Understanding Teen Substance Abuse: Factors at Play

Understanding the Path to Substance Abuse: What Influences Your Teen?

This article, the second installment in a three-part series on adolescent substance abuse, explores the factors that entice tweens and teens toward drugs and offers parental guidance on prevention.

By Karen Brodsky | Staff Writer

You welcomed a beautiful baby into your life, raising her with love and support as she blossomed into a remarkable toddler, child, and now teenager. So, what prompts her to experiment with alcohol or drugs? The answer might be more familiar than you think.

Often, it’s the behaviors observed from parents, peers, and other adults that influence teens’ choices. Pam Blankenship, the Executive Director of CARE (Chemical Awareness Resources & Education), a non-profit organization that supports families dealing with substance abuse, states, “Peer pressure ranks as the primary reason for teen drug use… unfortunately.” She elaborates, “Teens notice the actions of those around them, including drinking and substance use, leading them to believe that such behaviors are part of the typical teenage experience.”

Sadly, teens frequently misinterpret this perceived norm as harmless, overlooking the dangers associated with substance use. A growing misconception regarding the safety of marijuana contributes to a rise in its use among middle schoolers. Alarmingly, the average age for first-time alcohol consumption has dropped to twelve, according to the CARE Dallas website, marking a concerning trend since 1965. “The legalization and decriminalization of marijuana reinforce the misguided belief that it’s safe,” note Tammy Granger and her colleagues from Caron Treatment Centers, Dallas.

Furthermore, Carrie Stevens, a Substance Abuse Counselor at Plano West and founder of the Collin County Substance Abuse Coalition (CCSAC), agrees that peer pressure is a significant factor in substance use. “I often challenge teens by asking whether they consider themselves leaders or followers,” she states, pushing them to evaluate their responses to peer pressure. In response to claims of widespread participation in drug use, Stevens counters, “That’s a misconception; it truly depends on the circles you interact with.”

Traditionally, teens seek to fit in and appear “cool.” Blankenship highlights another crucial reason teens resort to drugs: using them as a means to cope. “Many teens turn to substances during times of crises or trauma at home, or to manage feelings of anxiety or depression.” She observes that an overwhelming number of kids are burdened with excessive schedules and expectations, leading them to seek solace in drugs, as they often lack healthy coping mechanisms for stress.

Stevens shares this sentiment, emphasizing, “It’s about escaping reality. Teens wish to numb their feelings in response to family or social issues, yet the underlying problems persist when the high fades, often resulting in a cycle of addiction.”

Some students who struggle academically may also be drawn to drug use, including high-achieving students facing intense stress. “Self-medication is common,” says Stevens, cautioning that the combination of mental health issues and substance abuse can lead to dire consequences.

Other influences pushing tweens and teens toward drugs include societal trends. “While children hear that drugs are harmful, they see celebrities engaging in such behaviors, prompting them to want to experiment,” Stevens notes. Conversely, she acknowledges that some teens choose to use drugs out of boredom, seeking stimulation.

Curiosity about the euphoric effects of drugs further entices some teens. “They commonly perceive drug use as pleasurable, and our culture has normalized this idea. The media promotes a mentality where there seems to be a solution, often through medications, for every ailment,” remarks Stevens, adding that some may resort to drugs to enhance focus or alter body image perceptions.

The digital age has also expanded access to information about drugs, making them more appealing. “With increased electronic exposure, the internet simplifies information access for kids,” suggest Granger and her team. Supporting this observation, consider the following statistics:

The internet is the second most utilized medium among teens, after television.
84% of adolescents use the internet weekly, averaging eight hours of online time.
93% of teens have online access from various locations, including home and school.
77% of teens have direct internet access at home.

So, what strategies can parents employ? Stevens emphasizes that communication is paramount. Parents should pose thoughtful questions, as teens often anticipate their responses. “Engaging in dialogue is critical, but intimidating tactics fall short. Set clear expectations and be consistent,” she advises. “Stay vigilant and monitor their social media, as kids often obscure certain apps on their devices.”

In addition to being aware of computer locations and online time, parents should familiarize themselves with commonly used abbreviations that suggest teens are conscious of 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 Resources

Betty Ford Center Children’s Program

(972) 751-0363

Offers intervention and preventive services for children aged 7-12 affected by a family member’s substance abuse.

C.A.R.E. (Chemical Awareness Resources & Education) (214) 526-8986

A confidential community-based resource providing support for individuals and families dealing with substance abuse concerns.

Collin County Substance Abuse Program

(972) 633-3370

Offers free drug assessments and evaluations for youth.

Hope’s Door