Teen Addiction Guide

Understanding Addiction in General

Before discussing teen substance abuse, let’s briefly discuss substance use disorder (SUD).

SUD is a serious mental health condition in which a person is physically or psychologically dependent on a particular substance. To clarify: physical dependence means a chemical imbalance in the brain that can only be rectified by the continued use of substances. On the other hand, psychological dependence means that someone uses the substance because they believe they need it—and belief is a powerful force.

For example, research indicates that marijuana and its active ingredients are not physically addictive. Still, frequent users may believe they need it to “feel normal” or to function daily. Often, this belief is more powerful than a physical addiction, as you can use your psychology (willpower, in this case) to overcome physical addiction, but not vice versa.

As a result, either type of dependence will need treatment if given enough time. Whether or not your teen experiences withdrawal symptoms is irrelevant. If they believe they are addicted to a substance, they will require addiction treatment similarly.

Teen Boys vs. Girls Addiction Issues

There are important gender distinctions to make when talking about addiction. Boys and girls may use different substances for different reasons and feel their effects differently.

For example, boys are more likely to use marijuana than girls, and girls are more likely to overdose from drug use. This is because girls metabolize substances differently than boys and are more likely to miscalculate the dosage. Additionally, girls tend to become addicted to substances more quickly than boys, partially due to their smaller sizes on average.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes many other important distinctions, including social pressures, risks, and more.

Youth Substance Use Trends

Every year, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) surveys drug use among young people in the United States, focusing on adolescents between 8th and 12th grades.

Their most recent survey found that overall drug use among middle and high school students decreased in 2021. However, the data suggests that adolescent substance use remains a significant problem.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also reports that 1 in 8 teens (12.5%) of teens aged 12 to 17 admitted to marijuana use within the past year. Marijuana use in young adults (college students ages 19-22) also increased significantly in the past 5 years.

Additional drug use data for teens (ages 12-17) for 2018 can be broken down as follows:

• Over 2 million teens drank alcohol in the past month; 1.2 million of these adolescents reported binge drinking
• Nearly 50% of teenagers report using a drug at least once by the time they reach 12th grade
• Opioid overdose deaths have increased by 500% since 1999
• Young people are more likely to abuse prescription stimulants than illicit stimulants (like cocaine or methamphetamine), with a reported 4.4% of 12th graders reporting Adderall abuse and 1.7% having abused Ritalin
• More than 2% of youth report abusing synthetic marijuana* in the past year

*Synthetic marijuana (also known as Spice or K2) is sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and via the Internet. It contains synthetically developed chemicals that are naturally present in regular marijuana. Vendors of synthetic marijuana can get around the criminalization of this substance by continually making slight changes to the chemical makeup of the drug.

Common Causes of Teen Substance Abuse

Teens are people, and people are complicated.

Don’t assume that anything you read will be the exact cause of your teen’s substance use. There are simply too many factors to consider that are unique to each individual.

However, genetics and childhood experiences aside, some common threads link many cases of teenage drug abuse and teen alcohol abuse.

Peer Pressure

Let’s understand “peer pressure” before we move on, as there are many false assumptions about the topic.

Peer pressure does not have to be a friend of your teen’s telling them to try it if they want to be cool. Most often, the pressure to “fit in” is implied.

For that reason, your teen knowing that someone they look up to or connect with (including family members) is using these substances is enough for them to try it for themselves. This is a difficult pressure to help a teen overcome, especially as a parent.

While peer pressure is the first thing that comes to mind when we discuss the causes of teen substance use, it’s far from the only pressure, and it could have nothing to do with why your teen chooses to use substances. Cultural pressures, romanticization in the media, and many other potential causes exist.

Mental Illness in Teens

Mental health problems are rising for teens around the US, and the statistics are heartbreaking. Believe it or not, over 15% of adolescents report experiencing a major depressive episode within the last year. With this concerning trend, more than ever, teens are turning to drug and alcohol use to cope with their mental health problems.

If you believe your teen suffers from a mental illness, with or without SUD, we suggest finding treatment for them as soon as possible.

Prescription Medication Abuse & Addiction

Teens may simply develop an addiction to prescription drugs they’ve been prescribed (such as Adderall), especially to treat pain, anxiety, ADHD, or depression. Antidepressants, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, and opioids are extremely addictive, and a teen may develop a dependence on them just from their prescribed dosage and frequency.

Alternatively, they may have begun using their prescriptions the wrong way early on out of curiosity, self-medication, or even boredom. Many potential reasons can lead to dependence.

Brain Chemistry & Wiring

The chemistry and wiring in our brains during adolescence make us far more likely and willing to engage in substance use for more reasons than one.

First, adolescent brains are not fully developed, especially in certain regions of the brain. One of the most significant differences is that teenage brains have not developed the regions of the brain associated with risk assessment. For this reason, teens are far more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors, including substance use.

