If you think your child might be using drugs, certain smells can help you know for sure. Some substances have distinctive odors. You\u2019re probably already familiar with a few, like alcohol or cigarette smoke. But some of the most dangerous drugs, like meth and PCP, can be harder to identify. This guide will teach you to recognize the smells of several different drugs and help you decide what to do next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drugs can leave lingering odors in your child\u2019s room, in their car, or on their clothes. You might also associate a strong smell with certain behaviors. Does your teen smell different every time they come home from band practice? Or, do they seem more irritable whenever they smell a certain way? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you recognize the smell of drugs, you can get your teen the help they need. But first, it\u2019s important to know what you\u2019re dealing with. And wrong assumptions can make matters worse. Even the best treatment for alcohol abuse might not help your teen recover from meth addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many strains of marijuana, and each one smells a little different. But most weed smells \u201cskunky,\u201d<\/a>1<\/sup> with distinctive sour, earthy notes. Some describe it as smelling like burnt rope<\/a>.2<\/sup> It can also smell light or even citrusy, depending on the varietal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A growing number of U.S. states are legalizing marijuana. As that trend continues, scientists develop more and more synthetic versions of the drug. K2, or spice, is one of these. While K2 isn\u2019t meant for human consumption<\/a>,3<\/sup> some people ingest it anyway. Some say that spice smells a lot like marijuana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, other synthetic cannabinoids may smell different<\/a>.4<\/sup> One study found that several of these drugs smelled like naphthalene, an ingredient in mothballs. As more synthetic cannabinoids come on the market, it\u2019s hard to predict exactly how each of them will smell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your child is abusing any of these cannabis products, it may be time to research marijuana rehab centers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Phencyclidine, more commonly called PCP or angel dust, is a dangerous dissociative<\/a>.5<\/sup> This drug is infamous for its more severe side effects, which include paranoia and physical violence. It can even be fatal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n PCP normally appears as a powder, pill, or liquid. These inert forms of the drug are odorless<\/a>.6<\/sup> However, you can smoke PCP by adding the powder to any plant, including marijuana, tobacco, or even herbs like mint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The smoke from PCP smells like ammonia. If you find this strong chemical smell on your child\u2019s clothes or belongings, they may be using the drug. But if you notice a characteristic PCP smell coming from an entire home or building, you may be close to a lab that manufactures it on a larger scale. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Crack cocaine, or crack, is a more potent form of cocaine<\/a>.7<\/sup> Both of these drugs are stimulants, and they have an immediate effect on circulation. Your heart beats faster, but your blood vessels get smaller. In extreme cases, this can cause seizures or heart attacks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cocaine is a white powder, and usually odorless. Crack cocaine, however, appears in the form of a rock or crystal, and it has a distinctive smell when smoked. Many people report that crack smells like burnt plastic<\/a>.8<\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Methamphetamine, or meth, is an extremely powerful stimulant<\/a>.9<\/sup> This drug is most common in rural towns, and it can wreak havoc on entire communities. Most of the time, people manufacture it in illegal at-home labs. Because meth includes such volatile chemicals, these labs can easily catch fire or even explode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like other synthetic drugs, including crack cocaine, meth emits a strong chemical smell<\/a>.10<\/sup> Some compare it to ammonia or burning plastic. If your child smokes meth regularly, or in large quantities, their sweat may start to smell the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experts say that meth is a \u201ccommunity disease.\u201d<\/a>11<\/sup> Even more than other drugs, it affects entire social groups. As a result, your child may need a change of scenery to fully recover. If you\u2019re noticing a meth smell in your home, you can look into meth rehab centers<\/a> that treat teens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not everyone is an expert drug smell detector. And even if you are, your teen might be very good at hiding their substance use. They could also be using odorless drugs, like prescription pills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can\u2019t smell drugs, but you\u2019re still concerned about your child\u2019s behavior, you can keep an eye out for common drug paraphernalia<\/a>.12<\/sup> Any of these items may smell like their associated drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because cocaine normally doesn\u2019t have a smell, it can be harder to detect than smokable drugs. If you\u2019re worried your child is snorting the powdered version, you can learn how to tell if someone is using cocaine<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people inject drugs like meth, crack cocaine, and PCP. However, heroin is the most common injectable drug<\/a>.13<\/sup> No matter which substance a person is injecting, they\u2019ll probably use similar paraphernalia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Injecting drugs<\/a>16<\/sup> is one of the most dangerous ways to take them. It substantially increases the risk of infectious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis. If you suspect your teen is injecting drugs, they may need immediate professional support. To get them the help they need, you can start by researching heroin rehab centers<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Addiction causes behavioral changes<\/a>17<\/sup>\u2014but so does adolescence. It can be hard to tell the difference between normal teen development and more serious problems. According to experts, there are a few warning signs that your child might need help: <\/p>\n\n\n\n But what specific signs should you look for? You can keep your child safe by watching out for these symptoms of substance abuse<\/a>:18<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you want to keep your child safe, asking \u201cWhat do drugs smell like?\u201d can be a good first step. But smells can be deceiving. If you think you\u2019re smelling drugs, you should gather more information before confronting your child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, consider the context in which you\u2019re noticing the smell: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Use your answers to make a plan of action. For example, if you notice the smell in their bedroom, you might want to take a look around while they\u2019re out of the house. Or if the smell only happens late at night, you can check in on them around that time to make sure they\u2019re okay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you think your teen may be keeping substances in your home, you should be aware of a few common hiding spots for drugs<\/a>:19<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some retailers also sell disguised stash containers<\/a>,20<\/sup> which look like other objects. For example, your teen might have a smell-proof container that looks exactly like a can of soda. