Teens display many types of behavior – ranging from mood swings to rebellion – that are challenging for the adults in their lives but that are considered normal adolescent behavior. However, experimenting with substance use is not one of the “normal” rites of passage in adolescence. Your teen might proclaim that “everyone vapes” or “everyone drinks” but in reality, this is not true. In its most recent survey of youth behaviors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 23% of high school students drank alcohol, 16% used marijuana, 18% vape, and only 13% use illicit drugs. Clearly, the majority of high school students do not use substances.

In the same survey, the top reasons that teens gave for substance use was seeking relief from stress, anxiety and depression. Mental health challenges among teens, which have been increasing over the last decade, seem to significantly influence substance abuse. Again, this indicates that substance use is not just a “rite of passage” but rather a flawed way of coping. If stress is a common reason for teens to turn to alcohol and drugs, it’s important we teach teens how to cope with stress in more positive ways. Teens must have an arsenal of socially appropriate ways to deal with strong emotions in their back pocket. Please read our previous blog for tips to teach teens positive stress management and coping skills: Stress is a Key Factor Driving Teen Substance Abuse.

Common Reasons for Substance Abuse

There are many reasons people abuse substances, and a variety of common teen experiences can become an excuse or reason for substance use. Understanding why some teens drink or use substances is a valuable step toward preventing your teen from experimenting. Here are a few reasons:

Fitting in. The desire to be accepted and belong is especially strong during the adolescent years. Some teens see substance use as an easy path to making friends, fitting in or being accepted with the “right” crowd.

Observing others. One of the biggest risk factors for substance abuse is observing others abusing alcohol or drugs. If you have a family member who uses, or your teen chooses a friend group that is experimenting, they are more likely to try it themselves.

Socializing. Many teens struggle with social anxiety or just don’t feel confident in social situations. Drugs and alcohol help teens to overcome insecurities and be more relaxed in social settings.

Coping. Whether it’s the pressure of everyday teen drama or the emotional toll of family problems, stress or trauma, some teens use substances to dull the very real pain in their lives. Stress is a very real reasons for teens to turn to drugs or alcohol. At risk are teens who suffer with mental health problems, who experience loneliness, who are in a big transition such as a move or death in the family, or who have experienced traumatic events, such as physical or sexual abuse or a car accident or natural disaster.

Tips for Parents

To reduce the risk of teen substance use, doctors recommend that parents:

• Eat meals as a family as frequently as possible.
• Remove distractions (such as smartphones) during meals and other family activities.
• Teach healthy coping skills so that they have positive ways to manage their emotions and stress. Ideas include taking a walk or run, dancing, deep breathing, journaling, yoga, drawing, playing with a pet, listening to music, biking, meditating, reading, or watching something funny.
• Role model proper prescription drug use, responsible drinking, and avoidance of smoking and other drug use.
• Take an interest in your teens’ interests.
• Have frequent, open, and honest conversations about your teens’ friends, hopes and plans, concerns and fears.
• Be aware of your teens’ whereabouts, who they spend time with, what they do during their free time, and their social media account activity.
• Be well informed and up-to-date about the types of addictive substances your teens might encounter.
• Have frequent, open, and honest conversations with your teens about substance use and addiction.
• Set clear and fair rules and stick to them.
• Seek help early for any signs of risk, mental health problems, or substance abuse from a trusted health professional.

Final Thoughts…

Even though teenagers begin to withdraw from their parents as they try to establish their own identities, parents still hold a huge amount of influence in their lives and decisions. And although it’s important for parents to allow their children more responsibility and independence as they grow older, the research shows that teens thrive when their parents are engaged, interested, and involved in their lives.