Teenage Drug Use And Abuse: Common Substances And Mental Health Conditions

Teen substance use is not a new phenomenon but is often a cause for concern. Although raising a teen who is struggling with substance use can be a frightening time for parents, there are many addiction treatment options available for adolescents who are engaging in the use of alcohol and illegal drugs.

Teens use drugs for many reasons, from seeking a way to fit in with peers to coping with stress and anxiety. As teenagers are more likely to succumb to peer pressure and risk-taking behaviors, parents may benefit from talking openly with their children about the dangers of substance use. Adolescents may also find it helpful to be aware of their own family history and risk factors so they can be better prepared to make healthy choices.

Read on to learn about teen drug use, the most used drugs by teens, the mental health issues surrounding adolescent substance use, and how to get professional treatment.

What are the warning signs of addiction in teens?

Determining the difference between standard age-associated behavior and symptoms of substance use can be difficult. Many adolescents begin acting more irritable and discreet as they grow up. However, when drug and alcohol use is involved, the signs can become more pronounced.

Warning signs of substance use disorder and potential substance abuse in adolescents

Parents can make a point to watch for physical changes such as red eyes or dilated pupils, a lingering smell of drugs and alcohol on clothing, sudden weight loss or changes, frequent nosebleeds (a symptom of cocaine use), and an increased body temperature. Behavioral changes can include a sudden drop in grades, skipping school or activities, neglecting responsibilities, avoiding eye contact, changing friends, and using cash rather than a debit or ATM card.

Adolescents may also develop patterns of substance use that can be difficult to spot: they might hide drugs where it is difficult to find them or take drugs with others in social settings. Drugs used by teens are often more dangerous than those used by adults. In teens, drug use can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system and lead to becoming addicted faster than in adults.

Supporting adolescents in preventing drug use and abuse and addiction

Parents and guardians can make a point to be aware of the signs of substance use to prevent their children from becoming addicted or experiencing adverse effects of alcohol use or other drug-related issues. If communication is challenging, family therapy or parent therapy through online counseling could help improve the family unit’s overall mental health.

Although adults are not immune to substance use, the high school age group is often more susceptible to addiction. Mental health, hormone surges, and environmental pressures, such as their families and living situation, can all play a role in a teenager’s decision to partake in alcohol or drug consumption, particularly prescription pain medications. Teens are at increased risk for addiction due to their developing brains and lack of life experience.

Even if teens are not using their own prescription or illicit drugs, they may take them from family and friends. This behavior can be very dangerous and can quickly develop into an addiction.

Pharmaceutical use: Prescription supplements

The most common pharmaceuticals or prescription drugs that teens use are painkillers and stimulant medications, both common drugs that may initially be prescribed for adolescents and young adults. 

Stimulants and their role in the treatment of mental health conditions

Stimulants are often prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), formerly called attention deficit disorder (ADD). They are one of the many stimulant medications used to boost academic performance. Stimulants are one of the most common medications prescribed to children and adults with ADHD to improve their attention, alertness, and focus. 

These medications carry a risk of dependence, which is why some teens may misuse them. Misusing stimulants not only increases the risk of developing a substance use disorder but can also lead to serious mental health issues, such as anxiety and paranoia. Addiction treatment for stimulants may be addressed through therapy and medical intervention, or it may involve in-patient facilitation, such as a teenage rehabilitation program.

Opioid medications and their risks compared to alcohol use 

Prescription painkillers are the second most common prescription pharmaceutical teenagers use. Overuse can lead to dizziness and fainting spells. Opioid medications are highly addictive, and even short-term use of opioid drugs can have serious consequences, though often the perceived risk is low since it can be prescribed. Opioids may have limited availability compared to other common drugs, but still, overdose is a common source of danger. Overdose symptoms include a weak pulse, confusion, and slowed breathing. Similar to heroin, opioid medications can be snorted or injected, increasing the risk of addiction and overdose. Addiction treatment programs range from an inpatient facility with follow-up treatment to pharmaceutical use therapy and lifestyle interventions.

Inhalants 

A third common and highly dangerous substance that high schoolers use might not seem like a substance at all– inhalants. Some teenagers will misuse inhalants because they give a quick buzz; however, there's no safe way to use inhalants, and every time an inhalant is used, the user is risking death. 

Inhalants are used frequently because they are easy to acquire and may include common household objects. Parents should make themselves aware of the common household products teens might misuse, as they can lead to serious health complications or death. Inhalants can include whipped cream, spray deodorant, or even nail polish remover fumes. Treatment for inhalant use includes support groups, drug use therapy, and, potentially, in-patient facilitation.

The number-one drug used by high schoolers

When considering teen substance use, people commonly ask, “What is the number one drug used by teens?” Below are statistics on the most used substances. 

