Addiction
What is Youth Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse and addiction are common afflictions in many teens and adults alike. Substance abuse occurs when someone is unable to control their use of legal or illegal substances. A lack of control in using substances often starts when someone experiments with drugs or other substances in social situations, and addiction begins when the substance use becomes more frequent and/or starts negatively affecting the person’s life.
Substance use is common among teens, especially with alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and prescription drugs.
Recognize the Signs of Drug Abuse
Signs of substance use in teens can be difficult to pinpoint since many behaviors associated with substance use are also common with other mental illnesses. It’s also possible that a teenager may have a mental health condition and be using substances simultaneously. The following are common indicators of substance use or abuse in teens:
- Failure to complete tasks at work or school
- Discontinued participation in social activities or sports
- Noticeable changes in relationships with family members or friends
- Frequent breaking of curfew
- Avoidance of eye contact
- Appears clumsy or unbalanced
- Deceitful or secretive behavior
- Especially hyperactive or elated
- Suddenly sullen, withdrawn, or depressed
- Messy appearance
- Flushed cheeks
- Smell of smoke or alcohol
- Frequent illness
- Poor money management
Get Help
If you are struggling with substance use or suspect a friend or your child may be, there are ways you can get help. Addiction is a very real illness, but it can be treated, and many people who used to abuse substances live fulfilled, happy lives after treatment. If you are unsure where to start to find help and resources, contact your local Area Education Agency for assistance.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a free national hotline you can call confidentially to ask questions and get referred to treatment providers. You can call them at 1-800-662-4357 (HELP).
The Partnership to End Addiction has many free online resources to help prevent and identify substance use problems, as well as information about recovery options for those who choose to enter treatment. They can be reached confidentially via text, phone call, or email to help you find the answers you need.
Support for Students and Parents
The following are resources that students and parents can use to learn more about substance use and how to help support loved ones who are struggling.
- Visit https://drugfree.org/get-support-now/ and sign up to receive free health and support resources for families impacted by addiction
- If you have a parent that you suspect struggles with addiction, read the “It’s Not Your Fault” PDF by the National Association for Children of Alcoholics
- Read the brochure about alcohol and drug addiction in families by SAMHSA. It contains information about how substance use affects the family as a whole and provides steps to help families heal together as their loved one with addiction receives treatment
Resources for Educators
Learn more about how substance use manifests in students of different ages and educate yourself on ways you can help support your students and provide them with helpful information to prevent substance abuse.
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website has a resource library of videos about mental health and a collection of information for young students and teens struggling with mental illness.
