Teenager Drug Abuse

Use Vs. Abuse

Teens may use an illegal substance occasionally without becoming dependent on it. However, with increased use comes tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Use crosses the line to abuse when it begins to affect everyday life, cause social problems, and/or impact a teen's physical well being. Even occasional drug use is not healthy or recommended.

Risk Factors

While any teen can become addicted when faced with the wrong circumstances, the following conditions put teens at higher risk for drug addiction:

• Teens with a family history of substance abuse will be more likely to become addicted themselves.
• Teens who are depressed may turn to drugs to self-medicate.
• Teens with low self-esteem will be less likely to find the strength to overcome peer pressure.
• Teens who feel like they don't fit in may turn to drugs as a way of finding acceptance with a group.

Signs of Teenager Drug Abuse

The following signs are common indicators of drug abuse:

• Tiredness
• Red or glazed eyes
• Persistent cough
• Changes in personality and mood
• Impulsive and irresponsible behavior, lack of good judgment
• Secretiveness
• A willingness to break the rules
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Problems in school, including lack of interest, dropping grades, and increased absences
• A change in friends, especially friends who exhibit behavior problems
• Physical evidence, like the smell of smoke on clothes or drug paraphernalia
• Stealing from friends and family

While it's important to be vigilant, parents and teens should note that some of these signs are normal parts of growing up and testing boundaries. Other potential problems with similar signs, such as depression, should also be considered.

Common Drugs

Illegal Drugs

• Marijuana
• "Club drugs" like ecstasy
• Steroids
• Methamphetamine
• Cocaine and crack
• Heroin

Other Substances

While you may think of drugs like marijuana when you think of teenager drug abuse, there are actually numerous legal substances teens may use in an illegal manner.

• Inhalants - Commonly known as huffing, teens who use inhalants get high off the fumes from household cleaners, spray paint, and other substances. Inhalant use is deadly and can also lead to brain damage and respiratory problems.
• Prescription Drugs - Painkillers like Vicodin and OxyContin, and ADHD drugs like Ritalin and Adderall are commonly abused.
• Over-the-counter Medications - Cough syrup, diet pills, sleeping pills, and other common medications can be abused for an easily accessible high.
• Tobacco - Unless they are 18 or 19, tobacco use is illegal for teens. The willingness to use one illegal substance may serve as a gateway to alcohol or harder drugs. Smoking and chewing also increase the risk of cancer later in life.
• Alcohol - Drinking has become an unfortunate staple at many teen celebrations. Some parents may even allow it with an attitude of "Kids will be kids" or "I'd rather they were safely at home instead of drinking and driving." However, underage drinking is illegal, dangerous, and addictive.

Getting Help

If a teen is addicted to drugs or alcohol, medical intervention will be necessary to break the addiction. If there is an underlying problem behind the drug abuse like depression or low self-esteem, counseling or medication to improve these issues may also be necessary. Options include inpatient and outpatient therapies, counseling, 12-step programs, and detoxification programs. In extreme cases, parents may send teens to a treatment facility or boarding school for troubled teens. Parents and teens can talk to school counselors or the family doctor to find a local treatment center or use the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).