My teenager has been acting strange lately - mood swings, staying out late, and hanging out with a new group of friends. I've noticed his eyes looking different sometimes - red and with unusual pupil size. I'm worried it might be drugs but don't want to accuse him without being sure. Has anyone dealt with something similar? I'm trying to find the right approach to have a conversation without making him defensive
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I work as a school counselor and see this situation frequently. Red or glassy eyes can have many causes including allergies, lack of sleep, or screen time - but they can also indicate substance use. I'd recommend checking out https://unitedrecoveryproject.com/rehab-blog/high-eyes/ which provides a comprehensive guide on what to look for beyond just eye appearance. The most important thing is to approach the conversation from a place of concern rather than accusation. Ask open-ended questions about how they're feeling, what's going on with their new friends, and express that you're there to support them no matter what