It is not uncommon for teenagers to experiment with drugs and alcohol. They may drink at a party with their friends or smoke weed because everyone else is doing it. In many cases, their substance use ends here, and there are no major consequences, but for some, it is the first step down a dark road. While some teenagers who experiment with drugs or drink underage may not battle addiction later in life, this behavior can be a warning sign for later trouble. As a parent, you want what is best for your child, so stepping in now rather than waiting until there is a bigger problem at hand can save you both from heartache. If you’re concerned about teen drug use in Texas, Texas Recovery Center is here to help.
Teen drug use in Texas is not as common as it is in other states, but it still happens. The most commonly used substances among teenagers in Texas include alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and e-cigarettes. In some cases, teenagers may also experiment with harder drugs, like cocaine or heroin. Whether your teen is abusing alcohol or opioids, it is important to get them help as soon as possible. Through drug addiction treatment and family therapy, we can help your teen get back on track and avoid a life of addiction. To learn more, please reach out to Texas Recovery Center today at 844.230.5931.
Where Do Kids Hide Drugs?
While every family is different, and there is no one right or wrong answer to this question, many parents wonder where their kids might be hiding drugs. Where kids hide their drugs will depend on various factors such as:
- What type of drug they use
- What form the drug comes in
- The amount of the drug they use
- How confident they are that they won’t get caught
While some teenagers may feel comfortable throwing a small bag of pills in their dresser drawer, other kids hiding drugs may go to great lengths to conceal them from their parents. Whether they are hiding weed or stashing hard drugs like cocaine, teenagers can be more creative in their stash spots for drugs than many parents realize. Our Scurry, Texas rehab is revealing some typical hiding spots for teens to put drugs to help you intervene sooner rather than later.
Their Bedroom
While this seems like an obvious spot for kids hiding drugs to keep their stash, finding where your child put drugs in their bedroom is another story. A quick once over may look like nothing, but your child could be hiding drugs in plain sight. If you suspect your child is hiding drugs in their bedroom or bathroom, some places to check include:
- Under the mattress
- Shoes
- Drawers
- Clothing pockets
- Bags or backpacks
- Small containers like personal hygiene products or school supplies
- Food wrappers
- Water bottles (filled with vodka instead of water)
- Room décor or behind picture frames
- Inside vents or outlet plugs
Stash cans are a series of drug-hiding containers that look like everyday objects. They can be anything from deodorant sticks and shaving cream cans to food containers and soda cans. These stash cans have false bottoms where your child can hide drugs and can easily be bought online.
Their Car
When trying to hide drugs from parents, some kids will turn to their car instead of their room for what they believe might be safekeeping. Unfortunately, if they were ever to be pulled over and their car searched, it could mean big trouble. Some places where a child might hide drugs in their vehicle include:
- Glove compartment
- Center console
- Trunk
- Bags in car
- Between the seats
- Under the seats
- Under the hood
They also may have stash cans like food containers or personal hygiene products with false bottoms or secret drug compartments.
At School
Another popular teen stash spot for drugs may be at school. If your child is using drugs, they are likely getting them from someone else at school. Instead of trying to hide drugs at home where you might find them, their school may seem like a safer option. Some potential places kids hide drugs at school may be:
- School supplies- pencil boxes, highlighters, pens
- Locker
- Gym locker
- Sports bags
- Hollowed out books
- Stash cans in these areas
What to Do if You Can’t Find Your Child’s Drug Stash
If you suspect your teenager is hiding drugs but have yet to find them, it doesn’t mean they aren’t using them. They may have been in one of these spots at some point but have since been moved. They may also be using drugs but not holding on to them. Some other signs your teenager is hiding or doing drugs include:
- Obsession with privacy – This may include locked doors or being protective over their stuff. While it is important to respect your child’s privacy, it may be a sign that your child is hiding drugs.
- Odors – Some drugs like weed leave strong odors behind that you can smell in their room, car, or on their clothes.
- Drug paraphernalia – Kid hiding drugs typically need to hide drug paraphernalia too. Check for small baggies, lighters, matches, burnt spoons, needles, straws, or makeshift bongs in the personal areas as well as the trash.
- Empty aerosol or cleaning containers – If you are expecting to find a small baggie of drugs, you may miss a more obvious culprit. Huffing is the act of recreationally inhaling chemicals like aerosols, cleaning supplies, or paint thinners to get high and is extremely dangerous.
- Hanging out with the wrong crowd – Friends can significantly influence your child. If you suspect that your teen’s friends are using drugs, then your child probably is too.
- Strange behavior – Using drugs can drastically change someone’s behavior. If your teenager’s behavior seems unusual or they have developed abnormal eating or sleep habits, they may be using drugs.
Trust your gut. If you suspect that your child is using drugs, they probably are.
What to Do If Your Child Is Using Drugs
If you do find out your child is hiding drugs, you need to confront them. While talking to your child about drugs and alcohol can be awkward and uncomfortable, it is necessary. Screaming at them will likely not stop them from doing it again and could lead to a lot of tension. Not saying anything reinforces the idea that this behavior is okay and may eventually lead them to addiction. Finding the happy medium can be hard, and many parents do not know where to start, but our team may be able to help.
Find Treatment for Your Teen at Texas Recovery Center
At Texas Recovery Center, we have detox and residential treatment programs to help young adults 18 and older who have become dependent on these substances. We offer evidence-based therapies and around-the-clock care to help our patients detox safely and start their journey to recovery. For instance, our therapeutic options include:
- Family therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Experiential therapies
Texas Recovery Center is here to help you and your family through this difficult time. To learn more, do not hesitate to contact us today.
