This brochure addresses concerns of children and family members of people living with substance use disorders. SAMHSA offers free, downloadable publications and tip sheets, as well as mobile apps for youth, teens, and young adults on topics such as substance misuse, common https://ecosoberhouse.com/ mental health conditions, and coping with disasters and other traumatic events. The Monitoring the Future survey is given annually to students in eighth, 10th, and 12th grades who self-report their substance use behaviors over various time periods, such as past 30 days, past 12 months, and lifetime. The survey also documents students’ perception of harm, disapproval of use, and perceived availability of drugs.

Support for Those Impacted by Substance Use in Others

This fact sheet helps college students cope with disasters and other traumatic events. It describes normal reactions to trauma and emphasizes the importance of talking about feelings. This guide shows how Frostburg State University reduced underage and high-risk drinking among the student population and discusses how these strategies were implemented. This fact sheet, written specifically for preteens and teens, compares the myths with the facts about alcohol use and its effects. Or teens may order substances online that promise to help in sports competition, or promote weight loss. Some teens may feel like nothing bad could happen to them, and may not be able to understand the consequences of their actions.

Family / Youth

• Future studies will be crucial to determine how initial brain structure differences may change as children age and with continued substance use or development of substance use disorder.
• Substance use can also make depressed teenagers more prone to impulsive suicidal behavior.
• In a post-hoc analysis, the researchers found that many of these brain differences still held even after removing those participants who reported substance initiation prior to collection of their baseline MRIs.
• Legally available drugs include alcohol, prescribed medications, inhalants (fumes from glues, aerosols, and solvents) and over-the-counter cough, cold, sleep, and diet medications.
• Marijuana use, however, was steady, and vaping was actually on the rise.

According to a recent survey, about two-thirds of 12th graders claimed they hadn’t used alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, or e-cigs in the last 30 days. As for 10th graders, 80 percent reported they hadn’t used those substances recently, while 90 percent of 8th graders reported never using them. Many differences appeared to exist prior to any substance use, pointing to the role brain structure may play in substance use risk, NIH-supported study suggests. If you, a friend, or your teenage child is struggling with addiction, help is available. Call to speak with a member of the American Addiction Centers compassionate admissions team, who can help you find the right treatment program and/or verify your insurance coverage.

A Guide to Addiction and Recovery for Teens

Almost half of kids with untreated mental health disorders will end up having a substance use disorder. “Self-medicating” with recreational drugs and alcohol works temporarily to alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression because they affect the same brain regions that the disorders do. That’s one reason substance use is a risk factor for suicide in kids with depression, Dr. Taskiran notes. When you fear that your child or your friend is misusing drugs or alcohol, panic may take over. The first step is to try to find out if the person is indeed misusing drugs and then seek help.

Common Drugs That Teens Use

If drugs and alcohol have negatively impacted your life, you are not alone. Substance use affects everyone differently, and it can cause more harm to some people than others. This is especially true if you live with a dually diagnosed mental health or physical health condition.

• Call to speak with a member of the American Addiction Centers compassionate admissions team, who can help you find the right treatment program and/or verify your insurance coverage.
• If a parent identifies possible signs of teen drug use, the next step is to consult with the teen’s primary care provider, school social worker, or a drug rehab facility.
• Protective factors, such as being active in faith-based organizations or athletic organizations and spending time around people who don’t use drugs, can also prevent drug misuse in teens.
• This fact sheet offers young adults information on living with anxiety disorder.

Youth High-Risk Drug Use

Among 10th graders, 80% said they hadn’t used any of those substances recently, another record. Among 8th graders, 90% didn’t use any of them, the same as was reported in the previous survey. All participating students took the survey via the web – either on tablets or on a computer – with 99% of respondents taking the survey in-person in school in 2024.

If your child resists conversations surrounding substance use, alcoholism treatment continue to lead with love and understanding. Remember, these conversations are inherently challenging, but approaching them with empathy can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. Visit our counseling services page or our addiction services page to learn more.

Health On the Net Foundation

Teens may use drugs due to peer pressure, curiosity, or to do better in school. Drug misuse can lead to unprotected sex, mental health problems, overdose, and damaged relationships. Many rehab programs are designed specifically for teens, including recovery high schools and wilderness therapy programs. Some families turn to interventions to help get their adolescents into treatment. SAMHSA’s vision for youth behavioral health is that all children, youth, and their families thrive in their homes and communities. When youth are struggling with emotional problems, they often use substances such as alcohol and other drugs to help manage feelings that cause distress drug abuse in teens or discomfort.

School and Community

• They may also use medicines prescribed to other people, such as opioids.
• Adolescent alcohol or drug use accelerates very quickly when an untreated mental health disorder is present.
• Substance use affects everyone differently, and it can cause more harm to some people than others.
• Since the pressures and changes that come with adolescence can be challenging, it is important to talk to your child about healthy coping mechanisms and substance use, as well as knowing what signs that may indicate they are using substances.

This fact sheet offers young adults information on living with depression, including causes and approaches to treatment. This webpage contains interactive activities to help parents, caregivers, and teachers introduce and reinforce key messages about peer pressure, resistance skills, and other important topics related to underage drinking. The results were gathered from a nationally representative sample, and the data were statistically weighted to provide national numbers.

Teens may be more likely to try substances for the first time when hanging out in a social setting. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. If you notice the behavior changes mentioned above on a more consistent basis, this could indicate regular use rather than a one-time instance. If you’re worried your teen is engaging in harmful substance use, consider starting with a caring conversation.