Although drug use among teens is not anything new, many teens across the US are trying drugs at younger ages than ever. The easy accessibility and media portrayal has normalized some forms of drug use. This can be distressing for parents, educators, and medical professionals who understand the sensitive nature of the teenage brain. 

It can be normal for teens to be extra curious and sometimes experiment with drugs or alcohol. However, the risks of teenage drug abuse are high. If a teen uses high amounts of drugs in their youth, they are more likely to abuse substances as an adult. Drug use among youth can also stunt their development, causing a variety of problems that affect their physical & mental health. 

It’s important for parents to understand what drugs teens are currently using, recognize the warning signs, and how to approach speaking with their teens about substance abuse in an effective way. 

Teen Drug Abuse Statistics

As reported by the National Center for Drug Abuse, 46% of teens have used an illicit drug by the time they enter their senior year of high school. Substance abuse can look different for each teen based on their underlying medical history, psychological history, drug of choice, and frequency of use. 

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Although the numbers among teen drug experimentation are high, this doesn't mean every teen uses drugs. However, parents and adults in the community need to understand that the earlier a teen starts drug use, the risk of developing a dependency increases when they are adults. 

Causes of Teen Drug Abuse 

There is no single cause for drug use among teens. A variety of biological, environmental, and psychological factors are all at play and can increase the risk. Some teens may have more addictive personalities, genetic susceptibilities or come from tough living situations that cause them to cope with drugs. 

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Some of the causes that can lead teens to abuse drugs include:  

• Genetics
• Family history of drug use
• Childhood trauma
• Depression
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Personality disorders 
• Academic pressure 
• Peer pressure 
• Victim of bullying
• Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse 
• Suffering from a medical injury (pain pills) 
• Curiosity & experimentation 

Warning Signs of Teen Drug Abuse 

It’s important for parents to have a general idea of the red flags of substance abuse. Different drugs may have their own physical and mental signs. However,  some general warning signs to be mindful of include: 

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• Coming home visibly drunk or high
• Finding drugs or alcohol in their room/belongings 
• Unusual or erratic behavior 
• Sudden decline in school
• Isolation
• Secretive behavior 
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, etc.) 
• Loss of motivation or interest 
• Aggression, irritability, or violence 
• Frequent flu-like symptoms without a direct cause 

Risk Factors of Teen Drug Abuse

Many factors can increase the risk of teen drug abuse, especially if a teen is already genetically or socially vulnerable. Many adults forget that teens experience the pressure of life whether it be from school, relationships, or conflict in the home. If teens are not taught how to properly deal with stress, emotional pain, or conflict—they could turn to drugs to cope. 

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Some teens may begin using stimulants if they are under high academic pressure such as studying for an exam or the SAT. If a teen experiences a serious medical injury, such as in sports, this is a common route to building a tolerance to prescription pain pills. 

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Teenagers who experience childhood trauma have higher rates of developing drug addiction. This is used as a way to self-medicate. This increases even more if drug use is prevalent in the home. 

Teens with impulse control problems such as those with ADHD or ODD may also be at an increased risk as they struggle to think through the long-term consequences of drug abuse.  

What Drugs Are Teens Using? 

There is no one single drug that teens are only using. However, there are a few that tend to be more popular due to accessibility and portrayal in the media. These include: 

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Seeking Support for Teen Substance Abuse 

Lotus Behavioral Health helps teens recovering from substance abuse & mental health disorders recover and gain the skills they need to return to their communities. Our comprehensive treatment programs take a family-first approach to help teens build a support system that encourages their long-term recovery & success. 

Sources 

How Teens Abuse Medicine. Drug Enforcement Agency. 

Drug Use Among Youth: Facts & Statistics. National Center for Drug Abuse