Most Appropriate Consequences for Teenage Drug Use

Teen drug use is a distressing problem for parents and anyone who works with youth. Reports show that millions of teens abuse drugs & alcohol between the ages of 12-17. As a parent, it’s normal to want to give your teen freedom, trust, and independence. However, setting boundaries and understanding they are still minors is essential.

Teens need to understand the risks and consequences that come with experimenting with drugs. However, in many cases, they also need compassionate support to understand the reasons behind their drug use. Many teens may abuse drugs when they’re struggling with mental health or if they are facing problems at home or in school.

Understanding why teens use drugs, the long-term effects, and how to prevent problems from escalating is helpful for parents when setting rules, consequences, and making decisions about treatment.

Why Do Teens Use Drugs?

There is no single cause of drug use in teens. Each teen may use drugs for a variety of reasons. Drug use is influenced by biological, social, psychological, and environmental factors. Some teens may get curious about drugs, see them in the media, and decide to experiment.

Other teens may come from a family where drug use is normalized and not realize the risk. Teens who come from economic instability, homes where domestic violence is present, or have experienced trauma, may be at a naturally higher risk of abusing drugs.

Some of the most common reasons include:

• Family history of drug use
• Depression
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Trauma
• Victims of bullying or discrimination
• Isolation
• Low self-esteem
• Chronic pain
• Curiosity
• Influence of drug portrayal in the media

Drug Effects on Teens

Understanding the long-term effects of teen drug use is essential to provide them with comprehensive education about their actions. Teens may see alcohol used by adults in their lives, drugs consumed in the media, or have a perception that “anything prescribed by a doctor is safe.”

It’s important to understand that 1. Drugs affect teens differently due to the sensitivity of their developing brains. 2. Drug use as a teen can follow them into adulthood, disrupting goals or plans they have for the future. 3. It can wreak havoc on their mental health, causing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or even psychosis. And 4. It can put their physical lives in danger (e.g., the high risk of overdose).

Some of the long-term effects drug use can have on teens include:

• Decline in school or work performance
• Legal problems
• Strained relationships with loved ones
• Increased mental health problems
• Damage their hair, skin, teeth, & nails
• Can lead to memory loss, confusion, or trouble concentrating
• Damage the digestive system, causing chronic stomach problems
• Causes changes in sleep, such as insomnia or oversleeping
• People in their community may trust them less

Recognize Warning Signs

The first step in addressing any drug problem in teens is educating yourself on the signs. Parents should stay mindful of the red flags. Sometimes, this can be tricky to do as substance abuse can mimic other mental health problems or problematic behaviors; however, some telltale signs of drug use in teens include:

• Being visibly drunk or on drugs
• Finding drugs on them or in the home
• Changes in personality
• Violence or aggression
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trouble focusing
• Sudden academic decline
• Acting secretive about who they are hanging out with, where they are going, or their online activities
• Smelling alcohol on their breath or weed on their clothes
• Dilated pupils, pinpoint pupils, or glossy, bloodshot eyes

What to Do To Prevent Teen Drug Use

Drug abuse is one of the leading causes of mortality in teens. However, it is preventable.  Parents should take steps around the home to mitigate the risks of drug use in teens, which includes being mindful of their mental health. Some tips for parents to prevent drug use in teens include:

• Educate them on the reality of drugs
• Provide resources for them so they can research the consequences of drug use for themselves
• Keep alcohol, prescription medication, cigarettes, etc. out of sight and locked away
• Model healthy behavior
• Get them involved in an extracurricular
• Encourage them to volunteer or join a community organization
• Know who their friends are and where they are spending their time outside of school or home
• Spend quality time together
• Have open conversations about drug use and mental health in the home
• Teach them positive ways to reduce stress (yoga, journaling, meditation, playing with their pet, etc.)

There are also steps that educators, health professionals, and policy leaders can take at a community level. Drug use in teens is not only influenced by individual factors, but by the society they live in as well. Some community interventions to prevent drug use include:

• More activities and rec centers for teens in the community
• Anti-drug and alcohol events
• Peer mentoring programs
• Training teachers to spot the warning signs of drug use
• Access to mental health services and guidance counselors

What’s An Appropriate Consequence for Teenage Drug Use?

Some parents may find it difficult to set boundaries with their teens. There is a fine line between understanding that they are no longer children and that they are not adults. Some teens may need more structure than others and different intensities of consequences. At the end of the day, you know your teen best. However, some general tips for setting consequences with your teen around drug use include:

• Make sure the consequences are clear; don’t be vague.
• Follow through on the consequences you set. Don’t make empty threats. If you set a boundary, continue with it.
• Limit who they can spend time with. If you know a friend of your teen is actively using or selling drugs, do not allow them to hang out with them.
• Get them into counseling or a substance abuse program.

Common Mistakes Parents Make When They Discover Their Teen Is Using Drugs

Parents may be quick to yell or punish their teens when they discover their teen is using drugs. However, it is important to stay calm so they can clearly approach the situation. Your teen may need stricter rules and consequences or potential treatment for an underlying mental health problem. Regardless, here are a few mistakes parents make when dealing with teenage substance abuse:

• Not openly discussing the reality of drugs with their teens
• Not setting a good example (e.g., don’t smoke in front of your teens)
• Not setting firm boundaries around drug-related behavior
• Saying, “My kid is too smart to use drugs”
• Ignoring mental health warning signs or other risk factors
• Ignoring family history or genetics

What to Do If You Find Out Your Teen is Using Drugs

If you find out your teen is using drugs, it’s important to stay calm. If you need extra support, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or even a mental health or substance abuse professional. They can provide resources or help you make calls about getting your teen into treatment.

It’s essential to get your teen help as soon as possible. Studies show early intervention can make a large impact on preventing addiction from following teens into adulthood. Here are a few other things you can do if you find out your teen is using drugs:

• Confront them. Ask why they are using, when they started using, and if they are willing to get help.
• Talk to a counselor or professional that can help you stage an intervention.
• Stay compassionate, yet provide consequences.
• Call local treatment centers and enroll them in a program to address the issue.
• Take care of yourself and your own mental health.

Professional Help is Available in Texas

If you identify warning signs that your teen is struggling with drug & alcohol use, it’s essential to get them treatment to support their long-term recovery. At Clearfork Academy, our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands the complex nature of out-of-control teens.

We offer several levels of care, including residential treatment, PHP, and IOP services. Contact our Admissions team to learn more.

Sources

Reported drug use among adolescents continued to hold below pre-pandemic levels in 2023. National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Effectiveness of early interventions for substance-using adolescents: findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis. Substance Abuse Policy Org.