Common challenges, such as stress and insecurity, can contribute to substance use at a young age.
Signs of a substance use problem can include loss of sleep or appetite, mood changes, dilated pupils, strange and unpredictable behavior, or losing interest in normal activities.
No one has to face problems with drugs and alcohol alone. Find resources and support for teenagers to assist in their recovery.
There is a common misconception that all teens are experimenting with substance use. The truth is that most teens don't drink alcohol or use illict substances. In fact, teen substance use has declined for most drugs since the pandemic began.
However, that doesn’t mean there isn't pressure. People are often exposed to drugs and alcohol for the first time as teenagers, and teens who do begin using substances early are more likely to develop dependence as young adults.
That's why its so important to understand the risks and warning signs early. Learning about substance use and its effects can help teens make healthy decisions and stay safe.
If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol misuse, recovery is possible.
Everyone has a different experience during middle and high school, but many teenagers face similar challenges. Teens may be feeling insecure, working hard to fit in, or getting stressed out about balancing schoolwork with sports or jobs. That’s when using drugs and alcohol may seem like an easy fix. Some common challenges in teenagers’ lives include:
Teens who have been abused or had tough experiences early in life can be more likely to have problems with drugs and alcohol. Young people are also at greater risk than other teens if their family members have been through an addiction, their mothers used drugs or alcohol during pregnancy, or they haven’t had the guidance of a parent or other adult.
As students prepare for high school graduation and applying to college or getting a job, stress can build. Struggling to maintain a strong grade point average or turning in college or job applications may push some students to seek relief through drugs or alcohol. Some teens also are attracted to substance use to try to improve their social life, using drugs or alcohol to loosen up or fit in. But remember: Teens have the power — and responsibility — to make healthy decisions for themselves.
During the teen years, the brain is still developing, and that increases the risk of developing problems with drugs and alcohol. In fact, most adults with a substance use disorder report that they started using drugs as teenagers. It’s important to deal with a teen’s drug or alcohol problem early because it can affect the brain, making it more difficult to stop or control substance use through willpower alone.
Many students experiment with drugs and alcohol, and it can be difficult to tell when substance use becomes a problem — especially in ourselves. It’s time to do something about it when teenage alcohol and drug use interferes with daily life or causes health issues, including:
Common signs of a substance use disorder can include loss of sleep or appetite, mood changes, dilated pupils, strange and unpredictable behavior, or losing interest in normal activities. If you notice signs of a problem in yourself, a friend, or a loved one, it may be time to reach out for support.
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Bria and Chrissy open up about their struggles with substance use.
CloseDiscover Tom's story about his dependence on painkillers, how it took over his life, and how treatment helped.
CloseDarren battled back from drug addictions to reclaim his life and rebuild relationships with family.
CloseWhile it may be hard to talk about substance use, opening up to a parent, guardian, or other caring adult can help a teen connect with the right support and treatment. Teens who aren’t comfortable talking about these issues with a parent or guardian can ask a school guidance counselor to put them in touch with support groups and resources that have worked for other young people. In some cases, teen rehab programs are the best way to treat a drug or alcohol problem.
Reaching out to other teens and adults who have overcome their drug and alcohol problems can help young people to figure out which treatment option is right for them. No one has to face problems with drugs and alcohol alone. Help is available.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Adolescent Health provides national statistics on adolescent substance use, the risks of using drugs and alcohol as a teenager, and several resources for both students and parents.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides information about individual drugs and their effects on teens along with a list of treatment options for substance use problems.
Just Think Twice was developed in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to show teens the myths about drugs and drug abuse through real-life stories from young people who have been through an addiction.
A comprehensive resource on drugs, alcohol, steroids, inhalants, and hallucinogens, created by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Recovery high schools are secondary schools designed specifically for students in recovery from substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders. Recovery high schools meet state requirements for awarding a secondary school diploma and are designed specifically to aid young people in recovery.
This resource was produced collaboratively with a group of Education Development Center (EDC) subject matter experts who reviewed the content and provided their insights. Last reviewed February 2023.
Research for Parents and Educators, National Institutes of Health, 2023
Substance Use in Adolescence, Department of Health and Human Services, 2023