{"id":13247,"date":"2024-03-25T01:52:29","date_gmt":"2024-03-25T05:52:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rehabaid.com\/?p=13247"},"modified":"2024-03-25T01:52:29","modified_gmt":"2024-03-25T05:52:29","slug":"teenagers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usrehab.org\/who-you-are\/teenagers\/","title":{"rendered":"Teenagers &#8211; Treatment Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"toc-wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"toc-heading\">\n        Contents\n        <span class=\"toc-toggle\">[ <a href=\"#\" title=\"Show\/Hide Contents\">show<\/a> ]<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n    <ul><li><a href=\"#toc_prevalence-and-causes-of-addiction-among-teenagers\">Prevalence and Causes of Addiction Among Teenagers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#toc_why-teenagers-abuse-substances\">Why Teenagers Abuse Substances<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#toc_experimentation\">Experimentation<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#toc_mental-health-issues\">Mental Health Issues<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#toc_family-history\">Family History<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#toc_coping-with-school-pressures\">Coping with School Pressures<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#toc_low-self-esteem-or-confidence\">Low Self-Esteem or Confidence<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#toc_signs-of-teenage-substance-abuse\">Signs of Teenage Substance Abuse<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#toc_substances-commonly-abused-by-teenagers\">Substances Commonly Abused by Teenagers<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#toc_alcohol\">Alcohol<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#toc_cannabis\">Cannabis<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#toc_prescription-drugs\">Prescription Drugs<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#toc_over-the-counter-medications\">Over-the-Counter Medications<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#toc_how-to-seek-help\">How to Seek Help<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#toc_resources\">Resources<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#toc_key-sources\">Key Sources<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#toc_medical-disclaimer\">Medical Disclaimer<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><p>Jose is 14 and has recently started hanging out with a new group of friends. In an effort to fit in, he has been engaging in risky behavior, such as staying out late to party and taking new kinds of substances. In addition to drinking alcohol, many of his new friends are experimenting with prescription stimulants like Adderall. While Jose had previously not done drugs before, he finds that Adderall helps mask his social anxiety and insecurities while giving him more focus at school. Before long, Jose is taking Adderall every day, not only to boost his confidence but also because he doesn\u2019t feel normal without it.<\/p>\n<p>This fictional story is an example of how many teens can end up abusing drugs. While the adolescent years are often filled with excitement and new experiences, experimentation coupled with mental health issues can lead to substance use. While this can be a normal part of growing up, teenage drug abuse has become a serious problem in the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>However, the good news is that <a href=\"#How-to-Seek-Help\">support and treatment<\/a> are available for teens who develop an addiction or are struggling with substance abuse.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"toc_prevalence-and-causes-of-addiction-among-teenagers\">Prevalence and Causes of Addiction Among Teenagers<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>According to the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), lifetime substance use among adolescents in 2018 was 26.3% for alcohol, 15.4% for cannabis, and 13.4% for tobacco. For those aged 18 and over, the rates were 79.7% for alcohol, 51.5% for cannabis, and 55.0% for tobacco.<\/li>\n<li>The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that people aged 12 to 20 years consume about one-tenth of all alcohol in the U.S.<\/li>\n<li>A study in <em>JAMA Pediatrics <\/em>indicates that teenagers aged 12 to 17 who use alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and\/or illegal drugs are more likely to develop lifelong substance abuse disorder than those who start at a later age.<\/li>\n<li>According to a study conducted at the University of Michigan, alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco are the most commonly abused substances among teenagers.<\/li>\n<li>The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that 21% of high school seniors have reported using cannabis in the past month.<\/li>\n<li>Despite evidence that shows that parental involvement is the strongest factor in preventing teen drug use, approximately 1 in 3 parents believe there is little they can do to prevent it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"toc_why-teenagers-abuse-substances\">Why Teenagers Abuse Substances<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are several reasons why teenagers abuse substances. While not all teens who use drugs and alcohol will become addicted, there are triggers and risk factors to consider.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"toc_experimentation\">Experimentation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Experimentation is one of the biggest factors in teenage drug use. Teenagers also make up nearly half of all people who are new to trying substances. While experimenting can be exciting during the adolescent years, it can also pose risks when it comes to substance use.<\/p>\n<p>In some cases, teens may be tempted to try drugs because they\u2019re curious or they may feel pressured by their friends. Experimentation is normal; however, it is important to do this as safely as possible. For example, substances like alcohol will <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alcohol.org\/effects\/inhibitions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lower a person\u2019s inhibitions<\/a>, which can lead to spontaneous (and reckless) experimentation of harder drugs. One of the best ways for teens to protect themselves is to become educated about safe dosages and the health effects of various drugs, or to even talk to their parents about drug safety.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"toc_mental-health-issues\">Mental Health Issues<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some teenagers also turn to substance abuse if they\u2019re struggling with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or eating disorders. Some adolescents may also turn to substances if they\u2019ve experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Substances become a way to mask uncomfortable feelings and it can be tempting to rely on them if you\u2019re not sure where to go for help.