We all remember being teens and wanting to experiment. For some of us, it meant trying new hobbies or going to new places, while others may have turned to less healthy activities.

In addition, our brains have an underdeveloped pleasure center. The important neurochemical balance needed for a healthy brain is not properly developed during adolescence, which may lead teens to pursue pleasure-seeking behaviors, including substance use.

Signs of Teen Substance Addiction

Again, every teen is different, but if you suspect teen substance abuse or excessive underage drinking, there are some signs to look for.

Most commonly, these warning signs include:

• Lying about whereabouts
• Being overly secretive or deceptive
• Hanging out with less-than-reputable people
• Covering scent
• Hiding arms or other body parts
• Missing school or other obligations
• Losing interest in hobbies or passions
• Declining performance in school

These are all behavioral and social signs, but there are others to look for.

In terms of physical symptoms, look for:

• Red eyes (or overly white from eye drops)
• Needle marks
• Bad breath
• Constant fatigue or excessive energy
• Sleeping issues
• Constant illness (withdrawal)

Other symptoms are specific to each substance, but these are a good place to start. Avoid conflict with your teen if you notice these signs while trying to figure it out. Don’t be accusatory, but develop a plan right away.

We’ll discuss that later, but see if these signs add up for now. None of them are telltale signs, as teens can be quite secretive, so pay close attention starting today to see if your concerns have merit.

Potential Future Risks of Teen Drug Use

Let’s be clear: Substance abuse at any age is extremely detrimental to our health.

Abusing any type of substance will cause long-term health concerns if given enough time, as well as potentially life-threatening complications.

However, these risks are amplified during our teenage years. Here are some of the biggest concerns.

Brain Damage

In the short term, substance abuse in young people will likely lead to lifelong brain damage. Our teenage years are critical for overall development, and substances can significantly impede that development.

Substance abuse will damage nearly every part of the brain, too. This will ultimately affect communication between parts of the brain, memory, critical thinking, and risk assessment. These pose long-term dangers to healthy adolescent brain development that they may carry throughout their lives.

Every time a teen uses these substances, they only worsen these problems. Substances do not belong in a teenage brain unless controlled and prescribed by an appropriate healthcare provider, making this a time-sensitive issue. Our brains play a huge role in who we are as people.

Developing Lifelong Habits

Again, our teenage years are critical to our development in adulthood, so what we do during those years will affect the rest of our lives. Believe it or not, teens who first drink before age 15 are 5 times more likely to develop an alcohol addiction later in life.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t just apply to alcohol. How many habits or hobbies did you pick up in your teenage years that you still use today, for better or worse? Substance abuse is a corrosive habit to develop early on and must be stopped as soon as possible.

This is because the imbalance substances will introduce to our brains may change our reward centers, especially during adolescence. This may lead to long-term negative consequences such as:

• Increased risk-taking behavior
• Difficulty with impulse control
• Poor decision-making skills
• Developing alcohol or drug addiction later in life

Overdoses

Nobody wants to think about it, but it’s a serious concern around the country and is only worsening. Even today, teen drug overdoses are increasing by over 28% yearly.

If your teen abuses illicit drugs, especially heroin or fentanyl, overdosing is an immediate concern.

How to Find Help for Your Teen

If your teen abuses substances, then there is no time to waste. Finding help is an imperative issue that carries enormous consequences for the rest of your teen’s life.

Inpatient Treatment for Teens

In most cases, we would strongly recommend inpatient treatment for a teen. Inpatient or residential substance abuse treatment is the most effective, as it offers everything an outpatient treatment program will offer but with a controlled, substance-free environment and around-the-clock access to medical oversight. During detox, this can be life-saving.

These treatment centers typically offer support services anytime during the day, including medical supervision, support groups, therapy services, recreational activities, and more.

Many facilities offer more niche services for various patients, including:

• Dual diagnosis treatment (mental illness and SUD)
• LGBTQ+ support
• Religious services
• Medication-assisted detox
• Teen services

Consider these options if you believe your teen could benefit from specialized services. You may find a selling point when convincing your teen to attend rehab.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatments cover several options, including therapy and behavioral health services, doctor visits, and support groups. There are plenty of options, and you can attend them while living at home.

However, this comes with a couple of downsides. First, there is a much larger chance of relapse, especially in the early days. If this is their first time detoxing, the temptation to give up may be too high.

Also, lacking medical supervision during detox can be unsafe in certain circumstances. Detoxing from alcohol, opioids, and other substances can even cause lethal complications, which is why we generally recommend inpatient treatment during this time.

The next best thing to inpatient treatment is an intensive outpatient program (IOP). An IOP is the best option for those not ready to leave home yet, and the quality of care is comparable to an inpatient program. However, spending time in a substance-free environment is generally a better option.

