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Teenage drug use is an ongoing problem across the US, with over 30% of high school seniors reporting having used an illicit drug in the past year. It begs the question, if teens can’t even buy alcohol or tobacco, where are they getting their drugs from?
It’s natural for parents to be concerned about whether their teens are exposed to substance use, who they are spending their time with, and how they are acquiring drugs.
There are a variety of ways teens are getting illegal substances, and knowing the source of this is helpful for parents, educators, and health professionals to understand so they can prevent use and provide helpful interventions.
Teen Drug Consumption by The Numbers
Teens are one of the largest demographics affected by drug & alcohol use. This period of development is characterized by curiosity, experimentation, and the desire to feel and act more like an adult. Teens also struggle with their mental health at higher rates, which can make them turn to drugs & alcohol to combat feelings of isolation, relax from school stress, or numb out emotional pain.
It’s important to understand what drugs teens are using and how significant the problem actually is. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse:
Drug Use By Grade Level | 8th Graders | 10th Graders | 12th Graders |
Alcohol | 15.1% | 30.6% | 45.7% |
Cannabis | 8.3% | 17.8% | 29% |
Nicotine Vaping | 11.4% | 17.6% | 23.2% |
Illicit Drugs Other than Marijuana (cocaine, MDMA, meth, heroin, etc) | 4.6% | 5.1% | 7.4% |
As of 2023, these are reports on common drugs used by teens. Some of the other statistics around teenage drug consumption to keep in mind include:
- 1 in 8 teens have tried opioid pain pills recreationally
- 1 in 4 teens has reported misusing stimulant prescriptions (Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, etc.)
- According to the CDC, over 14% of teens have reported misusing a prescription drug at some point or another
How Teens Get Drugs and Alcohol
The numbers on teen drug use can be shocking, making us ask the question—how are they getting these? To buy alcohol or tobacco/nicotine products in the US, you must be 21 and show a valid ID. The same goes for states with legal medical or recreational marijuana. Teens cannot enter bars or clubs where they may meet others with access to drugs, so what is their source?
Unlike what movies often portray, most teens aren’t going down dark alleys to meet a mysterious drug dealer anymore. There are various ways teens gain access that may surprise parents and other adults who work with youth.
Understanding how teens get access to drugs & alcohol can help parents provide better preventative strategies in the home, and lawmakers to create more efficient policies in the community.
In The Home
One of the easiest places for youth to access drugs and alcohol is in the home. The family liquor & medicine cabinets are usually where a teen first looks. They may find OTC drugs, old painkillers from Dad’s back surgery, prescription sleeping pills for Mom, or their siblings’ ADHD medication.
Teens may perceive these as “safe” because a doctor prescribed them. However, it is important for them to understand that prescription medications have controlled doses based on the unique height, weight, and health of the individual they are prescribed for.
Drugs From Peers
While the goal is to make schools a “drug-free zone,” one of the most common ways teens are getting drugs is from their peers. American schools have become a market for selling and buying a variety of substances. A National Survey of high schoolers found that almost half of the students reported they knew someone in their school who sold drugs.
One study found that almost 90% of American high school students know a classmate who drinks, does drugs, or vapes during the school day. They are so accessible that nearly half the teens in this survey said they believe they can get cannabis, alcohol, or even prescription drugs within the day if they tried. This widespread problem affects public and private schools and teens from every demographic.
Internet & Social Media
Today’s teens are in a unique position in that they have access to drugs through the internet. Social media has caused a new rise in “online dealers” selling drugs through anonymous accounts, Facebook groups, Instagram profiles, and private snap stories.
“Online pharmacies” have emerged in areas of the deep web and Reddit threads. Allowing anyone of any age to order pharmaceutical pills without a prescription. The FDA & DEA have tried to crack down on this global network of drug trade, but it is much more complex, with new pharmacies popping up as others are shut down.
The dark web is a large source of underground drug trading, and teens as young as 13 are accessing it through browsers such as Tor. Teens are more tech-smart than most adults as they have grown up with it and can easily find anything from weed and LSD to Xanax online.
In Stores
While most parents think of illicit and black-market drugs when they think of youth substance abuse, many teens also abuse OTC medication. These may include allergy pills, cold & flu meds, cough syrup, and sleeping pills. They don’t require an ID to be purchased and are typically affordable. Many teens are easily able to purchase these over-the-counter without question.
They are easier to obtain than ever, with teens even being able to get them delivered to their house through grocery or pharmacy delivery apps such as Uber Grocery Delivery or Instacart.
Preventing Teen Drug Use
Substance abuse is the leading cause of preventable mortality. By preventing the use of drugs in teens, we are protecting their safety and helping them to be successful in the future. There are steps parents can take to prevent drug use in the home, and on a community level, policymakers can put more attention on drug prevention programs.
Prevention Strategies for Parents
- Have open conversations about the risks of drug use
- Keep prescription pills hidden or in a locked medicine cabinet
- Monitor the content they are consuming online
- Know who your teen spends time with and where they are
- Encourage them to get involved in sports or extracurriculars
- Carve out time each week to bond with them through activities you both enjoy
- Set rules and consequences around drug & alcohol use
- Don’t shelter your teen about the severity of drug use. Show them pictures, videos or have them meet with someone who has overdosed or lost someone to drugs
Prevention Strategies for Community Leaders
- Investing in comprehensive drug education
- More recreational activities and centers in the community
- Educating teachers to spot the signs of drug use in students
- Ensuring guidance counselors are in every district
- Provide economic support for at-risk communities
- Increase access to mental health services for youth
- Peer mentoring programs or group events
Does My Teen Need Rehab?
It can be distressing to wonder if your teen has a drug or alcohol problem or if their behavior is typical. It can be expected for teens to experiment in moderation (e.g., getting drunk at a party one night with friends). However, if your teen is taking illicit drugs or you notice signs of substance abuse, it is good to reach out for professional help. Some of the warning signs include:
- Finding drugs or alcohol in their room/belongings
- Being visibly drunk or high
- Talking openly about drug use or consuming content that glorifies drug use
- Drastic mood changes
- Changes in sleep/appetite
- Unexplained sickness
- Being hungover
- Irritability, aggression, or violence
- Secretive behavior
- Social withdrawal
- Depression
- Anxiety
Outpatient programs can address drug use in youth, focusing on their mental health and behaviors to help prevent problems from escalating. If your teen is struggling with signs of addiction, inpatient rehab or partial hospitalization programs may be necessary to stabilize them and get them on the path to sobriety.
Substance Abuse Treatment 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. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more.
Sources
Teen Newsletter: Prescription Opioids. CDC.
Drug Use Among Youth: Facts & Statistics. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
Reported Drug Use Among Adolescents in 2023. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Patterns and correlates of illicit drug selling among youth in the USA. National Library of Medicine.
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
