According to the National Institute of Health, almost 20% of US teens meet the criteria for a substance abuse disorder [1]. This number can be distressing for parents, health professionals, and anyone working with youth. 

Fortunately, as research around the field of addiction science grows, so do the treatment options to help break cycles of substance abuse in youth. Treatment for substance abuse disorders in teens often requires a comprehensive approach, such as a combination of evidence-based therapies and medication. 

Read on to understand the risk factors of teenage substance abuse, what the recovery process can look like, and common medications used during addiction treatment for teens. 

Understanding Teenage Substance Abuse 

Substance abuse among teens is a public health problem that affects youth as young as 12. Due to the nature of the developing brain (e.g., more emotionally reactive or impulsive, difficulty controlling emotions, surging hormones), teens are at a naturally higher risk of drug and alcohol use. 

Addiction does not discriminate, and teens from any gender, religion, or ethnic group can struggle with a substance abuse disorder. However, certain factors may increase the risk of a teen developing a substance abuse problem: 

• Trauma such as from a one-time event (e.g., school shooting, natural disaster, car accident) or complex developmental trauma such as from experiencing sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or neglect.  

• Underlying or untreated mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or OCD. 

• Family history of drug use, such as watching a parent or sibling abuse drugs in the home while growing up. 

• Genetic factors may increase the risk of certain addictions, such as alcohol use disorder. 
• Victims of bullying from peers, family members, or loved ones. This could include direct physical harm or other forms of bullying, such as name-calling, constant teasing, spreading rumors, and cyberbullying.  

• Isolation from family or loved ones, social withdrawal from peers, spending excessive time alone, not being involved in extracurricular activities. 

• Discrimination or harassment, such as experiencing physical or verbal harm, exclusion, or unfair treatment based on one’s sexuality, race, gender, religion, or ethnicity. 

• Media influences such as only listening to music that talks about drug use, having access to drugs on social media, or seeing their favorite influencers drink or smoke weed.   

Warning Signs 

By recognizing some of the common warning signs of substance abuse in teens, it can help parents identify the need for treatment. Research shows early intervention can reduce harm and improve treatment outcomes [2]. 

Some of the warning signs include: 

• Coming home visibly drunk or high
• Dilated or pinpoint pupils
• Finding drugs or paraphernalia in their room or belongings 
• Sudden decline in school
• Secretive behavior 
• Sudden changes in friend groups
• Drastic mood swings
• Irritability, aggression, or violence 
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Chronic stomachaches, headaches, or migraines 
• Changes in sleep/appetite 
• Trouble concentrating 
• Frequent-flu like symptoms with no direct cause 
• Depression
• Anxiety 
• Impulsive or dangerous behavior (unprotected sex, reckless driving, vandalism)   

What is The Treatment Process for Teen Substance Abuse?  

Treatment for substance abuse recovery is a comprehensive approach that entails several treatment modalities, including a combination of evidence-based therapies and medication. 

The recovery journey for teenagers struggling with substance abuse is deeply personal, depending on the unique needs of each youth. However, the general process may look something like this: 

• Detox is usually the first step in a recovery program. This is a supervised withdrawal process to help rid the body of drugs, alcohol, or other harmful substances. Teens will have their vitals medically monitored and may be prescribed medications to alleviate pain or cravings. 

• Residential treatment or rehab is an inpatient program that usually follows detox. Teens will usually live at a facility where they participate in daily individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, and structured activities to support their long-term sobriety. Therapeutic interventions during residential substance abuse treatment may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, or Motivational Interviewing. 

• Aftercare and Transition services are a key part of successful residential treatment programs. When a teen exits treatment, there is always a risk of relapse when they return to their home environment. Aftercare services help connect teens with ongoing treatment to support their long-term recovery. This may include outpatient counseling, sobriety support groups such as AA, learning support, and connection to peer mentors. 

What Medications Are Used? 

Medication plays a significant role in treating substance abuse disorders. It is often used alongside behavioral therapies such as CBT or DBT. 

Medication may be used directly or indirectly to treat substance abuse disorders in teens. Directly, medication may be prescribed during the detox process to help alleviate withdrawal pain and manage cravings. Medication during detox is most commonly used for the following substance abuse problems [3]: 

Alcohol Use Disorder:

• Acamprosate: Can reduce cravings
• Naltrexone: Blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol  
• Anti Anxiety Medications: Decrease withdrawal pain and lower the risk of complications with the central nervous system. 

Opioid Use Disorder:

• Naltrexone: Can block the euphoric effects of opioids 
• Naloxone (Narcan): This can provide life-saving treatment by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose 
• Buprenorphine (Suboxone): Not always prescribed to teens, but helps reduce cravings and manage symptoms of withdrawal 
• Methadone: Not commonly prescribed to teens but used for long-term recovery to reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms.

Tobacco/Nicotine Dependence: 

• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): These may be patches or chewing gum with small amounts of nicotine to help reduce cravings for cigarettes, vapes, or other commonly abused tobacco products among teens. 
• Bupropion (Welbutrin): This is an anti-depressant that is also prescribed for off-label use to curb nicotine cravings.  

Medication may also be used indirectly to treat substance abuse in teens with co-occurring mental health disorders. Teens may have a medication management plan under the care of a licensed mental health psychiatrist. 

Common medications used in combination with therapies to help teens with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders include: 

• Antidepressants such as SSRIs are used to treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and other mental health challenges that often drive addiction in teens. 
• Anti-anxiety medications such as sedatives may be prescribed for short-term use as a treatment for severe anxiety or panic disorder, especially during the withdrawal process. 
• Mood Stabilizers such as Lithium are most commonly used to treat manic episodes and bipolar disorder in teens. 

Teen Residential Treatment in Florida 

Lotus Behavioral Health is a residential treatment center located in Florida designed to support teens and their families with the tools they need to recover from substance abuse & co-occurring mental health disorders. Along with conventional therapies such as CBT and DBT, we also offer medication management to help teens manage withdrawal pain and cravings. 

Our treatment program is designed to meet the needs of teens and their families at all stages of recovery. Reach out to our admissions team today! 

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Sources

[1] Reported drug use among adolescents continued to hold below pre-pandemic levels in 2023.National Institute of Drug Abuse. 

[2] EARLY INTERVENTION, TREATMENT, AND MANAGEMENT OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS. 2016. Facing Addiction in America. National Library of Medicine. 

[3] Substance Use Disorder Treatment Options. 2024. SAMHSA. 

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