Partial-Hospitalization Program

Alternatively, some facilities may offer a partial-hospitalization program (PHP), which can provide the best of both worlds. In this case, your teen may not have to miss too much school and still get the medical oversight necessary during detox.

Staging a Teenage Addiction Intervention

Have you ever tried to tell your teen to do something they don’t want to do? Do you remember being a teen and having someone tell you what to do? How did it go?

Most of us long for independence during our teenage years. It’s an age where we fully believe we’re ready to face the world and its challenges and that our parents are the only things weighing us down. This is something to keep in the front of your mind when trying to discuss treatment options with your teen.

There is no “right way” to talk to every teen about these issues, as people are simply too complicated for that. However, there are plenty of wrong ways to go about it. For example, making accusations or demands, using harsh or condescending tones, or discussing treatment as if it were a punishment are simply the wrong ways to go about this.

Instead, you want to be as understanding and empathetic as possible. We are not trying to tell you that your parenting style is wrong.

We are simply offering the best options for helping your teen. Here is the best path forward in most situations.

Lay the Groundwork For Intervention

Finding treatment options ahead of time is essential for a successful intervention. Have options available to them and understand the highlights of each of them. If they agree to seek treatment, you don’t want to give them time to change their minds.

Also, you’re not trying to convince your teen to go. You’re trying to convince them to want to go. Reading this article is a good first step, as you can warn them about the potential dangers of their course (listed above) and offer the support they need to change course.

Lastly, when looking for treatment options, you want to avoid any bumps in the road that may come up. For that reason, always reach out to the program ahead of time to verify your insurance.

Choose the Right Setting For Your Teen

Jumping into the conversation after they leave school is not the best option. You don’t know how their day was, you don’t know if they’re under the influence, and it may just catch them by surprise. Also, who will be in this discussion?

Is there anybody that your teen loves and trusts the most? This could be a sibling, a distant relative, a family friend, a coach, or anybody else. If you believe they’ll have a better chance of reaching them, why not ask for help?

Don’t include anybody that will be counter-productive, condescending, or cause unnecessary tension. Consider that an option if you think your teen would benefit from talking to someone other than you. A one-on-one conversation is better than a group of ten if it will put too much pressure on your teen.

From there, ensure that anybody speaking to your teen is on message. One person could easily spoil the entire intervention with one sentence. Review statements ahead of time, if possible, to confirm that it is all in your teen’s best interest.

Additionally, timing is everything. Try to find a time when your teen is sober and in the best possible state and avoid conflict for as long as possible leading up to the discussion. This could be early in the morning, on the weekend, or whenever your teen is at their best and schedules can be coordinated.

Convince Them Through Sharing Your Own Experience, Not Judgment

When starting the conversation, set the expectations immediately and let them know that you’re not going to say anything to hurt them, get them in trouble, or cause any conflict. This will be tense, so diffuse as much tension as possible at the beginning.

Persuasion is difficult, especially persuading someone to make a substantial lifestyle change. Remember that you’re trying to convince someone to spend 30 to 60 days in a new environment and give up something they may use as their only coping mechanism. That isn’t easy to do.

If you just say, “You’re going to rehab for 60 days,” and force them into treatment, they’re far more likely to come out and continue abusing substances immediately. They may not have started if they don’t start treatment with the right mindset.

Instead, appeal to their desires in life, how their actions make their loved ones feel, and be as sincere as possible. Don’t try to berate or make them feel guilty, but let them know how you feel and that you simply want to help them. This is your best chance to cooperate, even if it’s challenging.

Above all, share from your heart what you are witnessing, how it affects you, and that you love them.

Discuss Treatment Options with Your Teen

As we said, having multiple treatment options available is the best plan of attack. You don’t want to give them the option to change their mind, so offer them as much as possible, starting with inpatient treatment. Highlight all of the best qualities of the treatment plan you’ve found.

Let them know that the program is designed for teens, that it’s a safe space, and that they’ll return to a loving home immediately after. If you can do that, you may just win them over.

If they aren’t ready for inpatient treatment, offer outpatient treatment options. Any treatment is better than no treatment, so take what you can get. If they agree, ask them if they’ll reconsider inpatient treatment if outpatient doesn’t work.

If the teen isn’t ready for treatment or if they walk out of the room screaming, don’t force it on them. This may put them in a dangerous situation if they’re emotionally unstable and still abusing substances. Give them the space they need for now, and they may come around independently.

If they risk harming themselves or others, many states offer involuntary committal programs, such as the Baker Act in Florida. This should be the last option, not the first.

Find Help Today

Now that you understand how teen addiction works, some of its causes, and treatment options, get your teen the help they need today. There is no time to waste; you’ve already taken the first step by reading this article. Develop a plan and intervene immediately to prevent the worst from happening!

From there, stay updated with our latest addiction recovery tips, and feel free to check out our resources for more information.