Understanding Teen Substance Abuse: What Leads Your Teen Down This Path?
This article is the second installment in a trilogy addressing adolescent substance abuse, shedding light on the factors that entice young people to experiment with drugs and providing guidance for parents to intervene.
By Karen Brodsky | Staff Writer
You welcomed your child into the world with love and care, fostering their growth into a wonderful toddler, child, and adolescent. So what could possibly prompt her to experiment with alcohol or drugs? The answer might be more immediate than you realize.
In many instances, adolescents mimic the drinking behaviors of their parents, peers, and other adults. Pam Blankenship, Executive Director of CARE (Chemical Awareness Resources & Education), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families affected by substance abuse, notes, “Teens frequently cite peer pressure as their primary reason for experimentation….unfortunately.” She elaborates, “They observe adults and peers consuming alcohol, and they often conclude that this is a natural part of adolescence.”
Regrettably, young people often misjudge what is safe for their age group, putting themselves at considerable risk. Instances of misguided beliefs about the safety of marijuana use contribute to its rising acceptance among middle schoolers (indeed, tweens are not immune to such trends, with early alcohol consumption often leading to marijuana use. According to data from CARE Dallas, individuals typically start drinking at twelve years old, with this age steadily decreasing since 1965 [care-dallas.org]). “Students view marijuana legalization and decriminalization as indicators of its safety.” (Tammy Granger, Christine Storm, Cory Trevena, Tina George, and Cecily Crawl for Caron Treatment Centers, Dallas)
Carrie Stevens, a Substance Abuse Counselor at Plano West and founder of the Collin County Substance Abuse Coalition (CCSAC), confirms that peer influence plays a significant role in substance abuse. She challenges teens with the question, “Do you consider yourself a leader or a follower?” to encourage reflection on their susceptibility to peer pressure. In response to claims that “everyone is using, it’s common,” she asserts, “That’s simply not true. It’s really a select group of individuals that you associate with.”
Historically, the desire to seem “cool” and fit in with the group has motivated teens. However, Blankenship highlights another crucial aspect prompting substance abuse: “A substantial number of teens resort to drugs as a method of coping with trauma or crises in their lives or to alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression.” She explains that CARE has observed that many young people become overburdened from a young age, striving to meet unrealistic expectations, and subsequently use substances to escape. “Often, kids lack healthy strategies to manage stress, leading them to alcohol or marijuana as a crutch.”
Stevens echoes this sentiment. “It becomes about escaping from reality. When faced with personal struggles, kids attempt to numb their feelings, but the underlying issues remain unaddressed after the high fades, resulting in a cycle of addiction.”
Some adolescents who encounter academic difficulties might turn to drugs for relief. Interestingly, even high-achieving students grapple with their own pressures and may self-medicate. “Self-medicating is quite prevalent, as is the emergence of mental health problems,” notes Stevens. “Combining mental health challenges with substance abuse creates a particularly hazardous situation.”
Various other influences prompt tweens and teens to engage in substance use, including trends within pop culture. “Youngsters might hear messaging about the dangers of drugs, but then observe celebrities partaking in them.” Stevens adds that some teenagers seek drugs simply out of boredom, searching for engaging experiences.
Moreover, some may experiment with drugs to feel euphoric, believes Stevens. “They associate it with pleasurable sensations, and society has contributed to desensitizing them; current media portrays a pill as the solution for any issue.” Additionally, some teens misuse drugs to improve focus or achieve weight loss, often linked to negative body image issues.
The internet also plays a significant role in making drugs seem appealing. “In today’s digital age, the internet makes it much simpler for adolescents to access information about drugs.” (Tammy Granger, Christine Storm, Cory Trevena, Tina George, and Cecily Crawl for Caron Treatment Centers, Dallas) Noteworthy statistics include:
- After television, the internet is the second most frequently used medium by teenagers.
- 84% of teens engage online within a typical week, averaging eight hours weekly.
- A substantial 93% of teens have internet access at home, school, or elsewhere.
- 77% of teenagers, nearly four out of five, can connect to the internet from home.
So, what proactive steps can parents take? According to Stevens, open communication is crucial. It’s important for parents to ask teenagers questions, as they often seem one step ahead. “Engaging in meaningful conversations is essential; however, scare tactics are ineffective. Setting clear expectations and enforcing them is vital,” she advises. “Remain vigilant and monitor their social media usage, recognizing that kids can conceal certain apps from parents.”
Additionally, parents should manage the location of computers within the household and track time spent online and stay alert for certain acronyms teens might use in their presence:
POS: Parent Over Shoulder
PIR: Parent In Room
P911: Parent Alert
PAW: Parents Are Watching
PAL: Parents Are Listening
(care-dallas.org)
Local & National Support Resources
Betty Ford Center Children’s Program
(972) 751-0363
Offers intervention and prevention services for children aged 7-12 impacted by a family member’s alcohol or drug abuse.
C.A.R.E. (Chemical Awareness Resources & Education) (214) 526-8986
A confidential and community-oriented resource providing assistance to individuals and families facing substance abuse challenges.
Collin County Substance Abuse Program
(972) 633-3370
Offers complimentary drug assessments and evaluations for teenagers.
Hope’s Door
HOTLINE (972) 422-7233 | hopesdoorinc.org
A 30-day shelter for those affected by domestic or dating violence, offering support for women preparing to leave or who have left abusive relationships.
Serenity High School (Grades 9-12)
(469) 742-7830 | serenity.mckinneyisd.net
This institution operates under the McKinney Independent School District to support students in recovery from drug treatment.
The Turning Point
(formerly the Rape Crisis Center of Collin County)
(972) 985-0951 | theturningpoint.org
Provides support and counseling to survivors of sexual assault along with their family and friends.
Support Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous | aadallas.org
Facilitates support groups for individuals, both adults and teens, facing substance issues.
Al-Anon | dallasal-anon.org
Offers support for families and friends coping with the impact of a loved one’s alcohol abuse.
Alateen | al-anon.alateen.org
A support group designed for teens affected by a loved one’s substance use.
Narcotics Anonymous | na.org
Provides support for adults and teens dealing with drug-related problems.
Celebrate Recovery | celebraterecovery.com
A faith-based initiative equipped to help individuals overcome emotional and behavioral struggles.
Families Anonymous
A network for those affected by a family member’s harmful behaviors.
