Table of Contents
Teen Drug Use and Substance Abuse in Teens
Teenagers use substances for many of the same reasons as adults, but are often more susceptible to using them due to:
Curiosity
Peer pressure
Thinking it’s cool
To forget about problems
To rebel against parents or teachers
Simply due to the ready availability of drugs
Teen drug use can quickly transition from experimental to habitual use, leading to bigger problems for the teen, including academic troubles, legal difficulties, health issues, and possibly Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or addiction.
Commonly abused substances are many, including illicit substances such as alcohol, marijuana, anabolic steroids, bath salts, club drugs such as MDMA, cold medications, dissociative anesthetics such as PCP and ketamine, hallucinogens such as LSD and mushrooms, inhalants such as gasoline, ammonia, or nitrous oxide, prescription drugs, depressants, opioids, stimulants, spice, and tobacco products.
As for marijuana use, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2019, 37% of US high school students and young adults reported lifetime use of marijuana and 22% reported use in the past 30 days. And 8% of eighth graders, 19% of 10th graders, and 22% of 12th graders reported past-year marijuana vaping [1].
The statistics for high-risk drug use among teens and young adults are shocking. According to the CDC, 15% of high school students reported having ever used select illicit or injection drugs (i.e. cocaine, inhalants, heroin, methamphetamines, hallucinogens, or ecstasy) and 14% of students reported misusing prescription opioids [2].
The teen brain is actively developing and continues to develop until around age 25. Substance use during adolescence and young adulthood may harm the developing brain, contributing to:
Difficulty thinking and problem-solving
Problems with memory and learning
Reduced coordination
Difficulty maintaining attention
Problems with school and social life
In addition, prolonged early substance use may give rise to long-term effects on adolescent development.
Physical Signs Your Teen Might Have Been Consuming Substances
It can be difficult to determine if your teen is using drugs. Many signs are typical of teen behavior. Others are symptoms of mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
It’s helpful to become familiar with these telltale signs your teen may be using drugs. While not exhaustive, it highlights many:
Paraphernalia Discovery
Finding drug paraphernalia among a teen’s belongings can be a shock but is a telltale sign
Social Indicators
Less obvious, but important, are changes in your teen’s social circles, such as new friends who may influence negative behaviors
Secretive Behavior
Signs of secretive behavior, like lying about whereabouts or having unexplained absences may be strong indicators that you should consider the other following signs
Behavioral Changes
Absenteeism or a loss of interest in school, work or other activities
Changed relationships with family members or friends; avoids eye contact; locks doors; makes constant excuses
Phases of sleeplessness or high energy, followed by long “catch up” sleep
Goes out often for long periods of time, breaks curfew
Secretive phone use; may use Incognito mode to hide visited websites
Uses chewing gum or mints to cover up breath
Uses preparations to reduce eye reddening or nasal irritation
Has cash flow problems
Has become unusually clumsy with poor balance
Physical Signs
Unusually tired and/or lethargic
Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain
Nosebleeds and/or runny nose, not caused by allergies or a cold
Frequent sickness
Unable to speak clearly, slurred or rapid-fire speech, indicating slurred speech as a symptom of being high
Sores, spots around mouth; skin abrasions/bruises
Frequent sweating
Seizures and/or vomiting
Shifts in Mood and Personality
Sullen, withdrawn or depressed; lacking motivation
Silent, uncommunicative; angry, uncooperative
Deceitful (stealing money) or secretive
Unable to focus
A sudden loss of inhibitions; unusually elated
Hygiene and Appearance
Smell of smoke or other unusual smells on breath or on clothes, possibly indicating smoking marijuana or smoking weed
Disheveled appearance
Poor personal hygiene
Flushed cheeks or face
Burns or ash marks on fingers or lips
Track marks on arms or legs (or long sleeves in warm weather) to hide marks
What to Do After Finding Out?
Stay Calm and Gather Facts
Staying calm and collect information before confronting your teen. Approaching the situation with calmness and informed understanding can make all the difference in effectively addressing teen drug use.
Open a Dialogue
Open a non-judgmental conversation with your teen about their substance use
Set Clear Boundaries and Consequences
Establish and enforce clear rules and consequences related to substance use
Monitor Behavior
Monitor your teen’s behavior and activities without excessively infringing on their privacy
Provide Support and Resources
Let your teen know you wish to support them through recovery efforts, including therapy and support groups.
Five Steps Parents or Guardians Can Take
Establish Clear Rules and Consequences
Let your teen know that using substances comes with specific consequences. Be careful not to make empty threats or set rules you can’t enforce. Ensure in advance that all parental adults agree with the rules and are prepared to enforce them. Establishing these rules can also help prevent drug use from escalating into a more serious problem.
Monitor Your Teen’s Activity
Know where your teen goes and who they hang out with. Routinely check for substances in potential hiding places such as in backpacks, between books on a shelf, and in DVD or make-up cases. Explain to your teenager that this lack of privacy is a consequence of their substance use
Encourage Other Positive Interests and Social Activities
Expose your teenager to healthful hobbies and activities, such as team sports and afterschool clubs. Engaging in these positive interests can bolster a child’s academic performance, which is often negatively impacted by drug use. Regular participation in academic and social activities can improve their ability to make effective decisions and maintain their motivation, ultimately preventing drug use and its detrimental effects on their education.
Talk to Your Teen About Underlying Issues
SUD can be the result of other problems that cause stress, such as having trouble fitting in, or a recent major change in their lives, like a family move or divorce.
Get Help
Teenagers often rebel against their parents, but if they hear the same information from a different authority figure, they may be more likely to listen. These may include sports coaches, family doctors, therapists, or drug counselors
When To Look for Help with Mental Health Issues?
Recognizing Overwhelm
Acknowledge if the situation is beyond your capability, such as your teen’s aggressive behavior or if substance use is severe
Professional Assessment
Seek a professional evaluation from a psychologist or a substance abuse counselor
Treatment Options
Consider the range of treatment options available, such as outpatient, inpatient, and therapeutic residential communities
Support Groups
Support groups for both your teen and your family, such as Al-Anon or local support groups, can be very helpful
Legal and School Assistance
Consider if and when it might be necessary to involve legal advice or school counselors to manage the teen’s situation
Clearfork Academy Is Here To Help
If your teen is showing any signs of substance abuse, or you feel they may be, but aren’t sure, reach out to us at Clearfork Academy. Our licensed counselors are very experienced working with teens and can provide them and you compassionate support.
Sources
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021. What You Need To Know About Marijuana Use and Teens.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022. High-Risk Substance Use Among Youth.
NIDA for Teens. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Alumni Relations Manager
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.
