According to the National Center for Drug Abuse, almost 10% of teens 12-17 have reported using drugs. This statistic can be concerning for parents and anyone who works with youth who understands the long-term effects that drugs and alcohol can have on teenage development [1]. 

One of the most challenging parts of an addiction is that it is a progressive disease, often getting worse over time if not addressed. It’s important for parents to recognize the early warning signs of substance abuse in teens so they can provide early intervention and get them connected to treatment. 

Read on to understand how to spot the warning signs of substance abuse in teens and tips to prevent them from abusing drugs and alcohol.  

Understanding Teen Substance Abuse 

Teenage substance abuse is a widespread public health problem affecting many teens and their families. Over 85% of teens report they know someone who smokes, drinks, or does drugs during the school day [2]. 

Teens abuse substances for a variety of different reasons, including to cope with underlying mental health problems, perform better in school or sports, manage stress, and feel accepted by peers. Alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco (vaping) are the most commonly abused drugs by teens. This may be due to their easy accessibility and portrayal in the media.   

Common Substances Abused By Teens

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, some of the most common substances abused by teens include [1]: 

Risk Factors 

Substance abuse is deeply personal, and there is no direct cause as to why some teens may develop a drug or alcohol problem. However, several biological, social, and psychological factors can increase the risk of a teen developing a substance abuse disorder. These include:

• Family history of drug use 
• Trauma or PTSD
• Underlying mental health problems such as depression or anxiety 
• Growing up in a community with high levels of drug use   
• Academic stress 
• Peer pressure 
• Experimenting with drugs or alcohol at an early age 

Long-Term Effects  

If substance abuse goes unaddressed, problems can follow teens into adulthood and wreak havoc on their development. Some of the long-term effects of teenage substance abuse can include: 

• Strained relationships with friends or family 
• Legal trouble
• Inability to finish school or hold down a job 
• Severe mental illness such as bipolar disorder or drug-induced schizophrenia 
• Homelessness 
• Increased risk of physical health problems such as heart disease, stroke, or cancer 

Warning Signs of Substance Abuse in Teens 

There are several warning signs parents should be aware of that could indicate your teen is struggling with substance abuse. Sometimes, these can be tricky to spot, appearing as symptoms of physical health problems or mental health disorders. Below are some of the general warning signs of a substance abuse disorder in teens:

Behavioral

• Social isolation

• Coming home visibly drunk or high on drugs 

• Finding drugs or paraphernalia in their room/belongings   

• Secretive behavior 

• Changes in friends/who they associate with

• Risky or reckless behavior (driving under the influence, unprotected sec)  

• Decline in personal hygiene  

Physical

• Dilated or pinpoint pupils, bloodshot red or glossy eyes 

• Changes in sleep/appetite 

• Sudden weight loss or gain

• Rapid, slurred speech that is difficult to follow 

• Nausea, vomiting 

• Flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose with no direct cause 

• Impaired motor skills, trembling, dizziness 

Psychological

• Low self-esteem

• Depression

• Irritability/Aggression 

• Little motivation

• Lack of pleasure 

• Heightened emotional responses or emotional numbness (apathy)

• In some cases, symptoms of psychosis (e.g. paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, etc

Treatment for Teen Substance Abuse

If you do recognize the warning signs of substance abuse in your teen, it’s important to get them professional help as soon as possible. Addressing substance abuse in adolescence can prevent future problems from arising in adulthood.

As the field of addiction science grows, so do the treatments to help address substance abuse in teens. While no recovery journey looks the same, a general process for recovering from substance abuse includes: 

• Detox is the first step in the recovery process and includes getting rid of drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances out of the body.

• Residential Treatment or inpatient rehab is often recommended as the step after detox to help stabilize teens and support their long-term recovery. Teens will participate in intense, daily therapies such as CBT, DBT, and group therapy. 

• Aftercare services are essential to help keep teens sober after they exit treatment and transition back to their communities. These may include continued counseling through an outpatient program, home-based family therapy, support groups, and peer support programs. 

Teen Residential Treatment in Florida 

Lotus Behavioral Health is a residential treatment facility for teens located in Florida. Our programs are designed to support teens and their families with the tools they need to recover from substance abuse & co-occurring mental health disorders. 

Our facility offers several levels of care, including residential treatment, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient services, to meet the needs of teens and their families at all stages of recovery.

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Sources

[1] Drug Use Among Youth: Facts & Statistics. 2023. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. 

[2] Statstics of Drug Use in Highschool. 2024. American Addiction Centers.