Adolescent Substance Use
The teenage years are often a time that is filled with exploration, trying new things, and risk-taking. This can sometimes include experimenting with drugs, alcohol, or other substances.
Commonly a result of curiosity and peer pressure, substance use can lead to serious health, social, and legal consequences, especially if not addressed early. Understanding the causes, warning signs, and ways you can help is key to supporting adolescents.
Why Adolescents Experiment with Substances
There are several reasons teens may try alcohol or drugs. Below are some of the most common reasons that teens find themselves experimenting with substances.
Curiosity and Exploration
Curiosity and exploration are natural parts of growing up. Substance use can fall into this category, especially when it’s viewed as “cool” or “fun” amongst peers.
Peer Pressure
The teen years aren’t easy. Puberty can cause bodily changes that can make it hard for teens to feel comfortable in their own skin. This can cause them to feel an even more intense pressure to be accepted.
Added Stress and Emotional Challenges
Some teens may turn to substance use as a way to cope with stress, emotional challenges, or mental health struggles. Things like anxiety or family conflict can seem easier to manage with substances.
Accessibility
Many teens may try substances just because it’s accessible to them. When it’s easily available in their home, at school, or in social gatherings, they may feel obligated to join in because it’s there.
Warning Signs of Substance Use
Recognizing the signs of substance use early can make a huge difference. Here are some of the most common warning signs:
A drop in school performance
Physical signs like red eyes, slurred speech, or unusual smells
Secretive behavior
Skipping classes
Sudden need for money
Withdrawal from family and friends
Risks and Consequences of Substance Use
Adolescent substance use can have both short and long-term effects. We’ll explore some of the more common impacts here.
Health Risk
The teen years are extremely important for brain development. Unfortunately, brain development can be negatively impacted by substance use, and teens are at a higher risk of developing addiction.
Academic and Legal Issues
When teens get mixed up with different substances, they’re more likely to experience poor grades, suspension, or even legal troubles.
Relationship Strain
When substance use is left unchecked, it can turn into a larger issue or even an addiction. When that happens, it can cause a huge strain or conflict in the different relationships in their life, even between family and friends.
Mental Health Impact
Substance use can impact one’s mental health. It’s essentially like putting a Band-Aid on the problem. It may feel like it helps in the moment, but in the long run, it can worsen or even mask mental health struggles.
Prevention and Support
Addressing substance use requires an approach that is both proactive and supportive. Here are some steps you can take right away.
Educate Yourself
Take the time to educate yourself, your family, and your teen about the risks of substance use. You can also take this a step further by helping your teen practice their refusal skills.
Encourage Healthy Outlets
Encourage your teen to try new hobbies, activities, or sports. These are the types of healthy outlets that can help your teen get involved with others in a healthy way.
Open Communication
Create a space where your teen feels safe and secure to talk openly and honestly with you. When you approach them with compassion, care, and concern, they’ll be a lot more willing to talk to you than if you approach them with anger and criticism.
Professional Support
Substance use in teens can be a complex issue. By staying involved, engaging in open communication, and providing resources, parents and caregivers can help teens make safer and healthier choices. If your teen is struggling with substance use, a teen therapist can help. Contact us today for additional support.
