A Parent’s Guide to Drug Smells and Odors

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use

Addiction causes behavioral changes¹⁷—but so does adolescence. It can be hard to tell the difference between normal teen development and more serious problems. According to experts, there are a few warning signs that your child might need help: 

1. Their demeanor changes suddenly.
2. Multiple signs of addiction appear at the same time. 
3. Their behavior is extreme. 

But what specific signs should you look for? You can keep your child safe by watching out for these symptoms of substance abuse:¹⁸

• Frequently changing friend groups
• Regularly staying out after their curfew
• Lying about where they’ve been
• Making transparent excuses for bad behavior
• Pulling back from family activities
• Disrespecting authority figures such as parents, teachers, or other adults
• Academic problems
• Changes in appearance
• Poor oral hygiene
• Bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, or pinpoint pupils
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Uncharacteristic or unprovoked anger
• Poor judgment
• Irritability
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Drastic changes to sleep habits

Identifying Drug Smells in the Home

When you want to keep your child safe, asking “What do drugs smell like?” can be a good first step. But smells can be deceiving. If you think you’re smelling drugs, you should gather more information before confronting your child.

First, consider the context in which you’re noticing the smell: 

• Is the smell coming from your child’s bedroom, the clothes they’re wearing, their body, or somewhere else? 
• Do you only notice it at certain times of the day? 
• Does your child act differently when they smell that way? 

Use your answers to make a plan of action. For example, if you notice the smell in their bedroom, you might want to take a look around while they’re out of the house. Or if the smell only happens late at night, you can check in on them around that time to make sure they’re okay. 

Looking for Drugs in Your Home

If you think your teen may be keeping substances in your home, you should be aware of a few common hiding spots for drugs:¹⁹

• Electronics with closed compartments (calculators, game consoles, alarm clocks, etc.)
• Highlighters or pens with caps
• Candy wrappers or snack containers
• Heating vents
• Stuffed animals
• Car interiors, especially any hidden compartments

Some retailers also sell disguised stash containers,²⁰ which look like other objects. For example, your teen might have a smell-proof container that looks exactly like a can of soda. 

Addressing Drug Use With Your Child

Every behavior—even dangerous behavior—serves a purpose. If your child’s using drugs, there’s a reason for it. But they might not know what that reason is. Maybe they’re trying to self-medicate mental health issues, impress their friends, or just get your attention. Whatever need they’re trying to meet, you can help them address it in a more effective way. 

In many cases, the next step is to talk to your child about their behavior. You can also get the help of a therapist or addiction specialist, or even stage an intervention. Whatever you decide, take your time to prepare for this conversation. Go into it with a plan for what you’ll say, and clear goals for the future. 

The most important thing is opening communication with your child, and letting them know you’re on their side. Try to avoid blaming them or punishing them for their behavior. Instead, focus on giving them more support. This could mean that you set stronger boundaries, or take away privileges like staying out after a certain time. You can also look for more sustainable ways to meet their emotional needs. For example, you might suggest a weekly family hike or movie night. 

If your child is abusing drugs, they may need professional mental health treatment. It’s best to start researching treatment programs before it becomes an emergency. You can also reach out to rehab programs to ask for their expert advice. 

Prevention and Education

Whether or not your child is using drugs, there are things you can do to keep them safe. Experts have identified certain risk factors for drug use among teens:²¹

• Conflict with parents
• Inconsistent, harsh, or lacking discipline
• Substance use by parents or siblings
• Physical abuse
• Lack of supervision
• Academic problems

Addressing these issues can lower your child’s risk of substance abuse. You can also teach them about addiction, and what to do if they encounter drug use. For example, you can encourage them to call you for a ride home if any of their friends offer them drugs. 

Seeking Professional Assistance

Data suggests that instead of talking to their parents, teens confide in other adults²² more readily. In addition to offering them emotional support, you can connect them with a larger community of people. That could include trusted friends, extended family, and mental health providers. 

You can choose the right type of healthcare professional based on your family’s needs. These experts can help in a variety of ways: 

• Offering a safe space in which teens can talk about their feelings
• Diagnosing underlying mental health issues
• Prescribing non-addictive medications 
• Recommending specific types of long-term treatment
• Facilitating communication between family members
• Educating parents on how to best support teenagers

Addiction and mental health treatment are different for everyone. Your child might benefit from seeing a talk therapist, psychiatrist, social worker, or other specialist. In most rehab programs—including inpatient and outpatient centers—they’ll get coordinated care from a team of experts. 

While treatment will focus on your child, it often includes the whole family. You might attend group therapy sessions or just receive updates about their progress. Their care team will probably also suggest ways to improve your whole family’s dynamic. 

Supporting Your Child’s Well-Being

If you discover that your child is using drugs, it’s a sign that something has to change. Going forward, they’ll probably need new kinds of support. That could mean going to rehab, switching schools, or something else entirely. In any event, this might be the start of a turbulent time. 

As your child makes this transition, look for ways to provide stability: 

• Communicate openly. Foster a supportive home environment by talking to your child about their feelings. You can also share your own experience in a gentle, loving way.
• Set clear boundaries and expectations. Reward their progress and provide consistent discipline. 
• Connect with the other people in their support network. This may include therapists, teachers, friends, or extended family. Work as a team to support your child’s ongoing recovery.
• Set a positive example. Children with parents who abuse substances,²³ including alcohol, have a higher risk of addiction. 
• Look for ways to have fun. Finding joy is an essential part of recovery. Encourage your child to try new hobbies they might find meaningful. You can also plan regular activities as a family.

Remember that your child isn’t the only one going through a major life change. Their journey affects you and your whole family. Make sure you get the support you need, too. You might see a 1:1 therapist, lean on trusted friends, or just take time for yourself. 

Practicing self-care has several benefits. First, you’ll ensure that you have the emotional bandwidth to help your child face whatever challenges arise. You’ll also show your child that it’s okay to ask for help when they need it. 

Moving Forward Together

If you’re concerned that your child might be doing drugs, there are a few steps you can take to keep them safe: 

• Learn how to detect drug smells in your home or on your child’s clothes.
• Check for drug paraphernalia, making sure to look in common hiding places.
• Talk to your child about drug use.
• Get expert advice from mental health professionals. 

Parenting is a constant learning process. And the more you know about substance abuse, the more tools you’ll have to help your child. If they need professional support, you can always connect with a rehab program for teens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Smells and Odors