Table of Contents
The teen years are often a time of exploration, and experimenting with drugs or alcohol can be a part of risk-taking behavior in youth. Of course, not all teens will drink alcohol or experiment with drugs, and most who do won’t experience serious issues from their use or go on to develop an addiction. However, the risk is always there.
As a parent, there’s no way to guarantee your teen won’t experiment with drugs or alcohol. But there are ways to prevent their use or reduce the potential for harm—especially when you know which drugs teens are trying and experimenting with.
Read on to understand common drugs teens are using and how to recognize the warning signs.
Understanding Drug Use in Teens
High school is a common place for teens to access drugs and alcohol. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, over 80% of teens report they know of peers who drink, do drugs, or smoke during the school day [1].
Today, teens have more access to substances than in the past. This is partly due to the rise of drugs and alcohol being sold on the internet and social media. Teens can access drugs such as weed and vapes through Snapchat stories, WhatsApp groups, and private Instagram accounts.
They also may consume content that glorifies drug use, such as music that talks about smoking cannabis, or following influencers who glorify alcohol and cocaine use. This can skew their perception of drug use and increase rates of experimentation.
Common Drugs First Used By Teens
Some drugs, such as alcohol or cannabis, are more common than others due to their accessibility or portrayal in the media. Illicit street drugs like heroin and methamphetamine have much lower rates of use among teens. This is because they are harder to access, more expensive, and often teens are taught from a young age that the risks outweigh the rewards.
Below are the most common drugs used by youth and ways to recognize the warning signs.
Cannabis
Cannabis or weed is the most common illicit drug abused by teens, with 1 in 6 reporting having tried it. Common consumption methods of cannabis include smoking (e.g., pipe or bong), vaping (in the form of THC oil), or eating it in the form of an edible [2].
According to the CDC, over 35% of high school seniors have used weed at least once, and around 6% report using it daily. Cannabis causes an increase in euphoria and can help users relax. Teens may smoke weed to destress, help them sleep, or cope with underlying mental health challenges [3].
Although not as potent as other illicit drugs such as heroin, meth, or cocaine, weed can cause long-term effects on a teen’s mental and physical health. Teens who abuse weed are more likely to struggle with academic performance, lack motivation, and are at a greater risk of developing severe psychiatric disorders [2].
Warning Signs of Cannabis Use in Teens
Common warning signs of cannabis use in teens include:
- Glossy, red, or bloodshot eyes
- Smelling weed on their clothes or coming from their room
- Finding paraphilia in their room or belongings (pipes, rolling papers, ends of blunts or joints, lighters)
- Sudden increase in appetite (munchies)
- Chronic cough or clearing of the throat
- Lack of motivation
- Sudden decline in school
Alcohol
For decades, alcohol has been one of the most commonly used substances by teens. It is widely available and normalized in society. Most teens grow up seeing at least one person they know drink alcohol in a casual or social setting.
In 2023, over 5 million youth ages 12 to 18 reported drinking alcohol beyond “just a few sips.” For teens who come from homes where drinking is normalized, or there is a history of alcoholism, the risk of underage drinking increases even further [1].
Research shows that the earlier a teen begins drinking, the higher the risk of developing an addiction to alcohol. Alcohol use in adolescence can stunt brain development, decrease academic performance, and increase the risk of engaging in high-risk or harmful behaviors such as drunk driving or unprotected sex [4].
Warning Signs of Alcohol Use in Teens
Common warning signs of alcohol use in teens include:
- Bottles missing from the liquor cabinet
- Coming home visibly drunk
- Finding empty bottles of alcohol or beer cans in their room
- Smelling alcohol on their breath
- Blacking out
- Memory loss
- Nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms of a hangover
Nicotine (Vaping)
Tobacco and nicotine products, particularly in the form of vaping, are a public health problem among youth. Although cigarette use has significantly declined compared to previous generations, the National Youth Tobacco Survey reports over 1.6 million teens currently vape [5].
Vapes are disposable, discreet, and do not create potent odors like cigarettes. They fit easily into a pocket or backpack, making them easier for teens to keep hidden. The branding of vapes is also attractive to teens, coming in various colors and flavors such as banana split, bubble gum, sour apple, and spearmint.
Warning Signs of Vaping in Youth
Common warning signs that your teen may be vaping include:
- Finding empty vape cartridges around the home or in their belongings
- Smelling sweet, fruity scents on their clothes or breath
- Chronic cough
- Getting out of breath easily
- Dry mouth
Inhalants
A surprise for some parents, the prevalence of inhalant abuse is more common among younger teens 11-13. If you exclude alcohol and tobacco, inhalants are the second most commonly used drug after cannabis [6].
Inhalants are a group of legal substances that are huffed (breathed through the mouth) or sniffed (breathed through the nose) and cause cerebral effects such as euphoria and disorientation. They are easily available. Nail polish, gasoline, spray paint, lighter fluids, and household cleaners are some of the most commonly abused inhalants.
Chronic inhalant abuse can cause severe long-term health problems, such as a lack of oxygen to the brain, heart problems, kidney and liver failure [6].
Warning Signs of Inhalant Use
Common warning signs that a teen is abusing inhalants include:
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden spike in euphoria (only lasting for a few minutes)
- Frequently finding empty containers in their room (spray paint, polishes, etc.)
- Sores around the mouth
- Slurred or distorted speech
Teen Substance Abuse Treatment Available in Texas
At Clearfork Academy, our team of licensed mental health professionals understands the complex nature of substance abuse disorders in teens. We offer comprehensive treatments to help teens build coping skills that increase successful recovery outcomes.
Contact our admissions team today to see how we can support your teen.
Sources
[1] Drug Use Among Youth: Facts & Statistics. 2023. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
[2] Marijuana Facts for Teens. 2014. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
[3] Cannabis and Teens. 2024. CDC.
[4] Alcohol and the Adolescent Brain. 2024. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
[5] Results from the Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey. 2025. FDA. [6] Inhalants. 2024. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
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.
