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Common Questions about Teen Substance Abuse

Why are teens more likely to use drugs?

Puberty is accompanied by major physical and emotional changes that may alter a young person’s relationships and patterns of interaction with others. When children transition into adolescence, they begin to seek independence from their parents and to establish their own personal and sexual identities. During this time, teenagers may want to re-negotiate family rules and parental supervision-- a process that can generate conflict in the family, and may cause teenagers to withdraw. It is during this period that teens are most vulnerable to experimenting with drugs and alcohol.

How common is teenage substance abuse in the United States ?

  • Alcohol is the most commonly used drug among young people.
  • Alcohol kills 6.5 times more youths than all other illicit drugs combined.
  • Youths who drink alcohol are 50 times more likely to use cocaine than those who never drink.
  • By the 8th grade, 52% of adolescents have consumed alcohol, 41% have smoked cigarettes, and 20% have used marijuana.
  • 40% of those who started drinking at age 14 or younger later developed alcohol dependence, compared with 10% of those who began drinking at age 20 or older.
  • 65% of the youths who drink alcohol report that they get the alcohol they drink from family and friends.
  • 50% of high school seniors report drinking alcohol in the past 30 days with 32% report being drunk at least once in the same period.

What are the typical warning signs of teenage substance abuse?

When teens begin to use drugs or alcohol regularly, they may show signs that can alert parents that there may be a problem. Physical signs may include increased fatigue, sleep problems, repeated health complaints, red and glazed eyes, and a persistent cough.

Other warning signs may include dramatic changes in personality and appearance, sudden mood changes, irritability, and irresponsible behavior, including breaking rules. Teens may start more arguments with their families, or may be more withdrawn. Low self-esteem, poor judgment, depression, withdrawal, and a general lack of interest are also warning signs. Teens may show decreased interest in school, including increased absences, disciplinary problems, or poorer grades. Socially, they may have friends who use drugs or alcohol or who have had problems with the law.

Teenagers abuse a variety of drugs. What are the most commonly used legal and illegal drugs?

Legal Drugs

  • Prescribed medications
  • Inhalants (fumes from glues, aerosols, and solvents)
  • Over-the-counter cold, sleep and diet medications

Illegal Drugs

  • Marijuana (Pot)
  • Stimulants (Cocaine, crack, speed)
  • LSD
  • PCP
  • Opiates
  • Heroin
  • Ecstasy (Club drugs)

Is there a typical progression of chemical dependency for teens?

While the stages of substance abuse differ with each individual, there are patterns of behavior common to many teens.

Stage One
The first stage of drug use typically begins in social settings. Teens may experiment occasionally, and are curious about the chemical effects they are experiencing, or feel excitement about not getting caught.

Stage Two
At this stage, teens actively seek drugs, but they are able to limit their use to parties or weekends.

Stage Three
At this stage, teens now choose their friends and arrange their life around drugs. Their tolerance increases, requiring them to use more drugs. They may begin to experience memory loss and extreme mood swings. Problems at school or with the law may begin to occur as a result of their drug use.

Stage Four
At this level, getting high has become the most important thing in teens' lives. It is part of a daily regimen that helps them cope with everyday life. They begin to lie or lose interest in everything that used to matter to them. Conflicts increase with their families, and they become defensive or go into denial about their problem. Other signs may include sleeping problems, memory loss, poor nutrition, and increased financial problems. Users may have a chronic cough or weakened immune system.

Which teenagers are at highest risk for developing serious alcohol and drug problems? 

  • Those who have a parent, sibling, or other blood relative who is an alcoholic or drug addict.
  • Those who seem to “fall in love” with alcohol or drugs on their first try.
  • Those who are depressed.
  • Those who feel like they don’t fit in.
  • Those who grow up surrounded by heavy-drinkers.

What should you do if you think your teenager might have a substance abuse problem?

Often the first point of contact is the teenager’s school, which may have a school psychologist, counselor or social worker on staff, or may have referral sources that can help. Most high schools and middle schools in Rhode Island have student assistance counselors who are specially trained in substance abuse intervention.

If you suspect that your teenager might have an alcohol or drug problem, arrange for him or her to undergo a professional evaluation with a substance abuse specialist. An evaluation should include a complete physical exam by a physician, including blood and urine tests, and a psychosocial assessment.

Obtain factual information from reputable Web sites such as National Institute on Drug Abuse sites, www.teens.drugabuse.gov  or www.drugabuse.gov.

What are some treatments options for teens struggling with an addiction?

  • Outpatient Counseling
  • Intensive Outpatient or Day Treatment Program
  • Residential Treatment
  • Inpatient Hospitalization & Detoxification