The month of October is declared National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and with this blog post I wanted to spread awareness of the violence that comes with youth substance use. I also wanted to make you aware of tactics parents can take to help their children with substance use problems.
What are the causes of youth substance use?
The teen brain is always maturing. In general, teens are more inclined to take risks and want rewards. There are many factors that lead to teen drug use, many of which are family related. Some of the family related factors are a family history of substance abuse, family interactions, and family tragedies. Other factors include: a mental health/behavioral condition such as depression or ADHD, impulsive or risk-taking behavior, a history with traumatic events, low self-esteem/feeling of rejection, and more. Finally, there are causes that are either a result of a teens surroundings or their personality such as: curiosity, stress, to rebel/change family rules, too high self-confidence, etc…
Teens are more likely to try substances for the first time in a social setting. Alcohol, nicotine, or tobacco may be some of the first substances teens use because they are easier to obtain and are legal for adults. Teens can feel peer pressure from their friends to use whatever drugs their friends are using, and teens’ self-confidence can often be lowered if they do not participate in these actions.
Basic Statistics…
In 2023 this is the number of teens in the U.S. that reported illicit drug use in the last year:
Eighth graders: 10.9%
10th graders: 19.2%
12 graders: 31.2%
Also,
By the time they reach 12th grade, 21.3% of teens have tried illicit drug use at least once
From 2016 to 2020, drug use among eighth graders increased 61%
What are the four stages of drug addiction?
Experimentation: A teen tries a substance or multiple substances once, some continue to use the substance and others stop.
Regular or “social” use: A teen begins to use a substance or multiple substances regularly. At this stage, they may limit their use to just when their with their friends or when they feel it is needed (ie before a test)
Risky use: A teen continues to use a substance even if it has caused problems. They crave the substance mentally and physically.
Dependence and Addiction: A teen is addicted to a substance, and most of their time is spent trying to get it and use it. At this point they may not be able to stop on their own.
What are the effects and consequences of youth substance use?
The body sends out dopamine when using a substance. This response tells the brain that it is worth using that substance again. As a result, a teen can start craving these substances and it can lead to addiction. There are many negative consequences of youth drug substance abuse such as:
Drug dependence: some teens that misuse drugs are at an increased risk of a substance use disorder
Poor judgment: poor judgment in social and personal interactions
Sexual activity: high-risk sexual activity, unsafe sex, and unplanned pregnancy
Mental Health Disorders: i.e. depression or anxiety
Impaired Driving
Changes in School Performance: worse grades, attendance, or experience in school
How can parents help prevent teenage drug use?
Parents can talk to their teen by giving them their full attention and showing their willingness to hear them and talk about their substance use problem if their child is comfortable with it. For parents it is important to: stay curious, actively listen, don’t interrupt, stay calm, give compliments, etc…
It is also important that parents protect teens from being able to access prescription medications. Strategies to protect teens from prescription medication abuse are storing prescription medications in a safe place, locking up controlled substances, and getting rid of old medications.
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