critical to the formation of a healthy self-concept and outlook on life. In fact, there is a direct link between their self-concept and their self-esteem, which is the measure of how they live up to that ideal person they have deep inside. If a young person speaks negatively about themselves, is overly critical of their own behaviors, or demeans themselves, it might not automatically suggest drug use. It is normal for teenagers to occasionally get down on themselves; yet, persistent negative self-evaluation can be a clue that they are using drugs.
When people use drugs, they must do things that do not square with who they think they are. To continue using, they must constantly lie and deceive others, steal to support their habit, or even resort to violence to protect their drug supply. Lying, cheating, and stealing run contrary to how they were raised. This hypocrisy causes deep internal conflict, leading them to label themselves as “losers,” “deviants,” or corrupt individuals who have lost all hope of returning to the decent, honorable, and dependable people they once were.
When there is a shift in a young person’s attitude toward themselves, it is often a sign they are unhappy with their secret behavior. This is especially true if, during their innocent younger days, they were perky, outgoing, and confident. That hidden life they are living usually involves drugs and the destructive drug lifestyle.
If you notice these shifts in a teenager’s mood and behavior, do not ignore them. Start an open, gentle conversation about their feelings. Focus on rebuilding their trust and reminding them of their inherent worth. Seek professional guidance early, such as therapy or substance abuse counseling, to help them find their way back to a healthy, rewarding, and positive life.
This sign is for awareness and education only. It is useful as a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. It is not a substitute for professional assessment or treatment. If you are concerned about someone you love, speaking with a qualified addiction counselor or psychologist is always the right next step.
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