Understanding the Risks: The Impact of Substance Abuse on Teens
It’s difficult to be a teen. Teenagers are at a time in their lives when they are attempting to figure out who they are. They are bombarded by the pressure to fit in and be successful, which can be a lot for a teenager to handle. Coupled with high rates of undiagnosed mental health disorders, especially ADHD, it’s no wonder why there is such a high rate of teenage substance abuse and addiction. It’s estimated that 12.6 million people ages 12 to 20 have reported having had at least one drink of alcohol.
Teenagers who struggle with substance abuse disorder (SUD) and addiction face many challenges. These conditions make it difficult for a teen to focus in school or hold down a job in the least severe of cases. For those with a serious addiction or substance use disorder, teens can develop lifelong damage to their brains. With street drugs more dangerous than ever, the risk of overdose or death is a real possibility.
That’s why substance abuse prevention is so important. It’s not just a way to help teenagers grow and mature into the successful adults we know they can be. Substance abuse prevention can mitigate serious injury or even death.
Common Substances Teens May Abuse
Teens will, for the most part, abuse substances that are easy to obtain. Sneaking alcohol or cigarettes from a parent is a common example. However, teens now have access to a wide variety of substances. Some common substances teens may abuse are:
- Marijuana, including synthetic marijuana such as Spice or K2
- Nicotine through vapes or cigarettes
- Alcohol
- Stimulants, including prescription stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall
- MDMA, also known as ecstasy, Molly, or E
- Prescription painkillers, such as opiates
- Inhalants, including poppers
- Hallucinogenics, such as acid or shrooms
- Methamphetamine, also known as meth or crystal meth
- Cocaine
- Heroin
Alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana are by far the most commonly abused substances. Certain drugs like heroin have been abused less recently as they are seen as more dangerous compared to a substance like marijuana.
However, all substances can be risky, including substances such as marijuana. This is due to the deliberate inclusion or accidental contamination of Fentanyl in purchased substances. Teens today are at more risk than ever for accidental overdose when abusing substances.
Physical and Mental Health Consequences of Abusing Substances
Teens with a substance use disorder are at high risk of mental and physical harm. The brain is rapidly maturing at this age. An introduction of addictive substances during this critical time can result in long-term harm. For example, teens may have difficulties concentrating, have memory troubles, or experience periods of “brain fog.” Teens may also struggle with feelings of shame or helplessness due to substance abuse. This can often develop mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety. Some substances cause feelings of paranoia, numbness, and aggression, which in turn can cause the user to act in ways or take risks that they usually would not.
Specific substances are especially hard on the body. Meth, for example, can cause what is known as “meth mouth.” This includes tooth loss, jaw pain, and facial changes. Teens may be more susceptible to infection if they use needles to consume substances. Lung conditions can occur from the use of inhalants or through smoking. Repeated substance abuse can result in the loss of sleep, lack of appetite, or digestive issues. Overall, substance abuse will in time reduce the functionality of the immune system and leave the user vulnerable to illness and infection.
In the best-case scenario, substance abuse leaves behind damage that can take months to years to fully recover from. The worst case involves permanent harm or even death.
Strategies to Help Families Address and Prevent Substance Use
The seriousness of substance abuse and addiction cannot be overstated. Substance use prevention saves lives and prevents teens from putting themselves at risk. Part of the problem is the general reluctance to talk about substance abuse and addiction. For some, if they don’t talk or think about a problem, it doesn’t exist. However, if we don’t talk about it, teens will get their information from other sources, which is often wrong or harmful.
Utilizing the strategies below can make this conversation more comfortable for both you and your teen as well as easily impart valuable information.
Open Communication: Encouraging Teens to Talk
There is a disconnect between teens and older adults that must be considered before dialogue can take place. Teens may not be fully mature, but they aren’t stupid. They need to be addressed with respect and compassion. For teens, the worst thing that can happen is being ignored, judged, or belittled.
Be open to teens and encourage them to talk. Create times when you can be 100% focused on your teen and their needs. By participating in the conversation, you can show a genuine interest in the things they love and enjoy.
