5 Early Warning Signs of Substance Use in Young Adults | Nasha Mukti Kendra
Growing up is challenging — and for many young adults, curiosity, stress, or peer pressure can lead to experimenting with alcohol, drugs, or other addictive substances. What begins as “just trying it once” can quietly develop into dependency before parents or friends even realize it.
At Khwaish Foundation, recognized as one of the Best De-Addiction Centers in Gujarat, we believe that early detection can save lives and restore families.
Here are five early warning signs that every parent, teacher, and friend should look out for 👇
1. Sudden Changes in Sleep and Daily Routine
A noticeable shift in sleep cycle — staying up all night, oversleeping during the day, or missing college or work regularly — can be an early indicator of substance use.
Young adults may appear tired, irritable, or disoriented, and often blame stress or exams. These irregularities can signal that their body and brain are being affected by substance intake.
🩺 Tip from Experts at Khwaish Foundation:
Keep track of lifestyle changes gently. Encourage open conversations about sleep, stress, and coping habits without sounding judgmental.
2. Unexplained Mood Swings or Behavioral Changes
Drastic emotional ups and downs — anger, sadness, isolation, or bursts of energy — can often reflect chemical imbalances due to drug or alcohol use.
You might notice your child or friend becoming defensive, secretive, or unusually quiet about their activities.
💬 Professional Insight:
At the Best Rehabilitation Center in Gujarat, we see that mood changes are one of the first visible red flags of addiction. Compassionate listening often helps the person open up before the situation worsens.
3. Decline in Academic or Work Performance
When grades start dropping or a once-motivated young person loses interest in school or work, it’s not always laziness. Substance use can lead to poor concentration, memory lapses, and a lack of motivation.
This shift is often accompanied by absenteeism or neglecting responsibilities that once mattered.
📘 Parental Guidance:
Approach performance changes with curiosity rather than anger. Ask questions like, “Is something making it harder for you to focus lately?” rather than accusations.
4. Change in Friend Circle or Social Behavior
A sudden switch in friends or complete withdrawal from old companions can be a subtle but serious warning.
New friend groups that avoid parents, meet in secrecy, or discourage openness often create an environment that normalizes substance use.
👥 Expert Advice:
Our counselors at Khwaish Foundation emphasize that peer influence plays a crucial role in both addiction and recovery. Encourage your loved one to engage in positive group activities, such as sports, volunteering, or skill learning.
5. Increasing Secrecy and Unexplained Expenses
Hidden messages, locked phones, disappearing money, or new spending habits can suggest substance-related activity.
Young adults might also start lying about their whereabouts or become defensive when asked simple questions.
💡 From the Specialists:
Transparency can’t be forced, but it can be encouraged. Build trust through empathy — not control. If secrecy continues, seek guidance from a professional rehabilitation center in Gujarat for early intervention.
When to Seek Help
If two or more of these signs persist for over a few weeks, it’s time to consult professionals.
Khwaish Foundation, known as one of the Best De-Addiction Centers in Gujarat, provides:
- Confidential counseling for individuals and families
- Comprehensive detoxification and rehabilitation programs
- Therapy sessions (psychological, occupational, and group-based)
- Long-term relapse prevention and reintegration plans
Early help doesn’t mean labeling someone as an “addict” — it means giving them a chance to heal before addiction takes control.
Final Thoughts
Addiction doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with small behavioral changes that, if identified early, can be reversed with love, care, and professional help.
At Khwaish Foundation, we’ve seen countless young lives reclaim their potential through timely intervention, therapy, and family support.
🌱 If you notice these signs, don’t wait — reach out today.
Help your loved one rediscover a healthy, purpose-driven life.