<\/p>\n<p>Whether it\u2019s obtaining drugs through friends or other means such as stealing prescriptions (or obtaining prescriptions themselves), teens who are suffering from mental health issues are at a greater risk of developing an addiction. Therefore, it\u2019s important to seek help right away if you feel you are struggling.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"toc_family-history\">Family History<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Family history is another key reason for teenage substance use. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), family history is also one of the biggest risk factors when it comes to addiction. Adolescents with alcohol or drug-addicted parents are at a much higher risk of developing a substance problem, either by having a genetic predisposition or through modeling the behavior of their parents.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"toc_coping-with-school-pressures\">Coping with School Pressures<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Another growing reason for teenage drug use is dealing with school pressures. Drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin are <a href=\"https:\/\/teens.drugabuse.gov\/drug-facts\/prescription-stimulant-medications-amphetamines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">prescription stimulants<\/a> that are increasingly being used to enhance academic performance.<\/p>\n<p>While these drugs are prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a growing number of teens and university students are using stimulants as \u201cstudy drugs\u201d because they increase focus, attention, and alertness. However, long term or chronic use of stimulants can not only lead to addiction, but these drugs also come with side effects that can be damaging long term. These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Anxiety<\/li>\n<li>Chest pain<\/li>\n<li>Lack of appetite<\/li>\n<li>Confusion<\/li>\n<li>Hallucinations<\/li>\n<li>Headaches<\/li>\n<li>Overdose<\/li>\n<li>Strained relationships<\/li>\n<li>Excessive talkativeness<\/li>\n<li>Weight loss<\/li>\n<li>Insomnia<\/li>\n<li>Mania<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"toc_low-self-esteem-or-confidence\">Low Self-Esteem or Confidence<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Alcohol or drugs can also be used as a social tool, especially if teens are struggling with social anxiety or low self-esteem. In social settings, drugs can be a way to lower inhibitions and create a temporary sense of confidence. Adolescents who are struggling with social anxiety and low self-esteem may also use substances to cope with these conditions. This can be a dangerous activity, especially if you are increasingly taking substances while you are alone.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"toc_signs-of-teenage-substance-abuse\">Signs of Teenage Substance Abuse<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Substance use and misuse among teenagers can come with an array of signs and symptoms. Below are some key ones to watch out for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicinenet.com\/enlarged_dilated_pupils_and_red_bloodshot_eyes\/multisymptoms.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bloodshot eyes<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Laughing for no reason<\/li>\n<li>Loss of interest in activities<\/li>\n<li>Poor hygiene<\/li>\n<li>Avoiding eye contact<\/li>\n<li>Frequent hunger or \u201cmunchies\u201d<\/li>\n<li>The smell of smoke on breath or clothes<\/li>\n<li>Secretive behavior<\/li>\n<li>Unusual tiredness<\/li>\n<li>Missing curfew<\/li>\n<li>Depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders<\/li>\n<li>Having friends or romantic partners who use substances<\/li>\n<li>Oversleeping<\/li>\n<li>Declining academic performance<\/li>\n<li>Missing money<\/li>\n<li>Lethargy<\/li>\n<li>Intense mood swings<\/li>\n<li>Suddenly associating with a different crowd<\/li>\n<li>Routinely finishing prescriptions prematurely<\/li>\n<li>Withdrawing from friends and family<\/li>\n<li>No longer participating in former activities<\/li>\n<li>Changes in physical appearance or behavior<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"toc_substances-commonly-abused-by-teenagers\">Substances Commonly Abused by Teenagers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Adolescents are known to abuse a variety of substances. Below are the most common:<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"toc_alcohol\">Alcohol<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Alcohol is the most abused substance by teenagers. This is unsurprising, given the widespread accessibility of alcohol and the social acceptance of drinking in most cultures. While the legal drinking age in most countries is between 18 and 21, many adolescents below this age are still able to access alcohol.<\/p>\n<p>One of the biggest concerns when it comes to teenagers is binge drinking. According to some studies, 20% of 12<sup>th<\/sup> graders have reported binge drinking in the last year. Research suggests that teenagers binge drink because they haven\u2019t yet developed impulse control and they also haven\u2019t learned what their limits are. Binge drinking, if done in excess, can lead to addiction and health issues.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"toc_cannabis\">Cannabis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>People who regularly abuse cannabis most often start during their adolescent years. In fact, more than 20% of teens report having used cannabis at least once in the past month. The perceptions of cannabis use among teens are also changing, as most high school seniors think that occasional use carries hardly any risk.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"toc_prescription-drugs\">Prescription Drugs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Teenagers are no stranger to the illicit and intoxicating effects of prescription drugs. Opioids such as OxyContin and benzodiazepines such as Xanax are often misused by teens because they are known to produce euphoric effects. Other prescription drugs that teenagers often gain access to include Adderall and Ritalin. While often used as study aids, these drugs are also commonly abused or taken for their stimulating effects.<\/p>\n<p>It is estimated that nearly 40% of adolescents who are abusing prescription drugs have obtained them via their parent\u2019s medicine cabinet. Other ways in which teens gain access is by taking drugs prescribed to their friends or obtaining a prescription themselves.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"toc_over-the-counter-medications\">Over-the-Counter Medications<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Adolescents are also known to abuse over-the-counter medications because they are legal and easily accessible. Substances such as cough syrups or cold and flu medications, for example, are sometimes abused by teens because they contain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/dextromethorphan.