Did you know that at least 1 in 8 teenagers abused a substance in 2019? Or that 7.1 million youth between the ages of 12-20 years old reported consuming alcohol in the last month surveyed [A]? 

Nonetheless, the most recent statistics show a continuing trend post-pandemic of decline or stability in drug use among adolescents. Use of illicit drugs other than marijuana declined among 8th graders, dropping from 4.6% in 2020 to 3.4% in 2024. While this is very encouraging, there are still many teens who are susceptible to drug use and subsequent addiction. 

Read on to learn more about why, treatment options, the role of the family, and preventing relapse.

What Makes Teens More Susceptible to Addiction?

There are many factors at play that make teens more susceptible to addiction. They include:

Teen Brain Development

The adolescent brain is still developing, especially the pre-frontal cortex which is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making and impulse control. This means teens are more prone to risk-taking and less able to assess long-term consequences. In addition, teens have greater sensitivity to rewards and lower sensitivity to the sedative qualities of substances. As a result, they are at greater risk for addiction.

Social and Environmental Factors

Here there is a cluster of factors. Peer pressure is a major force for teens that can shape their behavior with a desire to fit in. When substances are used by peers it can be very difficult to say no. Family history of substance abuse can play a major role in shaping a teen’s attitude toward alcohol and drugs. Exposure to peers who use substances can be a significant factor that may lead to abuse and addiction

Genetic Factors

Especially if there is a family history of addiction, genetic factors may play a part leading to experimenting with substances and possible addiction.

What Treatment Options Work Best for Teens?

It’s recommended that teens enroll in a teen-focused residential treatment center, day night (partial hospitalization program), intensive outpatient program or outpatient program. In a safe, secure setting they can overcome their addictions with the support of a professional team of medical professionals, licensed therapists, counselors, and teachers. Academics are offered so that teens can keep up with their schoolwork. Typical therapy approaches include:

Detox

This is the first step where under the care of medical professionals, your teen undergoes a process of withdrawal and detoxification from the substances they have been using. Medications are sometimes used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings. As withdrawal is often painful, counselors guide your teen through the process and provide encouragement along the way. Depending on the substances, this may take 3 to 7 days in general. Some substances may require longer.

Medication

Often medication is administered by a licensed psychiatrist or medical professional to assist with withdrawal from cravings in the detox process or to help manage underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Typical medications that may be used include:

• Antidepressants
• Mood stabilizers
• Benzodiazepines
• Suboxone for opioid use disorder

Individual Psychotherapy

Working with a therapist, your teen can share and discuss important issues related to their addiction. The goal is to help your teen develop insight about the choices they have made and understand alternatives that are healthier.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This form of therapy can be done individually or in a group setting. focuses on helping your teen modify problematic thought patterns and behaviors. It helps teens identify and change negative thought patterns, develop coping skills and manage substance abuse triggers.

Other Therapy Approaches

There are many approaches. Here are a few common ones:

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): This consists of individual and group sessions, phone coaching and therapist consultations. It focuses on the interconnectedness of all things, constant and inevitable change, integration of opposites to approach truth.
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): This helps teens resolve ambivalence about changing their substance abuse behaviors and is often used with CBT.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A form of CBT that emphasizes acceptance and mindfulness techniques. 

Group Therapy

In a group setting guided by a licensed counselor, teens are invited to share their experiences and feelings with their peers. This can foster a cohesive group sharing of common issues. This can lead to more open communication where your teen will feel safe realizing they are not alone in their struggle with addiction. By building empathy with other teens, your teen will feel less isolated and problem solving can be enhanced as teens seek solutions to their issues.

Family Therapy

A key part of the process is to invite the family to participate with their teen, under the guidance of a therapist, to process information and feelings related to your teen’s addiction. 

Recreational Therapies

Fun is an important part of the process so your teen can enjoy themself, let off steam and find creative outlets to express themselves. These may include:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Dance
• Movement
• Fitness exercise
• Art therapy
• Hiking
• Sports
• Adventure therapy

The Role of Family and Friends in the Recovery Process

Family is a very important part of substance abuse treatment for teens. Family members (and friends) can be very effective at promoting treatment attendance and therapeutic alliance with the therapist. They can also play a role in:

• Monitoring and behavioral management
• Promoting positive relationships
• Encouraging self-regulation and stress management

Preventing Relapse and Building Healthy Habits for the Future

Relapse prevention is an essential part of substance abuse treatment for your teen. It typically involves counseling to develop coping skills for living substance-free, creating a supportive environment and developing routines that promote long-term sobriety. 

Relapse Prevention Strategies

• Create a relapse prevention plan: With their counselor and your involvement, develop a detailed plan that outlines the steps to take if your teen feels tempted to use substances. It should include the following elements
• Identify and avoid triggers:  Your teen will learn to recognize emotions, people, places and things that might lead them to want to use substances. By identifying their triggers they can develop techniques to avoid or cope effectively
• Develop coping skills: These may include mindfulness techniques, stress reduction exercises or doing enjoyable hobbies and activities
• Develop a strong support system: Motivating your teen to connect with supportive friends, family member and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery or Narcotics Anonymous can provide valuable encouragement from others

Building Healthy Habits

• Established structured routines
• Practice regular exercise
• Prioritize self-care
• Join support groups
• Set realistic goals
• Practice open communication

Recovery is a journey that requires patience and determination, together with a supportive network. But lots of teens have been down this path and successfully achieved their goals to be free of substances.

Professional Help for Teen Addictions    

Lotus Behavioral Health helps teens recovering from substance abuse & co-occurring disorders break addictive tendencies and develop healthy habits that support their long-term recovery. Our residential, PHP, and IOP treatment programs take a family-first approach to help teens build a sustainable lifestyle that encourages sobriety & success. If you are concerned that your teen is struggling with an addiction to e-cigarettes, reach out to our admissions team today for support.  

Sources

[A] National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. 2023. Teenage Drug Use Statistics (2023).
[B] Winters KC, Arria A. Adolescent Brain Development and Drugs. Prev Res. 2011;18(2):21-24