Drug Use and Addiction in Teens

In 2018, The United Nations reported that around 269 million people used drugs. This was a 30% increase in 2009, and just as concerning, adolescents and young adults accounted for the largest share of users. Using drugs is commonplace, and for many people, substance use starts with adolescent experimentation. Often it is viewed as an inevitable rite of passage, and, as a person grows up, the novelty fades, priorities shift, and the opportunities and desire to take drugs lessen. For some, though, this initial teenage experimentation leads to the abuse of more and different drugs and eventually addiction.

As a parent or caregiver, navigating the situation when your teenager starts to use substances can be difficult. You may be concerned about their well-being and the risk of serious health issues or death. Although teenagers often use substances without lasting harm, and you may well have done so yourself, there is always an associated risk. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that the majority of adults who meet the criteria for having a substance use disorder started using substances during their teen and young adult years. Even if they are not yet addicted, they may become addicted in the future.

You should trust your instincts, and if you suspect, or know, that your teenager’s use of substances is a cause for concern, there are things you can do to help. By addressing the situation now, you can reduce the chances of long-term harm and addiction.

What Are the 4 Stages of Teenage Substance Use?

While every person and every drug is different, there are four stages an adolescent will go through to become addicted. It is essential to differentiate between occasional use, substance abuse, and full-scale addiction. While casual use can develop into an addiction in time, the approach a parent makes and the treatment of the situation should reflect the stage at which the individual is currently:

Stage 1: First Use

All substance use starts with the first time, whether it is a prescribed drug, an illegal drug, or alcohol. The reason for the first use depends on the person and the substance. Teenagers are more prone to their peers’ influence than older people; therefore, it is often the case that they try the substance because their friends are using it.

Stage 2: Regular Use

Many people experiment with substances, especially teenagers, but it does not always lead to addiction. For some, though, substance use increases outside of its intended purpose in the case of prescription medicine. Similarly, with other drugs, it is no longer just used occasionally or socially. The substance is taken more regularly or in more significant quantities to replicate its effect during the first few times of use.

Stage 3: Abusive Use

Substance abuse is excessive use of a drug in a way that is detrimental to self, society, or both. A teenager’s life will begin to be negatively affected at this stage. They may be developing a tolerance to the drug, meaning they need more to have the same effect. They may also suffer from withdrawal symptoms and are taking more of the substance to alleviate these feelings.

Stage 4: Addiction

At this time, alcohol or drug addiction has developed, and the substance has completely taken over the teenager’s life. They depend on the drug, and their main priority is to find and use it. Despite the detrimental effects on all aspects of their life, including relationships, health, money, and school or work performance, they cannot stop taking the drug. They may be estranged from family and friends, homeless, and turn to crime to fund their addiction.

What Are the Dangers of Drug Abuse for Adolescents?

While older people have higher rates of substance abuse, many teenagers still have drug and alcohol addiction issues. The SAMHSA 2018 Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 2.7% of adolescents (aged 12 to 17) had an illicit drug use disorder, and 1.6% of adolescents had an alcohol use disorder.

Dangers associated with substance abuse include increased risk of health problems and loss of relationships with friends and family. There are some risks, though, that are more prevalent in teenagers than in other groups in society:

1. Impact on Brain Development

One area of particular concern is the development of the brain during a critical period of development and maturation. Substance abuse can have a negative impact in the following areas:

Long term memory
Learning ability
Development of anxiety disorders
Ability to assess risk
Chances of developing a substance addiction

2. Impaired Decision-making Abilities

Studies have shown that the effect of substances on a young person’s decision-making skills is of particular concern. Risky decision-making is especially apparent with sexual behavior. For example, one study found that nonmedical use of prescription drugs puts high school students at risk for sexually transmitted infections. Even a less potent drug such as marijuana increases the occurrence of risky sexual activity. Marijuana use by age 14 years clearly distinguished girls who became pregnant by age 15 years.