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">dextromethorphan<\/a> (DXM), a substance that produces psychoactive and intoxicating effects in high doses. This poses a further risk of overdoses.<\/p>\n<p>Other substances commonly abused by adolescents include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cocaine<\/li>\n<li>Ecstasy\/MDMA<\/li>\n<li>Methamphetamines<\/li>\n<li>Synthetic marijuana (e.g., \u201cSpice\u201d)<\/li>\n<li>Inhalants (e.g., glue, aerosols)<\/li>\n<li>Anabolic steroids<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"toc_how-to-seek-help\">How to Seek Help<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a id=\"How-to-Seek-Help\"><\/a><br \/>\nUnderstandably, many teenagers find it difficult to express emotions or to talk openly about their experiences. For those who are struggling with mental health issues and the stresses of adolescent life, it can be daunting and scary to seek help. While substances may provide some temporary relief, they can also lead to addiction and other health consequences, if left unchecked.<\/p>\n<p>If you or a teenager you know has tried to quit using substances, but is relapsing or finding it difficult to quit, it\u2019s important to find treatment as soon as possible.<\/p>\n<p>If you are misusing substances (or if you are a parent that suspects your teen is abusing drugs):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Find ways to talk openly.<\/strong> If you\u2019re an adolescent, find someone safe to confide in, whether it\u2019s your parents, siblings, friends, or a counselor or teacher. The important thing is to get it out in the open, as keeping it secret will only make the problem worse.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Learn about drug use and drug treatment options.<\/strong> Education can be an excellent first step if you\u2019re finding it difficult to control your substance use. There are many treatment programs, ranging from inpatient to outpatient, that are specifically designed for teens..<\/li>\n<li><strong>Get professional help.<\/strong> Aside from researching treatment options on your own, it\u2019s important to find a therapist, counselor, or doctor who can recommend the best course of action for your needs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"toc_resources\">Resources<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, you are not alone. Treatment and support are readily available. Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment.<\/p>\n<p>You can also find a list of treatment centers near you on our <a href=\"https:\/\/usrehab.org\/find-your-path-to-recovery\/\">website<\/a> to help get you on the path to recovery.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"toc_key-sources\">Key Sources<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Centers for Disease Control (CDC). (2020). <em>Teen Substance Use &amp; Risks.<\/em> CDC.gov. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/ncbddd\/fasd\/features\/teen-substance-use.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/ncbddd\/fasd\/features\/teen-substance-use.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Johnson, H. (2021). <em>Younger Teens Highly Susceptible to Lifetime Substance Abuse.<\/em> Psychiatryadvisor.com. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychiatryadvisor.com\/home\/topics\/addiction\/younger-teens-highly-susceptible-to-lifetime-substance-abuse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.psychiatryadvisor.com\/home\/topics\/addiction\/younger-teens-highly-susceptible-to-lifetime-substance-abuse<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Mayo Clinic. (2021). <em>Teen drug abuse: Help your teen avoid drugs.<\/em> Mayoclinic.org. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/tween-and-teen-health\/in-depth\/teen-drug-abuse\/art-20045921\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/tween-and-teen-health\/in-depth\/teen-drug-abuse\/art-20045921<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"toc_medical-disclaimer\">Medical Disclaimer<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>At RehabAid.com, we are dedicated to helping people recover from problematic substance use and associated mental health disorders. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, you are not alone. Information on treatment and support options is readily available through the National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-4357. To further assist you along the path to recovery, the treatment center locator on our website allows you to easily find rehabilitation programs and services in your local area.<\/p>\n<p>We provide our readers with factual, evidence-based content concerning the causes and nature of addiction, as well as available treatment options. However, this informative content is intended for educational purposes only. It is by no means a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. With regard to any addiction-related health concerns, you should always seek the guidance of a qualified, registered physician who is licensed to practice medicine in your particular jurisdiction. You should never avoid or delay seeking professional health care advice or services based on information obtained from our website. Our authors, editors, medical reviewers, website developers, and parent company do not assume any liability, obligation, or responsibility for any loss, damage, or adverse consequences alleged to have happened directly or indirectly as a result of the material presented on RehabAid.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jose is 14 and has recently started hanging out with a new group of&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":13248,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_wp_rev_ctl_limit":""},"categories":[92],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usrehab.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13247"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usrehab.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usrehab.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usrehab.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usrehab.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13247"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/usrehab.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13247\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16622,"href":"https:\/\/usrehab.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13247\/revisions\/16622"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usrehab.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usrehab.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13247"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usrehab.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13247"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usrehab.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13247"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}