Alcohol and tobacco 

Alcohol and tobacco are consistently the most used substances, followed by cannabis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 16.5% of high school students reported using any tobacco product in the past month. The most common tobacco product high school students employ is electronic cigarettes, also known as vapes. In 2022, approximately one of every seven high school students (14.1%) reported using electronic cigarettes in the past 30 days.

Marijuana 

Although recreational marijuana use has been legalized in some areas, recreational use requires that individuals be adults and is not available to individuals under the age of 21. Consequently, if marijuana is being smoked or ingested by anyone under the age of 21, it's still considered illegal (with some states making it illegal for people of all ages), which is similar to laws in the US regarding purchasing and drinking alcohol. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that marijuana use exceeded all other substances used by teens; of the high school seniors using illicit substances, 22% of high school students in 2019 reported using the psychoactive drug marijuana within the past 30 days.

Synthetic cannabinoids 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the most common means of consuming marijuana among teenagers is smoking or ingesting synthetic cannabinoids, called K2 or Spice. Although marijuana is not necessarily safe for teens to smoke or ingest, K2 and Spice actually present more dangers than the natural compounds found within marijuana. Initially created in a lab to study the effects of marijuana, K2 and Spice were co-opted by dealers, and a spike in these dangerous narcotics occurred in 2011, launching it to become one of the most common drugs used by teens.

While marijuana smoking or ingestion is not ideal, it may not cause the same concerns that synthetic cannabinoids do, including physical effects, like the presence of a racing heart, seizures, psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, shortness of breath, and chest pain. These synthetic compounds were linked to fatal symptoms in Connecticut in 2018, wherein users experienced bloody noses, bloody urine, coughed-up blood, and internal bleeding.

Although they are marketed as “synthetic marijuana” to link to the same effects of marijuana, K2 and Spice are synthetic chemical cocktails with no control or consistency, and these drugs can present a real hazard to teenagers.

Risk factors of teen drug use and abuse

Although being an adolescent or young adult is, on its own, a risk factor for substance use, there are additional factors that could play a role in the development of drug use behaviors and addiction, including but not limited to the following: 

• A greater reach to illicit compounds (including pharmaceuticals) 

• Living or growing up in poverty 

• A parent who has struggled with substance use (alcoholism in particular)

• A history of trauma  

Trauma has been linked to addiction in people of all ages and backgrounds, and teenagers who have been exposed to trauma are far more likely to use alcohol and narcotics, take unnecessary risks, and potentially require addiction treatment. 

While risk factors might initially seem frightening, they are not guaranteed; young adolescents, older teens, and adults who possess all the above risk factors are not resigned to addiction or permanent brain damage. Nevertheless, these risk factors can alert parents to the possible likelihood of addiction and encourage preventative measures. Parents might keep drug tests on hand in case of concern.

Addiction treatment for adolescents

Teen substance use and teenage drinking in the US are now becoming a cause of concern. The number one killer of teenagers is accidents. Drug poisoning is a subcategory under accident and alcohol consumption is a significant factor in motor vehicle accidents. Substance use is frightening and can be difficult for parents and teenagers to discuss freely and openly amongst each other and with a neutral person, such as with school counselors or other licensed mental health professionals.

Addiction treatment ranges significantly in its scope, duration, and setting. In some cases, addiction can be treated through therapy, such as the online therapy provided through BetterHelp for adults or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19. In other cases, substance use has grown significant enough (such as with misused prescription medications) to require the intervention of an addiction treatment facility. Whatever the case, teenagers' substance use and addiction are treatable, and parents, young adults, and adolescents alike can begin seeking treatment options now.

The benefits of online therapy for teens facing substance use challenges

Teens experiencing challenges with drug use may find online therapy to be a valuable resource. At times, they may believe they are being judged or misunderstood by their parents, and talking to a neutral party might help them better understand the negative impacts that drug use can have on their cognitive development and future opportunities. With flexible scheduling, online therapy platforms enable adolescents to schedule appointments from the comfort of their own rooms with parental approval (if they are under 18). This feature may help them have a greater sense of agency, especially if they believe they are being smothered by their parents (who may be concerned and well-intentioned in their response).

Several recent studies exploring the efficacy of online therapy interventions for teens engaging in risky drinking and drug-use behaviors show promise. In one study, a web-based and text messaging-based intervention was successful in reducing risky single-occasion drinking in young people (drinking at least five standard drinks on a single occasion for young men and four on one occasion for young women). In a different study analyzing the impact of a web-based motivational intervention for adolescents at risk for substance use, researchers found that the intervention was effective in reducing teen drinking risks and existing substance use concerns.

The BetterHelp platform is not intended for any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.