What are the Risk Factors for Substance Abuse in Adolescents?
Drug abuse among adolescents in the United States is on the rise. According to the National Institute on Drug Use, overdose deaths from illicit drugs doubled in 2020, followed by a 2021 rise of 20% compared with 10 years prior to the pandemic.
In fact, 9 out of 10 addictions start in teen years.
There are Several Factors that Can Increase the Risk of Drug Addiction in Teens and Adolescents:
Peer Pressure
Peers play an important role in the social and emotional development for teens and adolescents. Friendships and relationships with peers can be positive and supportive, but they can also be negative influences. They can encourage each other to engage in risky behaviors like drug and alcohol use. In today’s world, peer pressure can happen in person, or online via social media. Teens may be especially susceptible to peer pressure as they are navigating self-esteem, identity, hormonal changes, and a desire to ‘fit in.’ Adolescence is also a time when decision-making skills are still being developed and the ability to assess risk and consequences is not as refined.
Family History
Teens with a family history of substance abuse are at a higher risk of developing substance use disorders themselves. There may be a genetic predisposition to develop a substance use disorder, or children may be exposed to an unhealthy relationship with drugs and alcohol at an early age. Often, children and teens that grow up in a home where substance abuse is present may normalize alcohol and drug use, be exposed to higher levels of stress, or experience a higher risk of mental health challenges.
Mental Health Issues
Teens with mental health disorders are more likely to use drugs and alcohol in an effort to cope. They may self-medicate to alleviate some of the pain and difficulty surrounding their symptoms and emotional distress. A teen struggling with their mental health may also feel isolated and alone – not knowing who they can turn to for support or how to ask for help.
Mental health issues that can increase the risk of substance abuse are:
Anxiety
Depression
Mood Disorders
Child Abuse
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD0 from being sexually abused or other traumatic experiences
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Or even a dual diagnosis of more than one mental illness (co-occurring disorders)
Parenting Style
Parents can be instrumental in preventing drug and substance use with their teens and adolescents. The first step is to identify any red flags, and encourage open and honest communication. Teaching a child to be assertive and develop self confidence can also go a long way in keeping them away from drugs and alcohol. Children who do not have a comfortable relationship with their parents, or lack parental supervision are more likely to engage in substance abuse. Parental monitoring is crucial during adolescence and developing your child’s relationship with drugs and alcohol.
Poor Academic Performance
Adolescents who lack motivation or have low educational goals are more likely to use drugs and alcohol.
Availability of Drugs of Alcohol
If there are drugs or alcohol in the home that are not being properly supervised, there is a higher risk for adolescent substance abuse.
Attention Seeking Behavior
Children and teens who are attention seeking, tend to engage in risky behaviors, and have low impulse control are more likely to abuse substances.
It is important to note that not ALL children and teens who have these risk factors will become addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. However, these risks make it vital to educate adolescents on substance use and the dangers involved in abusing them.
Protective Factors for Adolescents
Protective factors for adolescents are essential elements that contribute to their mental and emotional well-being, helping them to navigate challenges more effectively. These include strong family connections, supportive peer relationships, positive school environments, involvement in community activities, resilience, self-esteem, and good problem-solving skills. These protective factors work together to provide adolescents with the resources they need to deal with stress and adversity, promoting healthy development and reducing the likelihood of mental health issues.
Personal Protective Factors
Resilience: The ability to recover from setbacks.
Self-esteem: A positive perception of oneself.
Problem-solving skills: The ability to navigate challenges effectively.
Familial Protective Factors
Strong Family Relationships: Support and understanding from family members.
Effective Communication: Open lines of dialogue with parents or guardians.
Social-Environmental Protective Factors
Supportive Peer Relationships: Friendships that provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.
Positive School Environment: A learning space that fosters inclusion, achievement recognition, and access to supportive resources.
Community Engagement: Participation in activities or organizations that promote a sense of purpose and connection.
These protective factors are interlinked, each reinforcing the other to foster an environment conducive to healthy psychological development. By nurturing these elements in adolescents, we can significantly enhance their ability to cope with life's challenges, promoting resilience and a positive outlook that will serve them throughout their lives.
Impact of Drug Use on Adolescents
While not a lot is known about the long-term impact of substance abuse in child and adolescent groups, it is known that prolonged exposure to illicit substances puts the user at a higher risk of mental health problems such as:
Mood disorders
Anxiety
Depression
Suicidal thoughts and attempts
Because the brain is still developing, these substances can also have a negative impact on cognitive abilities and academic performance. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms can do a number on your child’s brain, physical health, and can cause an increased risk of health problems, mood swings, and psychosis. While there are many mental and physical effects from prolonged substance abuse, the social effects can also take their toll. Teens and adolescents struggling with substance use may also feel isolated from their peers, struggle forming and maintaining relationships. and overall lack a sense of community and support.
Solutions for Adolescent Substance Abuse
It can be overwhelming to read all about the risks and effects of substance abuse. However, we want you to know that there is hope and there is support available to you. If you find yourself in a situation where drug and alcohol use are a problem with you or your child, there are treatment options available.
Inpatient Treatment Centers
Inpatient, or residential care programs, are where clients stay at the treatment center for an extended period of time without returning home for an intensive treatment program. These programs offer medical detox, residential care, individual therapy, group and family therapy, and encourage positive peer relationships within the program. The 24/7 care creates a structured, supportive environment to begin the recovery journey.
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs have a variety of levels, including Intensive Day Treatment or Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Outpatient Treatment, and After Care. These programs allow clients to return home in between treatment sessions and work around other commitments, like work or school. They also provide a structured treatment schedule that helps clients transition from inpatient programs back to daily life. Typically, clients would go to treatment for 3-5 hours per day, for a few months at a time, and include alternative programs like group or family therapy and educational programs.
Talk Therapy
For more severe or moderate substance abuse, we recommend Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment. However, if you or your child need help navigating the conversation around drug and alcohol use, creating boundaries and healthy habits – then traditional talk therapy may be a good place to start. Traditionally these sessions meet one-on-one once a week for about an hour. Alternatively, talk therapy can also be effective in helping manage recovery and is often part of aftercare following a more intensive residential or outpatient program.
How We Can Help
Our team of mental health care providers are ready to help you and your family take the next steps to recovery. Set up a consultation today with one of our team members to discuss a customized treatment plan, and get started on the path to recovery today!