Other risks associated with substance use and impaired decision-making include:

Car accidents
Involvement in fights
Wasted opportunities at school and work
Getting into trouble with the Police

3. Mental Health Issues

Substance abuse while the brain develops in adolescence can increase the risk of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Half of the individuals who experience a substance use disorder during their lives will also experience a mental health co-occurring disorder.

4. Chances of Overdose

With all substance use, there is a risk of overdose and death. Drug overdose amongst teenagers is still relatively uncommon compared to other age groups but is rising. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the greatest percentage increase in drug overdose from 2019 to 2020 (49%) occurred among young people aged 15-24.

Is My Child at High Risk of Substance Abuse?

Although anyone can abuse substances and develop an addiction, certain factors identify those at a greater risk. Many of these factors are associated with childhood experiences. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that the more risks a child is exposed to, the more likely the child will abuse drugs. Examples of high-risk factors include:

History of substance abuse in the family
Sexual abuse
Mental health concerns
Lack of parental supervision
Struggles with gender identity and sexual orientation
Socializing with peers who abuse substances
Feelings of failure or unhappiness at school

If you know that your child has any risk factors, it is advisable to address them as early as possible. Studies suggest that early intervention following childhood trauma exposure could help reduce the risk of developing substance use disorders.

7 Questions To Ask Yourself if You Are Concerned That Your Teenager Is Addicted to Drugs

Knowing how todetect the early signs of drug use in teenagers will enable you to address the matter quickly, reduce the chances of escalating situations and enhance the prospect of long-term recovery.

7 common signs of drug use and addiction in teens are:

Have their social habits changed? If they have started to withdraw from friends and family and are avoiding situations that they used to enjoy, this may be a sign that they are using drugs. They may have new friends and acquaintances, and you may be cautious or consider them a bad influence.
Do they have a lack of interest in activities? If your teenager suddenly seems disinterested in hobbies and pastimes that they previously enjoyed, this could signify that they are taking drugs and that this has become their main priority. Sometimes they still partake, but their performance in sports and other activities suffers due to withdrawal symptoms.
Have their sleeping patterns changed? Is your teenager sleeping more or less than usual or at unusual times of the day? Teenagers can often be difficult to rouse in the morning, but this can become even more challenging when using drugs.
Is their schoolwork suffering? If you have seen a noticeable downturn in their academic performance, this could be due to a lack of interest or motivation in learning and doing well. When someone is addicted to drugs, they struggle to concentrate on anything else and instead spend their time seeking opportunities to take more drugs.
Has their physical appearance changed? Withdrawal symptoms and the effects of drugs can cause someone to eat more or less than usual and, as a result, gain or lose weight rapidly. Due to a lack of motivation in things unrelated to drugs, they may start to neglect their physical appearance and show signs of being ill such as sunken eyes and pale skin. Their clothes, skin, and hair may have different smells you do not recognize.
Are they behaving differently? Teenage behavior can be unpredictable, but as a parent, you may be concerned that they are acting especially erratically or are particularly moody. They may be making bad decisions, rebelling against family rules, or getting into trouble with the Police. They may appear more anxious and paranoid than usual, which are common withdrawal symptoms from drugs.
Have you caught them lying to you? When teenagers engage in activities they know their parents would disapprove of, they often become secretive and tell lies to cover their tracks. You may find that they hide away from you more than usual and are noticeably more protective over their belongings and personal space, such as their backpack, bedroom, or car.

9 Tips for Talking to Your Teenager About Substance Abuse

If you answered yes to some of the questions above, you might wish to address your concerns with your teenager. It can be challenging to know where to start. Or maybe you have tried to raise the subject but been met with hostility, defiance, or disregard? Here’s how to properly discuss addiction and addiction treatment with your teenager:

Find the Right Time and the Right Person
Take a Calm Approach
Listen for Their Motivation To Change
Be Prepared but Open to Suggestions
Consider Discussing Consequences
Have Patience
Consider an Intervention
Consider Legal Action
Investigate Family Training and Support

1. Find the Right Time and the Right Person

The best opportunity to raise the conversation about addiction and treatment is when your child is calm and relaxed. Find a time when they are not rushing out or to school and do not seem preoccupied or concerned about anything. Consider asking for help from a family member or family friend with whom your child has a particular bond. Strained relationships between teenagers and their parents or caregivers are common regardless of addiction, and therefore, someone else may have more success.

