Although substance abuse is always a serious matter, teenage substance abuse is especially dangerous. Because a teenager's brain is not fully developed, a teen might be more susceptible to addiction and the hazards of substance abuse than older people, the National Institutes of Health warns.
Types
Young people use alcohol more commonly than tobacco or illicit drugs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states. While some teens who use alcohol will not develop a substance abuse problem, four out of 10 of them that try alcohol before the age of 15 will develop a dependence, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA).
Teenagers may also abuse illegal street drugs. Marijuana, amphetamines, methamphetamines, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, LSD, barbiturates and heroin are some examples of drugs commonly abused by teens. Marijuana is the most common illicit drug, the CDC explains, and many teenagers believe it to be harmless and non-addictive. However, SAMSHA explains this is not true, and over 220,000 teenagers sought substance abuse treatment for marijuana in 1999.
While parents often worry about their teens using illegal street drugs, many teenagers abuse substances found around their house. In fact, the CDC explains that although illicit drug use has declined among youth, the abuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications remains high. Many teens mistakenly believe getting high from these medications is safer than getting high from illegal street drugs. Pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants and depressants are examples of prescription medications that teenagers abuse. Teens also abuse over-the-counter cough and cold medications and common household products like hairspray, glue, paint thinners, markers and other aerosol products.
Warning Signs for Parents
Declining performance in school or athletics, missing money or valuables, being unusually secretive, demanding more privacy, acting uncharacteristically withdrawn and suddenly using perfume, air freshener or eye drops more frequently are some warning signs that a teen may have a substance abuse problem. Other common warning signs for substance abuse include unusual smells on the breath and body, unexplained need for money, deterioration in physical appearance or grooming, frequently getting into trouble, sudden change in friends and changes in appetite, sleep or moods.
Considerations for Teens
Many teenagers are unable to recognize when their alcohol or drug use has become a problem. Considering several factors may make it easier for a teen to determine when she needs help. Signs that the drug or alcohol use has turned to abuse include feeling as if she can't stop using even if he wanted to, feeling guilty about it, needing the drugs or alcohol to relax or feel better, spending money she shouldn't on her habit or lying about her drug or alcohol use to friends and family. In addition, teenagers who have family and friends who have expressed concerns or complained about their drug use are also likely to have a problem.
Treatment
While many teenagers believe they can overcome their addiction on their own, this is often not true and professional treatment is necessary. Although the recovery process is difficult and often wrought with setbacks, things like counseling, support groups, medication and other treatments can increase the likelihood of staying sober for good. The longer the substance abuse continues, the harder it is to treat so teens should be encouraged to seek help for their addiction as early as possible. Also, although many parents falsely believe the teenager must want to change and take part in treatment, HelpGuide.org explains that those who are pressured into treatment by family, friends or the legal system are just as likely to benefit from treatment as those who enter treatment on their own.
Prevention
Preventing teenage substance abuse requires effort from parents, schools, law enforcement, the community and the teenagers themselves. Parents can help prevent their teenager from developing a substance abuse problem by fostering a close relationship with their teen, keeping the lines of communication open and providing thorough parental monitoring and supervision. Schools and communities should offer substance abuse prevention programs to educate both teens and their parents about the dangers of substance abuse. Law enforcement that provides consistent and appropriate monitoring of underage drinking and drug use can help prevent problems from occurring. Finally, teenagers can practice resisting peer pressure and learn how to avoid places and situations that are likely to involve drugs and alcohol.