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Every behavior\u2014even dangerous behavior\u2014serves a purpose. If your child\u2019s using drugs, there\u2019s a reason for it. But they might not know what that reason is. Maybe they\u2019re trying to self-medicate mental health issues, impress their friends, or just get your attention. Whatever need they\u2019re trying to meet, you can help them address it in a more effective way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In many cases, the next step is to talk to your child about their behavior. You can also get the help of a therapist or addiction specialist, or even stage an intervention<\/a>. Whatever you decide, take your time to prepare for this conversation. Go into it with a plan for what you\u2019ll say, and clear goals for the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most important thing is opening communication with your child, and letting them know you\u2019re on their side. Try to avoid blaming them or punishing them for their behavior. Instead, focus on giving them more support. This could mean that you set stronger boundaries, or take away privileges like staying out after a certain time. You can also look for more sustainable ways to meet their emotional needs. For example, you might suggest a weekly family hike or movie night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your child is abusing drugs, they may need professional mental health treatment. It\u2019s best to start researching treatment programs before it becomes an emergency. You can also reach out to rehab programs to ask for their expert advice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether or not your child is using drugs, there are things you can do to keep them safe. Experts have identified certain risk factors for drug use among teens<\/a>:21<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Addressing these issues can lower your child\u2019s risk of substance abuse. You can also teach them about addiction, and what to do if they encounter drug use. For example, you can encourage them to call you for a ride home if any of their friends offer them drugs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Data suggests that instead of talking to their parents, teens confide in other adults<\/a>22<\/sup> more readily. In addition to offering them emotional support, you can connect them with a larger community of people. That could include trusted friends, extended family, and mental health providers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can choose the right type of healthcare professional based on your family\u2019s needs. These experts can help in a variety of ways: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Addiction and mental health treatment are different for everyone. Your child might benefit from seeing a talk therapist, psychiatrist, social worker, or other specialist. In most rehab programs\u2014including inpatient and outpatient centers\u2014they\u2019ll get coordinated care from a team of experts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While treatment will focus on your child, it often includes the whole family. You might attend group therapy sessions or just receive updates about their progress. Their care team will probably also suggest ways to improve your whole family\u2019s dynamic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you discover that your child is using drugs, it\u2019s a sign that something has to change. Going forward, they\u2019ll probably need new kinds of support. That could mean going to rehab, switching schools, or something else entirely. In any event, this might be the start of a turbulent time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As your child makes this transition, look for ways to provide stability: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember that your child isn\u2019t the only one going through a major life change. Their journey affects you and your whole family. Make sure you get the support you need, too. You might see a 1:1 therapist, lean on trusted friends, or just take time for yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Practicing self-care has several benefits. First, you\u2019ll ensure that you have the emotional bandwidth to help your child face whatever challenges arise. You\u2019ll also show your child that it\u2019s okay to ask for help when they need it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re concerned that your child might be doing drugs, there are a few steps you can take to keep them safe: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Parenting is a constant learning process. And the more you know about substance abuse, the more tools you\u2019ll have to help your child. If they need professional support, you can always connect with a rehab program for teens<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Methamphetamine<\/a>, or meth, emits a strong chemical smell resembling ammonia or burning plastic. Recognizing this distinct odor can help identify potential methamphetamine use.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, lacks a distinctive smell. It\u2019s generally odorless, making it hard to detect based on smell alone. However, recognizing other signs and symptoms of fentanyl use<\/a> is crucial.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSynthetic Cannabinoids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
PCP<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Crack Cocaine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Meth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Recognizing Drug Paraphernalia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Marijuana and Cannabinoid Paraphernalia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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PCP Paraphernalia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cocaine and Crack Cocaine Paraphernalia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Meth Paraphernalia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Injectable Drug Paraphernalia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Identifying Drug Smells in the Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Looking for Drugs in Your Home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Addressing Drug Use With Your Child<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Prevention and Education<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Seeking Professional Assistance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Supporting Your Child’s Well-Being<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Moving Forward Together<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nFrequently Asked Questions About Drug Smells and Odors<\/h2>\n\n\n
What does meth smell like?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What does fentanyl smell like?<\/strong><\/h3>\n