Teen Drug Abuse: Causes, Warning Signs & Prevention Strategies

Teenagers are exposed to various problems that many parents, teachers, and other adults may not understand or relate to. These problems can cause intense feelings of isolation, loneliness, and confusion. Teenagers in Wyoming are 5.08% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Wisconsin are 0.05% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the https://ecosoberhouse.com/ average American teen. Teenagers in West Virginia are 5.43% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen.

• Be clear that you want them to be safe and that experimenting with substances is dangerous—even if it’s just one time.
• Much like illicit drugs and alcohol, abusing them can lead to addiction.
• Learn about the different substances, signs and symptoms of addiction,…
• Withdrawal typically happens to people who have become addicted or dependent on substances and suddenly stop using them.

Teen Substance Abuse Treatment

Help prevent teen drug abuse by talking to your teen about teen drug abuse the consequences of using drugs and the importance of making healthy choices. Learn about the different substances, signs and symptoms of addiction,… Caregivers need to have an open line of communication with their teens and teach them about the risks of using drugs.

Mayo Clinic Press

• There are serious health risks to misusing OTC cold and cough products, including increased blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and overdose.
• Teenagers are exposed to various problems that many parents, teachers, and other adults may not understand or relate to.
• Your teen’s personality, your family’s interactions and your teen’s comfort with peers are some factors linked to teen drug use.
• Youth are more likely to abuse prescription stimulants than they are to abuse cocaine or amphetamines.
• Examples of prescription drugs teens may misuse include stimulants like Adderall and benzodiazepines like Xanax.
• Other health problems like allergies, sinus infections, hormone imbalances, or mental disorders can also cause these symptoms in teens.

Read on to understand the rates of drug use in teens, how to recognize the warning signs, and effective strategies to prevent teenage drug abuse. Experimenting with drugs or alcohol is tempting for teenagers because they may not know or understand the dangers of using substances—even just once. Academic pressure, low self-esteem, and peer pressure are just a few factors that increase their risk of substance use. Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can be misused more easily than others because they’re often easy for teens to obtain.

Alcohol Rehab

Teenagers in Washington are 33.36% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Virginia are 16.46% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Vermont are 75.83% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Utah are 28.16% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers Alcoholics Anonymous in Texas are 15.18% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen.

Gary Hazy serves as the Executive Director of Lotus Behavioral Health. With a deep commitment to improving the lives and well-being of youth, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization. With a career spanning 20 years in the behavioral health field, Gary has dedicated his efforts to transforming the lives of kids and families facing challenging situations. He is fueled by a passion for making a positive impact and has tirelessly advocated for accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based care. If you are concerned that your teen is struggling with a substance abuse problem, reach out to our admissions team today for support.

Teens may be more likely to try substances for the first time when hanging out in a social setting. For more information about opioids and overdose deaths, see our reports on Fentanyl Abuse and Drug Overdose Death Rates.

Alcohol

• These problems can cause intense feelings of isolation, loneliness, and confusion.
• Parents, schools, and community leaders all play a role in educating and preventing substance abuse among youth.
• This article reviews statistics, risk factors, health effects, signs, and treatment for teenage drug addiction.
• Teenagers in Missouri are 10.39% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen.
• Alcohol is by far the most commonly abused substance among teens and young adults.

Teenagers in Nevada are 22.98% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Nebraska are 1.89% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Montana are 39.58% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Missouri are 10.39% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Mississippi are 21.23% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen.

Youth Drug Abuse

Some teenagers are more at risk of developing an alcohol or drug problem than others. You’ll likely have many talks with your teen about drug and alcohol use. If you are starting a conversation about substance use, choose a place where you and your teen are both comfortable. In some cases products common in homes and that have certain chemicals are inhaled for intoxication. And teens may also use illicit drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine. Alcohol and nicotine or tobacco may be some of the first, easier-to-get substances for teens.

Diet pills, caffeine pills, and cold and flu products with dextromethorphan are just a few examples of OTC substances teens may use. They may also have access to family member’s prescriptions for drugs like opiate painkillers and stimulants or get them from friends who do. For some adolescents, however, trying a substance like alcohol, marijuana, or illicit drugs leads to regular use. Once withdrawal and cravings set in, a teen dealing with addiction and dependence may not be able to stop using a substance, even if they want to. Teenagers who misuse substances can experience drug dependence (substance use disorder).