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Teens are in a sensitive stage of development. The regions of the brain that control reward-processing, motivation and impulse control are still growing. This can make them more susceptible to developing behavioral addictions and substance abuse problems.
Understanding the signs of an addiction or substance problem is important for parents to be able to provide their teens with early intervention and proper support.
Behavioral Addiction vs Substance Abuse
Parents tend to think of drug and alcohol abuse when they hear the word teenage addiction. However, teens can also become addicted to behaviors that are considered normal or even healthy —such as eating or exercising.
Behavioral addictions are more related to repeated actions. With substance abuse the addiction comes from an external source.
It’s also possible to struggle from both a behavior addiction and substance addiction, such as gambling and alcohol.
When Does A Problem Become An Addiction?
An addiction can be classified as “an intense desire to repeat an action or behavior that is pleasurable or perceived to improve well-being”. With substance addiction, this may be more chemical based. In general, an addiction is almost impossible to quit without support and intervention.
Teens may enjoy gaming and do it everyday, but if they struggle with aggression, irritability or depression when they are not able to partake in the behavior, it can be considered an addiction.
Common Behavioral Addiction in Teens
Behavioral addictions are also known as process addictions. They involve compulsive repetitions in activities, despite the negative consequences. Some of the most common behavioral addictions in teens include:
- Internet and gaming
- Shopping
- Food (binge eating disorder)
- Smartphones or social media
- Sex or porn
- Work
- Sports betting or gambling
- Exercise
In essence, almost any behavior can become an addiction. If your teen turns any action into a compulsion, or it gets in the way of other areas of their life, it can cause negative consequences equivalent to a substance addiction.
Common Substance Addictions in Teens
It’s natural for teens to have increased curiosity and potentially experiment with drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, the growing teenage brain can make them more vulnerable to developing an addiction to substances.
Some of the most common drugs teens use include:
- Alcohol: 34%
- Marijuana: 12.78%
- Hallucinogens: 7.5%
- Cocaine: 0.42%
Recognize the Signs
It’s important for parents to stay mindful of the signs of an addiction in their teen in order to provide proper intervention and get them treatment. Some of the signs of a behavior addiction or substance abuse problem in your teen could include:
- Finding drugs or alcohol in their room/backpack
- Sudden decrease in academic performance
- Visibly coming home drunk or high (slurred speech, inability to function)
- Irritability or aggression
- Nausea
- Headaches or light sensitivity
- Social isolation
- Secretive behavior
- Repetitive behaviors that teens can´t control to stop (shopping, gambling, exercise, etc.)
Causes of Teen Addictions
There is no one single cause of addiction in teens. Biological, psychological and environmental factors are all usually at play. Some teens may naturally have more addictive personalities, while others use their addiction as a way to cope with emotional pain.
There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of teens developing an addiction.
Some of these include:
- Underlying mental health problems such as depression or anxiety
- Experiencing trauma
- Genetics
- Family history of substance use or addictive tendencies
- Physical, sexual or emotional abuse
- Academic, work or peer pressure
- Low self-esteem
- Social rejection
- Teen curiosity (can lead to experimenting with drugs)
How to Address Teen Addiction
Understanding the warning signs of addiction in teens can help parents make more informed choices on treatment for their teens. Of course, each addiction is unique and may need its own method of recovery. If you notice signs of a behavioral addiction or substance abuse problem in your teen it is important to reach out for professional mental health support.
Treatment can depend on the needs of your teen, what they are addicted to, severity of their condition and symptoms. It could consist of detox, individual or group therapy, residential treatment, or medication.
- Detox is the process of removing drugs from the body or taking a break from the behavior
- CBT is a therapy that helps teens address the root of their addiction. It focuses on helping teens break negative thinking patterns, set goals and build positive coping skills
- Support groups can help teens connect with each other over shared struggles. Reducing feelings of isolation and making sure they don’t feel alone
- Activity based therapies can be a great outlet for stress and help fight addictions. Examples include music or art therapy, dance, hiking, sports, etc.
When To Seek Professional Help
If you identify warning signs of a substance abuse or behavioral addiction in your teen, reach out for professional support to help find the best plan of treatment.
At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands the complex nature of teens. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more.
Sources
Drug Use Among Youth: Facts & Statistics. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
Mike grew up on a dairy farm in Parker County, Texas. At the age of 59, he went back to college and graduated 41 years after his first graduation from Weatherford College. God placed on his heart at that time the passion to begin to help others as they walked from addictions, alcoholism, and abuse of substances. He is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and in the past few years he has worn many hats, from intake and assessment, group counseling, individual and family counseling, intensive outpatient and now he is working with clients, therapist, and families on discharge planning and aftercare. He also coordinates our Alumni Outreach Program.
