Not every change means your teen has a drug problem, but some changes matter more than others. A helpful way to gauge how worried to be is to sort what you're noticing into three levels: green flags (low concern), yellow flags (a pattern may be forming), and red flags (high risk). Patterns matter more than any single sign. As a rule of thumb: one or two yellow flags means it's time to check in, several mean it's time to seek guidance, and any red flag means it's time to act now. If you'd rather talk it through with someone, our trained specialists offer free, confidential support to help you make sense of what you're seeing. You can call or text our helpline.

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Instructions: Check the boxes that match what you’ve noticed in the past 3–6 months. You don’t need to check every box — patterns matter more than single signs.

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On this page...

• Green flags
• Yellow flags
• Red flags
• Important safety note
• How to use this checklist

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GREEN FLAGS

Lower concern, but still worth paying attention

What this usually means:

Experimentation or limited use.

What parents can do:

• Stay calm and curious
• Share clear expectations
• Keep checking in
• Use our Prevention Check-up to better understand your child’s risk and protective factors for problematic substance use.

YELLOW FLAGS

Growing concern — patterns may be forming

What this usually means:

Ongoing use with increasing risk.

What parents can do:

• Have more regular conversations
• Try to understand why they’re using
• Consider a screening or professional check-in
• Set and follow clear boundaries
• Take our Parenting Skills course to learn which focuses on having more effective conversations and ways to encourage healthy behaviors.

RED FLAGS

What this usually means:

High risk for harm or substance use disorder.

What parents can do:

Focus on safety first

• Get a professional assessment as soon as possible
• Learn overdose prevention (including naloxone)
• Get support for yourself, too
• Connect with our free, confidential helpline to develop a plan

Important Safety Note

Even occasional use of some substances can be dangerous.

If any of these are present, don’t wait:

• fentanyl exposure
• heroin or meth use
• counterfeit or unknown pills
• mixing substances

How to Use This Checklist

• One or two yellow flags = time to check in
• Several yellow flags = time to seek guidance
• Any red flags = time to act now

➡️ Trust your instincts.
➡️ Early help works.
➡️ You don’t have to handle this alone.