Stimulants are a category of substances that includes both illicit and prescription drugs. For teens, stimulants can be attractive because they typically increase energy, enhance feelings of confidence and sociability, and heighten the senses. Teens may also believe that stimulant substances help them study better because they feel more alert and better able to pay attention. However, studies have found that stimulants do not increase learning or thinking ability when taken by people who have not been diagnosed with a medical condition like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Furthermore, stimulants have dangerous physical and psychological effects.
Clinical
My Teen Refuses Therapy: Why It Happens & What Parents Can Do
Learn why teens refuse therapy, from stigma to fear of judgment, and find practical steps parents can take to start the conversation and get support.
November 9, 2026
