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The teenage years are filled with increased curiosity, self-exploration, and the challenge of independence. This often involves experimenting and testing boundaries, such as trying something new or taking risks. However, if these risks pose harm to themselves or others, such as substance abuse, it is a cause for concern.
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 80% of teens report they know someone who drinks, smokes, or does drugs. The risk of trying drugs during adolescence can cause long-term effects such as addiction or impaired development that follow them into adulthood [1].
Read on to understand the reasons why teens begin using drugs in the first place and strategies to prevent teen drug abuse.
Rates of Teenage Drug Abuse
Understanding the drugs that teens are currently abusing can help create more effective prevention strategies and guide treatment plans for youth in substance abuse recovery. Alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco tend to be the most common due to their easier accessibility and portrayal in media that teens consume. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse, the most commonly abused drugs by teens include [1]:- Cannabis: Over 40%
- Alcohol: Nearly 40%
- Tobacco/Nicotine Products: 10-12%
- Stimulants (also known as “study drugs”): Over 10%
- Psychedelics (magic mushrooms, LSD, MDMA): A little over 5%
Warning Signs of Substance Abuse in Teens
It’s important for parents, teachers, and anyone who works with youth to recognize the signs of teenage substance abuse. Early intervention can reduce harm, such as the risk of developing an addiction or even a life-threatening overdose. Substance abuse is not always easy to spot. Signs can look like symptoms of other mental health disorders or even physical health problems. Some of the warning signs include:| Finding drugs or alcohol in their room or belongings | Coming home visibly drunk or high |
| Dilated or pinpoint pupils, bloodshot, red, or glossy eyes | Sudden decline in school |
| Isolation and social withdrawal | Irritability or aggression |
| Fast or slurred speech that is hard to understand | Nausea, vomiting, or symptoms of a hangover without a direct explanation |
| Drastic mood swings | Low motivation or lack of pleasure in activities they used to enjoy |
| Changes in friends, secretive behavior | Increased anxiety, sweating, trembling or shaking |
| Depression, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts | In severe cases, symptoms of psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, paranoia) |
10 Reasons Why Teens Use Drugs
There are several reasons why teens resort to drug use. Some teens may have a direct trigger or situation that leads them to use drugs, while a combination of biological, social, and psychological factors influences others. Understanding the reasons behind teen drug use can help parents decrease these risk factors.Genetics and Family History
Some teens have biological factors that put them at a more vulnerable risk of developing an addiction to drugs and alcohol. For example, studies show the “A1 form of the dopamine receptor DRD2” is more common in people with alcohol, cocaine, and opioid abuse disorders [2].Presence of Drugs or Alcohol in The Home
If parents, siblings, or anyone in the home abuses drugs or alcohol, this can increase the risk of teens doing it as well. Teens often learn through observation, so if they see adults coping with stress or using drugs to relax, they will pick up on these behaviors. It’s important to model healthy coping strategies to reduce stress for your teen and ensure that drugs or alcohol are not easily accessible in the home.Underlying Mental Health Problems
Teens who struggle with untreated mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder are more likely to develop a problem with drugs or alcohol. It’s important to recognize the signs of mental health problems in teens and support them in getting treatment so they can build positive coping skills to reduce stress and prevent substance abuse.Peer Pressure
It’s normal for teens to want to fit in and feel accepted by their peers. If their friends or classmates are using drugs or drinking alcohol, they may feel obligated to do so as well. Teach your teen that they don’t have to follow what others are doing, and if their friends won’t accept them for who they are, then it’s time to find new friends.Unresolved Trauma
Teens who experience trauma such as a one-time event (school shooting, natural disaster, car accident)—or—complex trauma such as experiencing neglect or abuse are at an increased risk of substance abuse. According to a study from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, nearly 70% of teens who were in substance abuse treatment also struggled with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They may turn to drugs and alcohol to numb emotional pain or cope with distressing memories [3].Low Self-Esteem
Teens who struggle with low self-esteem may turn to substance abuse for several reasons. Alcohol can help teens feel more confident and social at parties. Drugs like marijuana may help teens cope with negative self-esteem and isolation. Teens who struggle with body image issues or eating disorders may turn to drugs to reduce their appetite, which can be extremely dangerous to their physical health.Victims of Bullying or Discrimination
Teens who are bullied by their peers or experience racial, sexual, ethnic, or religious discrimination may be more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol. They may use substances to cope with the feelings of isolation and pain.Unstable Home Environment
Family conflict in the home, such as domestic violence or parents going through a divorce, can increase the risk of teens resorting to drugs. They may use drugs to cope self-medicate with the emotional distress or use it as an act of rebellion to gain their parent’s attention.Academic Pressure
Teens who have high expectations placed on them and struggle with anxiety about achieving straight A’s or high standardized test scores may turn to drugs to improve their focus, learning, and memory. Stimulants such as Adderall and Ridalin are commonly abused for this reason, earning them the street name “study drugs.”Sports Performance
Some teens may abuse drugs such as steroids to help increase their performance in sports and give them a competitive edge. If they suffer from a sports injury, they may get prescribed opioid pain pills, which could lead to addiction.Residential Treatment for Teen Substance Abuse 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 and Statistics. 2023. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. [2] New NIH study reveals shared genetic markers underlying substance use disorders. 2023. National Institue on Drug Abuse. [3] Making The Connection: Trauma and Substance Abuse. 2010. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
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.
