How can I tell if my son is using drugs?
A clear answer from the Restart team — reviewed November 2026.
There's no single sure sign, but several sudden changes together — in sleep, appetite, mood, friends, money and school performance — deserve attention. It's best to talk calmly with a specialist before confronting him.
- Sudden change matters more than any single sign
- Angry confrontation usually increases denial
- A free parents' seminar every Saturday
Which signs deserve attention?
Long nights or oversleeping, loss of appetite or unusual hunger, irritability and mood swings, new friends and extra secrecy, repeated requests for money or missing items, falling grades, red eyes or very dilated or tiny pupils.
What should I do if I suspect it?
Note what you see, choose a calm moment to talk and avoid accusations. Get a specialist's advice on the next step, and start supporting yourself through Quiet Homes.
How Restart helps
General educational content from the Restart team — not a substitute for a medical assessment. In an emergency, call emergency services immediately. · Last reviewed: November 2026
Medically reviewed byDr. Huthayfa BarhamMedical Director · Addiction psychiatristFAQ
How can I tell if my son is using drugs?
Is a home drug test a good idea?
When is it an emergency?
The first step is a conversation.
Tell us about your situation or a loved one's. We'll understand what's happening and guide you to the right path — in complete confidence.
The first conversation is free and fully confidential · no commitment