Common Hiding Spots for Drugs if you suspect your child is using

Common Hiding Spots for Drugs if you suspect your child is using

If you have growing suspicions that your child has started to use drugs you may start thinking about looking for evidence.  Although this can feel as if you are invading your child’s privacy, sometimes that is necessary to protect your child.  Once you have found the evidence you can identify what drugs they are using, what resources and treatment options are available and start to determine what action to take.

As we all know, teens can be very clever and when it comes to hiding evidence of substance abuse they will be even more innovative.  They could choose a place in their room, car or bathroom.  To help you we have compiled a list of some of the more common hiding spots where your child may leave a supply of drugs or alcohol.

Common Hiding Spots for drugs to Check if You Suspect Your Child is Using

One of the most common ways of hiding drugs is to use an everyday item that no one will give a second glance.  Most teens are not known for keeping a tidy room so there can be lots of items scattered around at random.  This is normal, but it also means that there are multiple potential hiding spots for drugs or alcohol where they are hidden in plain view.

The most common everyday items used as a hiding spot for drugs include:

Pens, highlighters and other writing equipment

These are things that you will see in most teens rooms, however, they can easily be used to hide drugs like marijuana or pills which can be slipped inside.  The wide-barreled highlighters have been known to be converted into a pipe and the caps are big enough to store cannabis or other drugs.    A ballpoint pen can have the center removed to make a useful tool for snorting drugs like cocaine or other powders.

Drinks Cans and Candy Wrappers

If there is a soda can that seems to be a permanent fixture in your teen’s room it could have been re-purposed as a hiding spot for drugs.  Candy wrappers and containers can also be used in this way and are well worth investigating especially if there is a particular tin or wrapping that never seems to move.

Toiletries and Makeup

Any type of personal hygiene or makeup container can be made into a perfect hiding spot for drugs, paraphernalia or alcohol.  Shampoo bottles, deodorant, and any other container can be hollowed out and converted for drug storage and left in plain sight.

Belt Buckles

Check the back of your teen’s belt buckle.  Some have a sliding partition on the back that, when removed, exposes a compartment that can be used to store drugs.

Posters and Pictures

If you notice that a picture or poster seems to have some tape peeling up on the rear of the frame check it out.  It could have been made into a hiding spot for drugs that can be flattened and stored between a picture or poster and the wall.  Crooked posters can also mean that something is hiding behind it.

Books

Books have long been a popular way of hiding drugs or alcohol because it is so easy to create a hollow in the middle of a book to create a secret storage area.

Mattresses

Another well-known location for a hiding spot for drugs or alcohol is under a mattress.  Be sure to check under the sheets too as it is not unknown that people will make slits or holes in which to store their substances.

Toys

Toys can be cut into to create storage compartments to hide drugs or paraphernalia. If your teen suddenly starts taking that old stuffed toy with them it is worth checking it when you can.

Cars

Cars are a very common area in which teens hide drugs or alcohol.   The areas to check include compartments, dashboard, under the seats and under the hood.  Setting up random car checks is a good way of finding any hidden substances.

Bathrooms

One of the most common hiding spots for drugs or alcohol is under the lid of the toilet tank or tucked in behind the toilet.

Vents

Vents of all kinds can be found around the home and some of these can be easily removed.  The cavity behind can then be used for storing sometimes quite large quantities of drugs or alcohol.

Light Switches

The front plates on a light switch can be removed easily and the cavity behind is a good hiding place for small objects and, of course, drugs.  It is easy enough to simply unscrew these and check behind them for any hidden substances.

Watch For Signs

If you are suspicious that your child may be abusing substances because they are acting strangely or for any other reasons then it is well worth taking the time to search for evidence.  Although it is quite frightening when you find drugs or alcohol it is better than ignoring it and allowing the behavior to continue.

If you need any help or advice regarding your child’s drug or alcohol use please Contact Us at The Last House and talk to one of our professional drug treatment counselors.