What Parents Need to Know About Teen Addiction

What Parents Need to Know About Teen Addiction

• Mandy Sandhu
• 15 Aug 2024

Teen substance abuse can occur for various reasons. Teenagers are normally in a more fragile state as their adolescent brain develops. As they get older, they’re exposed to more adult experiences and go through a new, heavy wave of societal pressure that can lead them to substance use, if not properly guided. 

When addiction in teens happens, it’s best to intervene as soon as possible. Here’s where parents’ role becomes all the more crucial. It should be approached carefully, with communication and compassion, in a judgment-free setting.

Why Teenage Drug Abuse Occurs 

Most teenagers are trying to find their footing. They can be naive, unsure, susceptible, and easily swayed. When there are already stressors and new life obstacles, substance abuse might seem like help at the moment. Teenage drug abuse can occur due to the following risk factors:

• Family History of Substance Abuse: They’ll already be surrounded by drugs and alcohol
• Mental or Behavioural Conditions: Factors that affect brain chemistry can lead to using to feel better
• Impulsivity or Risky Behaviour: Teens with these traits might try substances they know aren’t safe
• Trauma: Regardless of the cause, trauma can turn teens toward alcohol or drugs to help them cope
• Low Self-Esteem or Social Rejection: Teens might use drugs or alcohol to try and fit in with certain social circles

Image source: Unsplash

What Does Teenage Drug Abuse Look Like? 

As a parent, it’s important to know what teenage addiction looks like (such as how it presents itself in teens) to intervene and help your teenager find a better solution.

Teen Addiction Symptoms for Alcohol 

This isn’t an exhaustive list, although it includes many likely symptoms that alcohol abuse will display. If you notice any of these symptoms below, talk to your teenager and pursue alcohol addiction treatment.

• A strong smell of alcohol
• Bloodshot eyes
• Fatigue
• Slurred speech
• A better and better tolerance for alcohol
• Worsening hygiene and personal grooming
• Aggressive behaviour
• Mood swings
• Declining school performance
• Disinterest in previously-enjoyed activities
• Absenteeism
• Neglect of responsibilities
• Lying
• Depression or anxiety
• Unsafe sexual behaviour
• Illegal activities
• Rising health issues

Teenage Drug Abuse Symptoms 

Teenage drug abuse symptoms can be similar to alcohol addiction symptoms (see list below). However, alcohol has some distinct traits, such as smell, fatigue, and slurred speech. In case of a drug addiction, pursue the relevant drug addiction treatment and medical detox.

• Dependency
• Poor judgment
• Confusion
• Unsafe sexual behaviour
• Illegal activities
• Depression and anxiety
• Poor school performance and attendance
• Excessive sleep
• Changes in appetite

Image source: Unsplash

How Prevalent is Addiction in Teens? 

As a parent, do you feel your teenager is safe from teenage drinking and drug use? Even if you feel they are, it’s better to be involved and observant when there’s no problem than to be caught off guard when you realize your teen is addicted. These statistics highlight teen substance abuse in Canada:

• People ages 15-24 are more likely to experience mental health disorders and substance abuse than other age groups
• That group is responsible for 60% of illicit drug use
• Of students in Ontario, 23% say they’ve been offered, sold, or given drugs in school
• Of Ontario students, the top four substances used are alcohol, marijuana, non-prescribed pain relievers, and tobacco
• In Ontario, 75% of grade 12 students reported lifetime alcohol use, 36% cannabis, and 26% nicotine

The Effects of Teen Substance Abuse 

The effects of teenage addiction might not be immediately obvious. While some appear quickly, the more serious, long-term health issues often develop over time.

Mental Health Disorders 

Teenagers with pre-existing mental health disorders are more susceptible to substance use disorder problems. Unfortunately, teen substance abuse can worsen existing mental health disorders. 

Drugs can impair learning abilities and cause memory problems. Drug chemicals affect the nervous system, leading to various negative effects on brain function.

Emotional Dysregulation 

Since addiction in teens affects the nervous system, it leads to subsequent emotional problems. Teenagers can lose their ability to manage emotions, make rational decisions, and act independently.

Social Issues 

While social settings might have been the reason a teenager elected to try alcohol or drugs, the outcome can harm their ability to socialize. Teen addiction leads to mood swings, depressive states, and anxiety, which affect how they interact with others. Their relationships will start to deteriorate.

Risk of Physical Injuries 

Addiction can lead teens to make risky decisions despite the dangers. It increases the risk of serious physical injuries, both to themselves and others, such as in a car accident. Under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they often develop a false sense of confidence and skewed judgment, making them more likely to engage in dangerous activities, such as driving while impaired.

What Can Parents Do About Teen Substance Abuse? 

The results of teen drug abuse are devastating. It’s crucial that parents or other authority figures in a teenager’s life know the signs, and know the importance of teenage addiction treatment. Here’s what you can do:

1. Start by talking with your teen. This can be beneficial before substance abuse becomes a problem, and during. Open the discussion to honest communication. Ask your teen what they think about substance abuse. Teenagers may be reluctant to share with you, which is why you must be open to information you might find shocking.
2. Discuss reasons teens might use drugs and why they shouldn’t use drugs. Use the information in this article and any statistics on substance abuse that your teen might resonate with. Consider how the media is shaping your teen’s views on drugs and alcohol. It’s impossible to be with a teen 24/7 and monitor every bit of content they consume, so it’s better to educate them and avoid the standard reasons teens resort to substances.
3. Explain how to navigate social settings, resist peer pressure, and feel confident making sound decisions for personal health and safety. If the family has a history of substance abuse, be ready to talk about it. There’s no use skirting the topic if the teenager is aware. It can be a helpful conversation to show why alcohol and drug addictions should be avoided.

Image source: Unsplash

Join the Family Program at Freedom from Addiction 

Parents with addicted teens can join our Family Program to be educated, participate in group discussions, and build relationships with other participants. At the same time, your teen can take concurrent treatment to address their addiction and find better ways of coping.

The Family Program aims to help family members who witnessed substance abuse understand how to avoid and manage it, so they can help keep their loved ones on the right path. A loved one with an addiction can make family members feel responsible. We’ll help you understand what you should and shouldn’t feel responsible for.

Contact us today to get the help you need now.