Teenagers and substance use is an age-old conversation. While we may often get frustrated or pity it as teenagers being teenagers, there can be lasting repercussions of substance use at such an early age. Yet, numbers tell us that at least 48.7% teens have misused alcohol by 12th grade, while 36.8% teens report misusing at least one illicit drug before 12th grade. So, what can you do about it as a parent, teacher, or just a well-wisher? Educating yourself on the reasons and risks of substance use among teenagers is the first step to preventing this from happening or worsening any further.
Why Do Teens Use/Misuse Substances?
Teenage years are characterized by a lot of internal chaos and turmoil, owing to hormonal and physical changes. However, there are many other risk factors that lead teens toward substance use:
- Family history of substance use.
- Mental health conditions, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Low self-esteem
- Peer pressure and the need to fit in.
- Impulsive, novelty-seeking behaviors, such as trying something new.
While many substances have become accessible these days, alcohol and nicotine are the easiest substances to get their hands on first. While the legal age for drinking is 21 years, the close proximity of colleges and universities to pubs and bars has made it easier to gain access to alcohol and other substances.
One of the major reasons for substance use during teenage years is that during this time, friends and peers replace parents and family when it comes to modeling behavior. It is this need to fit in that makes teens turn to substance use.
On the other hand, the feelings of loneliness and invincibility can also make teenagers turn to substances for the high and thrill they offer.
What Are the Consequences of Teenage Substance Use?
Substance use can initially seem pleasing, which is why teenagers can get hooked on it. But in the longer run, they only lead to negative consequences such as:
- Academic Performance: As substance use takes priority, academic performance and grades drop.
- Poor Judgment: Substance use impairs reasoning and judgment, leading to risky behaviors like driving under the influence, unprotected sex, and so on.
- Injuries, Accidents: As substance use impairs reasoning, judgment, and coordination, it can lead to a higher risk of injuries and accidents – endangering the teenager and others around them.
- Sexual Assault: Substance use can lower defenses, making one vulnerable to sexual assault. This is especially a huge risk on college campuses.
- Physical Health Complications: Heavy alcohol and drug use lead to liver, lungs, heart, and immune system complications. In fact, substance use at such a young age can even lead to irreversible brain damage.
- Mental Health Complications: Substance use leads to or worsens mental health complications, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and so on.
What Are the Health Risks of Using Substances?
Using substances like alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, vapes, cocaine, ecstasy, opioids, and other substances leads to a myriad of physical and mental health risks, such as (but not limited to):
- Cravings
- Urges
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Mood shifts
- Paranoia
- Liver damage
- Lung damage
- Kidney damage
- Heart conditions
- Psychosis
- Brain damage
- Increased risk of cancer
- Suicidal thoughts and ideation.
If anybody is struggling with suicidal thoughts and ideation, please call national suicide helplines like 9-8-8 in the U.S. This can be a life-saving move.
What Do the Numbers Tell You About Teenage Substance Use?
The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released reports on substance use among teenagers. Here is what the numbers are telling us:
- 48.7% teens report using alcohol before 12th grade.
- 9 out of 10 who smoke nicotine report using it before the age of 18 years.
- 62.5% teenagers who report misusing prescription medication tend to use it because they are easier to get.
- Nearly 7.2% report using illicit drugs in a month.
- Among the needs using drugs, the majority (83.9%) report using marijuana.
- 1.78 million teenagers aged 12 – 17 years meet the criteria for illicit drug use disorder (IDUD), while alcohol and nicotine use also remain very high.
How Can You Talk to Teenagers About Substance Use?
Whether you are a parent, educator, or just a well-wisher, speaking to teenagers about substance use is a very delicate conversation to have – but it needs to be had for good intentions and purposes.
Before getting into this conversation, you need to be relaxed so as to cultivate openness. Whether the teenager is using/not using, it is good to have this conversation when they are relaxed, too, and sober.
- Be open in your conversation; foster two-way communication instead of lectures. You can begin this conversation by asking the teen about their views and opinions about substance use.
- Speak about what the teen sees and hears – on media, social media, from peers, and so on.
- Explain the adverse impacts of substance use, and discuss the reasons to avoid substance use.
- Teach the teen ways to avoid peer pressure, as it is one of the major reasons for teenage substance use. For instance, you can discuss and practice how you can turn down offers of substance use.
- Be a good role model. By modeling healthy relationships with substances, family, friends, media, and social media, you can be a good role model for the teen to follow.
Please remember, by fostering an open environment, you ensure that the teenager will be open to approaching you regarding their views or trysts with substance use as opposed to shutting down or withdrawing. So, never be judgmental – treat substance use as the enemy, and not the person.
Preventive Strategies for Teenage Substance Use
While having open conversations regarding substance use is crucial, you may also need to employ other strategies to prevent teenage substance use, such as:
- Keep an eye on your teen’s activities. Pay attention to where they go, who they hang out with, and what they do on social media. Remember, social media is one of the top settings where teenagers are exposed to substance use.
- Set the rules regarding teenagers and substances. Explain to them why they are there and what the consequences are of breaking these rules.
- Keep a track of your prescription medication as well as the teen’s prescription medication (if any). One of the reasons why teens misuse prescription medication at such a high rate is that they are easy to get.
- Be a good example – set the template for healthy relationships with substances.
- Provide support. If you think your teen is misusing substances, be there for them. Learn to recognize the signs early, do not judge, and get them the care they need and deserve.
Recognizing the Early Warning Signs of Teenage Substance Use
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, it is possible to still use/misuse substances. Do not consider this a failing, but keep an eye out for early red flags, such as:
- Changes in mood, eating, and sleep patterns.
- Changes in physical appearance, such as a malnourished, dishevelled look.
- Changes in friends circle.
- A drop in attendance and academic performance.
- Requests for money or even stealing.
- Social withdrawal from family and friends.
- Impulsive, reckless behaviors.
- The presence of alcohol and drug-related paraphernalia, like bottles, containers, needles, and so on.
RELATED: Read About the Top Warning Signs of Drug Abuse Here!
Seeking the Care Your Teen Needs and Deserves!
If you suspect your teen is using or misusing substances, then trust your gut. Seek to foster open communication and provide the care your teen needs and deserves.
Reach out to Sober Living West today – we provide a safe environment where you and your teen can be open about substance use. We also offer leading sober living homes for youth and other immediate options depending on your needs and goals.
Please do not hesitate to call us at (310) 218-5158 to learn more today!