Create a Safe Space for Honest Conversations
Teens often do not tell a parent or parents critical information cause they worry about getting in trouble. To address this, create a space wherein a teen can discuss whatever they like without fear of judgment or angry reactions. It may take time before a teen can trust that this environment will be safe. They will test the waters with small problems to gauge your response. If you keep a cool head and don’t react extremely, they may be encouraged to share more serious issues with you.
Active Listening
Teens do not appreciate being belittled, ignored, or interrupted. When your teen is talking, you need to listen. Give them your full, undivided attention. Attempting to dismiss or invalidate their concerns will cause your teen to shut down and stop talking. You want your teen to come to you with problems, not make them feel like they are wasting their time trying to talk to you.
Develop Open-Ended Questions to Encourage Communication
Asking your teen questions after they have finished speaking shows them that you were paying attention to them. Ask them questions that can’t be answered with a simple yes or no. Encourage them to elaborate on their feelings. The more your teen is talking, the more trust you can establish with them.
Educating Teens: Teaching About the Dangers of Substance Use
Once open dialog has been established, it’s time to educate your teen about substance abuse. Remember, do not lie, and do your research. If you need help planning a discussion about substance abuse prevention, mental health care facilities such as Alpha Behavioral Health can help.
Share Real-Life Stories and Data on Substance Use and Its Dangers
As our awareness about substance abuse increases, more people are willing to talk about their recovery journey. It’s easy to find talks and lectures from people who are in recovery. You may also talk about examples close to you, such as a family member’s or your own experiences with substance use and abuse.
Don’t sugarcoat how dangerous these substances are. The more sincere and honest you are, the more your teen will understand how important this conversation is.
Discussing the Long-Term Effects of Substance Use on Life Goals
Teens, especially younger teens, are often not cognitively developed enough to fully grasp the long-term effects of substance use and abuse. Reiterate that this talk is not to scare your teen, but to lay out honest facts.
For example, if your teen wants to go to a prestigious college, mention how substance abuse can cause failing grades, causing them to flunk out of school. Mention how addiction can make it difficult to hold down your teen’s dream job. No matter what example you use make it clear that substance use and abuse will make life difficult.
Provide Accurate Information to Correct Misconceptions
There are countless research papers, statistics, and medical information available about substance abuse. Many are available freely to the public from government institutions such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Mental Health. Look for web domains that end in .gov or .edu. These institutions will have information to combat misinformation about substance use and addiction. Print them out and have them readily available.
Be sure to debunk common myths, and remind your teen that addiction is never the result of a moral failing. People with addictions or substance use disorder are not bad people. They are just people in need of help.
Promoting Healthy Alternatives: Engaging Teens Positively
Helping your teen find avenues of joy isn’t just a good form of substance abuse prevention. It’s also a wonderful way to boost physical and mental health.
Encourage Participation in Sports and Healthy Hobbies
Hobbies and sports help teens resist the desire to use substances because they 1. Won’t have the time to think about substance use and 2. Eats up their money so they can’t buy substances. Some hobbies are free, such as hiking. However, teens may want to buy good hiking boots or good hiking clothes to enhance their enjoyment of their hiking hobby. Teens may begin to view substance use as a threat to their continued engagement with their sport or hobby, and thus avoid it.
Support Creative Outlets Like Art, Music, and Writing
Having a healthy outlet for one’s emotions and feelings is important for mental health. Teens especially have it rough as their hormones fluctuate. This causes a lot of confusing emotions and feelings. Having a creative outlet allows for the expression and subsequent reliving of these symptoms without relying on substances to numb or mask them.
Recognizing Warning Signs: Identifying Substance Abuse in Teens
Teens who are engaging in substance abuse may display a wide range of signs and symptoms. Learning how to recognize these signs can help your teen get help quickly.
Notice Behavioral Changes and Mood Swings in Your Teen
Some behavior and mood changes are indicative of substance abuse, such as:
- Unusual secretive behavior and frequent lying
- Spending time with new friends, especially if they are reluctant to introduce you to them
- Distancing themselves from family
- Increased outbursts of aggression or irritability
- Lack of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
- Disregarding rules and responsibilities they previously followed
- Extreme mood swings
- Displaying outward signs of depression or anxiety
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness, isolation, or despair
Monitor Changes in Academic Performance and Attendance
For teens engaging in substance abuse, school doesn’t seem all that important anymore. They may skip classes or refuse to do work. This can result in failing grades or disciplinary actions if their behavior is disruptive enough. If your straight-A teen is suddenly failing classes or not showing up to school, it’s a serious problem.
