Substance Abuse in Adolescence: What Parents Should Know

Adolescent substance abuse presents unique challenges and risks. Understanding warning signs, risk factors, and treatment approaches helps parents protect their children and intervene effectively when needed.

Recognizing Warning Signs

Behavioral Changes

Watch for:

• Declining academic performance
• Loss of interest in activities
• New friend groups
• Secretive behavior
• Mood swings
• Defiance and rule-breaking
• Sleep pattern changes

Physical Signs

Observable indicators:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Changes in appetite
• Unexplained weight changes
• Unusual smells
• Poor hygiene
• Slurred speech
• Coordination problems

Social Changes

Relationship shifts:

• Withdrawal from family
• Abandoning longtime friends
• Hanging with new crowds
• Isolation
• Conflicts with family members

Academic Impact

School-related signs:

• Dropping grades
• Skipping classes
• Disciplinary problems
• Loss of motivation
• Quitting extracurricular activities

Risk Factors

Family History

Genetics play a role:

• Children of parents with substance use disorders face up to 8x higher risk
• Family history of addiction
• Genetic vulnerability
• Exposure to substance use at home

Peer Influence

Social factors matter:

• 29.3% of teens believing peers use marijuana were more likely to use it
• Peer pressure
• Desire to fit in
• Social acceptance concerns

Mental Health

Co-occurring conditions:

• Anxiety and depression
• ADHD
• Trauma exposure
• Learning difficulties
• Low self-esteem

Environmental Factors

External influences:

• Substance availability
• Lack of parental supervision
• Community norms
• Stressful life events
• Poor school climate

Current Trends

Recent Data

Some positive trends:

• Illicit drug use (other than marijuana) declined: 3.4% vs. 4.6% in 2023 among 8th graders
• Awareness increasing
• Prevention efforts working

Ongoing Concerns

Persistent challenges:

• Vaping and nicotine use
• Marijuana normalization
• Prescription drug misuse
• Synthetic drugs
• Social media influence

Treatment Approaches

Individual Therapy

One-on-one work addresses:

• Underlying causes
• Coping skill development
• Trauma processing
• Goal setting
• Behavioral change

Family Therapy

Family involvement critical:

• Communication improvement
• Boundary setting
• Family dynamics
• Support system building
• Parental education

Peer Support

Age-appropriate groups:

• Connection with others in recovery
• Positive peer influence
• Social skill development
• Accountability

Treatment Settings

Options based on severity:

• Outpatient: Less severe, stable home
• Intensive Outpatient: More support while home
• Residential: Severe cases, unsafe environments
• Specialized adolescent programs: Age-appropriate care

Medication-Assisted Treatment

When appropriate:

• Opioid use disorder
• Severe cases
• Under medical supervision
• Combined with therapy

Holistic Methods

Complementary approaches:

• Mindfulness training
• Art and music therapy
• Exercise programs
• Adventure therapy
• Life skills development

What Parents Can Do

Open Communication

Create dialogue:

• Talk early and often about substances
• Listen without judgment
• Share concerns clearly
• Maintain connection
• Be available

Set Clear Expectations

Establish boundaries:

• Clear rules about substances
• Consistent consequences
• Monitor activities appropriately
• Know their friends
• Stay involved

Model Healthy Behavior

Lead by example:

• Healthy coping with stress
• Responsible alcohol use (if any)
• Open about family history
• Managing emotions appropriately

Seek Help Early

Don't wait:

• Trust your instincts
• Early intervention better
• Professional assessment valuable
• Treatment is effective
• Support is available

Final Thoughts

Adolescent substance abuse requires early recognition, open communication, and professional intervention when needed. Understanding risk factors and warning signs empowers parents to protect their children and access appropriate treatment.

Amity Behavioral Health provides adolescent-focused assessment and treatment. Contact us if you're concerned about your child.