2. Take a Calm Approach

To prevent your child from becoming immediately defensive and refusing to open up to you, it is essential that your approach is inviting and non-judgemental. Sometimes this can be difficult, especially if you are concerned for their wellbeing or angry at their behavior, but it is best to take a step back and calm yourself before approaching them. When discussing issues, use open questions that allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings fully.

3. Listen for Their Motivation To Change

Often it is said that for someone to embark on the road to addiction recovery, they first have to want to change. If your child comments about changing fundamental aspects of their life, such as work, school, or place to live, this could be an ideal time to begin a discussion about change in general. They may express reluctance, frustration, or identify blockages in the changes they want to make, providing an opportunity to ask questions about their drug or alcohol abuse. You can ask them whether they think that it is restricting their options and holding them back from moving forward with their life.

4. Be Prepared but Open to Suggestions

Make sure you research beforehand and have some treatment options available for when your child is willing to discuss them. Although you may have already decided on the right course of action, it is important not to dictate this to your child. Allow them to explore various options and make suggestions. Empowering your child to make the decisions for themselves enhances motivation and chance of recovery success.

5. Consider Discussing Consequences

You may find that your child’s motivation to recover is directly linked to the consequences of doing so or not doing so. Some parents decide to incentivize their teenagers to commit to treatment. Incentives could be related to the changes their child is keen to make, such as driving lessons if they have expressed a desire for more freedom. Conversely, some parents choose to restrict their child financially or in other ways if they do not accept help. It is crucial to proceed with caution with this approach as it can lead to rebellion and a breakdown of family relationships, making helping them even harder.

6. Have Patience

Often this process is not a one-off conversation. After initially broaching the subject, you may need to leave it for a few days to give your teenager a chance to process what was discussed and start making some decisions for themselves. Subsequently, your child may even choose to continue the conversation with you, which is a positive sign that they are seeking help.

7. Consider an Intervention

Staging an intervention can have mixed success. If all other attempts have failed, friends and family may get together to confront the addicted person and issue an ultimatum whereby they must accept help or risk being estranged or cut off by their loved ones. Forced compliance is not always ideal because, initially, the teenager may not have the motivation required to commit to treatment.

Learn how to properly stage an intervention for drug or alcohol addiction.

8. Consider Legal Action

If your child is a danger to themselves or others, they can be committed to treatment in most US states. This approach can be brutal and harrowing for all concerned, but for some parents, it is the only option to ensure their child’s safety.

9. Investigate Family Training and Support

If your attempts to address addiction and treatment with your teenager have been unsuccessful, you may wish to consider a different approach. Various forms of family therapy, counseling, and Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) are available. These sessions assist parents with understanding their teenager’s addiction and provide strategies for addressing behavior and discussing the way forward.

Where To Find Addiction Treatment Support for Your Teenager

Once you have broached the subject of addiction treatment and received a favorable response, you will need to know where to turn for reliable and trustworthy advice and support. There are many options available specifically dedicated to teen addiction. Some examples are:

SAMHSA’s national helpline: SAMHSA provides a free, 24/7 helpline offering bilingual support (English and Spanish) for anyone seeking advice on substance addiction and mental health issues. Call: 1-800-662 (HELP) 4357
Partnership to End Addiction: This national non-profit organization includes the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and works to support families and increase access to support groups and treatment programs for teenagers. You can reach help by texting CONNECT to 55753.
Adfam – A national charity dedicated to tackling the effects of alcohol, drug use, or gambling on family members and friends. With online resources to help empower those affected along with their loved ones.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Previously the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, you can receive mental health and crisis support by calling the new shorter and easier-to-remember phone number: 998.
Rehab.com Helpline: This free and confidential helpline provides trusted advice and support for anyone affected by addiction or mental health issues. Call (833) 386-0206 to receive the help you need.