Observe Physical Symptoms and Changes in Appearance
Though some physical signs of substance abuse depend on the substance being used, there are universal symptoms teens can experience. Look over your teen’s general appearance, as these signs can indicate that they are abusing substances.
- Bloodshot eyes
- Dilated pupils
- Weight fluctuations
- Poor hygiene
- Unexplained injuries
- Experiencing frequent illnesses
Seeking Professional Help: Resources for Teens and Families
It’s important to remember that teens who are engaging in substance abuse are usually attempting to fix a part of themselves they believe is broken. Whether it’s blocking the memory of untreated trauma, attempting to fit in, or trying to ‘enhance’ themselves, all substance abuse comes from a source of pain. This pain, and resulting substance use disorder, can be treated. The quicker you reach out for help, the faster your teen can get the treatment they need.
Connect With School Counselors and Support Staff
A parent or parents may choose to contact local support in their community, such as school counselors and support staff. Though they aren’t able to provide therapy, they can point you to facilities and professionals that can. They may also know of local resources, such as support groups and social workers who can provide further assistance.
Seek Professional Help From a Treatment Facility or Therapist
Substance use disorder and addiction are difficult to recover from without professional help. Seeking help from an accredited treatment facility specializing in substance abuse and addiction provides your teen with services that you may not be able to provide. Treatment facilities have the bonus of providing aftercare and other services that help keep teens in recovery.
Alpha Behavioral Health: Treatment Programs that Specialize in Helping Teens and Families
Here at Alpha Behavioral Health, we specialize in helping teens and their families recover from substance use disorder, addiction, and co-occurring mental health disorders. This is accomplished through the combination of quality and comprehensive treatment, encouragement from specialized staff, and peer and family support. We believe that anyone can accomplish great things if they have the drive and strength to face their goals head-on. Because of this, teens spend time at Alpha Behavioral Health participating in activities designed to build self-esteem, establish inner strength, and find their courage.
As a holistic treatment facility, we pay equal attention to a client’s mind, body, and spirit. Clients don’t just don’t recover from substance abuse disorder and addiction, they leave our facility as healthier people. Families also receive the help and counseling they need. Though Alpha Behavioral Health treats teens and young adults, we make sure their families also receive the assistance they need to create an encouraging and supportive environment for their recovering loved ones.
Specialized Services for Teens
Part of substance abuse and addiction treatment at Alpha Behavioral Health involves access to specialized services for teens. Treatment plans will utilize various treatments and therapy as part of our outpatient program. Much of which, is individualized counseling therapy. Some other examples of therapy teens may utilize include:
- Psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and group therapy
- Family therapy
- Wilderness therapy
- Nutritional therapy and counseling
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Art therapy
Aftercare is another important step in treatment. This service includes the Alpha Launch program, a program that assists teens by helping them transition into adulthood. Teens utilize this program for relapse prevention, peer activities, and even mundane tasks such as creating a resume or receiving academic counseling. Once a client leaves Alpha Behavioral Health, they are never truly alone, as they have a wide and welcoming community to fall back on in times of need.
Help Is Waiting for You
Alpha Behavioral Health makes it easy to receive services or ask for help. Contact our staff today to learn how you can help your teen take the first step in their recovery journey.
Teens are highly susceptible to substance abuse and addiction. Peer pressure, untreated mental health conditions, and the desire to fit in are common underlying causes of substance abuse. Understanding why teens may want to abuse substances is one of the first steps to preventing addiction. For that reason, addiction education is just as important as addiction treatment at Alpha Behavioral Health, located in Austin, TX. The more we understand the nature of addiction, the more aware we are of the signs of addiction. This information doesn’t just protect your loved ones, it reduces the stigma of addiction and encourages those needing help to seek it. If your teen is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, call (833) 257-4218 today.