What To Expect From Substance Abuse Treatment for Teenagers

Now that your teenager has acknowledged that they need help, you may wonder what the various drug rehab programs are and which is suitable for your child. The first thing to be aware of is that everyone’s treatment plan is different. It depends on the needs of the individual, what substance or substances they are abusing and whether they have a co-occurring mental health concern.

As a general rule, alcohol, and drug treatment programs for teenagers have the same options available as for older people:

Detox

Often the first step in the rehabilitation process, patients undergo detoxification from the substance they are addicted to under the care of medical professionals. Their withdrawal symptoms are monitored and managed to ensure that the process is as safe as possible.

Inpatient Treatment Program

Patients enrolled in a residential treatment program live at the treatment facility and partake in various treatments. These can include individual therapy sessions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), peer support groups, and holistic therapies such as meditation.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

Also known as intensive outpatient (IOP), these treatment programs are designed for those who need more structure than standard outpatient treatment but do not live full-time at the recovery center. Therapies on offer are similar to inpatient programs but take place several days a week for several hours, and the patient returns home afterward.

Outpatient Treatment Program

Designed for those who wish to still live at home and attend to family and work commitments, outpatient treatment plans are more flexible and generally take place over a more extended period. Patients attend therapy sessions, including individual and group therapy, once or twice a week.

Aftercare Programs

Once a person has been through the various steps prescribed within their treatment plan, they must have an effective aftercare plan to help them maintain sobriety. This plan can include ongoing outpatient sessions and peer support through groups such as Narcotics Anonymous.

Why Attend a Dedicated Teen Rehab Center?

Some recovery centers will not accept patients under 18 years of age; therefore, you may need to find one with addiction treatment plans specifically designed for adolescents. While the treatments on offer are likely to be similar to other treatment centers, a dedicated teen rehab program will take into account the specific needs of young people. Some of the benefits of this are:

Fully Trained and Experienced Staff

The staff at dedicated teen drug rehabs are trained to interact with teenagers effectively. As stated in an April 2022 news release from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, we want to minimize shame and sense of failure for young people with Substance Use Disorders. They will ensure that their patients do not feel judged or patronized and will listen to their opinions and feelings. If a treatment plan is too regimented or does not cater to their specific needs, it could cause teenagers to lose faith in the process and rebel. A good treatment program for adolescents will ensure they receive the right level of care in the right way. The treatment suggested will be as engaging as possible to maintain motivation and commitment to recovery.

Behavioral Health Support

The treatment services available will likely include mental health treatment programs specifically designed for adolescents. They will address the impact of drugs on developing brains. They will also address teenage behavioral health and encourage healthy decision-making skills. Teenagers will be provided tools to avoid situations and people encouraging them to take drugs. They will be offered alternative coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, anxiety, and other aspects of their life.

Support from Peers

A further benefit to a dedicated teen rehab center is developing relationships with people of a similar age with similar experiences. Peer support can be highly effective in ensuring long-term recovery from substance addiction.

How To Pay For Adolescent Addiction Treatment

Once your teenager has agreed to receive help and you have received pricing information from your chosen drug rehab center, you may be concerned about how you will pay for it. Most accredited healthcare providers have a variety of payment options available.

If you have the funds available, you can usually choose to pay outright or in installments. In some cases and some states, it is possible to obtain support through government grants and charities. Even if this is the case, it is still a good idea to check with your health insurance provider as all policies must, by law, include some drug and alcohol addiction treatment. It is also worth exploring Medicaid and other forms of public healthcare insurance.

As a parent or caregiver, there are many ways in which you can help your child to overcome addiction. Witnessing the effect that drugs or alcohol are having on your child can be scary and upsetting, and addressing the situation can be fraught with challenges. To make this process as smooth as possible, you must find the best approach for both of you. The most important thing is to start now, as addressing the situation as soon as possible is imperative to achieving a successful outcome. By assisting your child onto the path to recovery, you can help ensure that they have a happy and healthy future.

Drug Rehab for Teens: How it Can Help and What to Expect