Drug Use in Teens | Normal or Cause for Concern? | Latest Research

Drug Use in Teens | Normal or Cause for Concern? | Latest Research

Introduction to Teen Drug Use

Teens go through a lot of change, both physically and mentally, as they begin their transition to early adulthood. As they begin to socialize less with family and more with peers, they are faced with many important decisions, including whether or not to use drugs and alcohol. And while the percentage of teens using drugs decreased significantly from 2020 to 2021, teen drug use is still very common. And, as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic recede, it is likely that adolescent experimentation with drugs will continue to climb. While using alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine may seem like “normal” parts of the teen experience, new research shows that there are more long-term risks than previously believed.

Most Commonly Used Drugs by Teens

The Monitoring the Future Survey showed the following were the most commonly used drugs by teens in 2021. The following percentages represent how many of the individuals surveyed reported using the drug in the past year.

1. Alcohol
   • 58.2 % of 12th graders
   • 41.9% of 10th graders
   • 21.0% of 8th graders
2. Marijuana
   • 30.5% of 12th graders
   • 17.3% of 10th graders
   • 7.1% of 8th graders
3. Nicotine
   • 26.6% of 12th graders
   • 19.5% of 10th graders
   • 12.1% of 8th graders
4. Illicit drugs other than marijuana
   • 7.2% of 12th graders
   • 5.1% of 10th graders
   • 4.6% of 8th graders

Risks of Teen Drug Use

Teens Who Misuse Drugs Don’t “Outgrow It”

Until recently, it was widely accepted that most teens who use drugs would eventually outgrow their substance abuse issues. However, new research indicates that teens who use drugs may not just be “going through a phase” and it may not just be harmless experimentation. Rather, symptoms of substance use disorders in adolescence are likely to continue into adulthood.

The University of Michigan study, published in the April edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that more than 60% of teens who report heavy use of alcohol, marijuana, and/or other drugs continue to have a drug problem as adults, often involving misuse of prescription medications. And, it’s not just the heavy users whose adolescent behavior influences their adult life. More than half of the teens who reported mild substance use disorder symptoms experienced mold to severe drug abuse concerns in adulthood.

Sean Esteban McCabe, lead author of the study and director of the Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health, states, “There has been some work suggesting most people age out of substance-related problems, but these studies have not adequately accounted for the severity of the substance-related problems.”

Related Reading: Teen Alcohol Abuse: How Worried Should Parents Be?

The Effects of Drugs on the Developing Brain

Atypical development of the brain and the onset of mental health issues could result from the use of a drug by teens. Mental health problems may include depression and anxiety, developmental delays, mental disorders, and suicide ideas. Studies have shown that smoking marijuana could be harmful to the short-term memory of a teenager’s ability to learn, as well as psychomotor abilities.

The Effects of Drug Use on The Body

Teens who abuse drugs significantly increase the risk of dying from accidents, illness suicide, or homicide. Teens who abuse drugs can result in risky behavior such as driving while under the influence or engaging in dangerous sexual activities.

The Impact on Social Life

Teen drug abuse can be detrimental to social acceptance as well as interaction with friends. It is not uncommon for substance abusers youngsters to quit activities, clubs, and sports events at schools. The lack of engagement could cause social disengagement and being viewed as a victim by friends.

Impacts on Academics

Low grades, low attendance, and a higher risk of dropping out prior to the time of graduation are all correlated with teenage substance abuse. The physical and mental negative effects of a teenage addiction to drugs could hinder academic success.

What Causes Teens to Use Drugs?

Based on the National Institute on Drug Abuse These are the five reasons that adolescents and teenagers are at risk of using alcohol and drugs:

• To be accepted (peer pressure or social acceptance)

• To feel happy (activate reward pathways within the brain)

• To Feel better (stress mental health, physical pain)

• To be better (enhance academic or athletic performance)

• To experiment (thrill-seeking, new experiences)

Depression

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a well-known mental health condition that affects teenagers and young adults. The link between teens’ use of drugs and depression may create an endless cycle with serious implications for school performance and social interaction and the rest of a teen’s life. Teen substance abuse typically occurs in conjunction with mental health conditions like anxiety, mood behavior, as well as learning disorders.

Teens seeking treatment for substance abuse should be provided with a complete evaluation of their health (including their mental state). Research has proven that both mental health issues need to be addressed in conjunction in order for the treatment process to be successful. ⁴

Accessibility

A teenager’s environment is a major factor in their likelihood of committing addiction. Teens with easy access to alcohol and drugs are at a higher risk of becoming addicted. Access to alcohol and drugs poses the greatest threat to teens’ substance abuse. Educating for parents and teenagers is essential. Communication between teens and parents as well as safe medication storage and disposal can help save the lives of children.

Abuse of Prescription Drugs

Studies have revealed that one in four teens believe that prescription medications are suitable for study aids. Three out of three parents believe that ADHD medication can help improve the academic performance of their child even if their child is not diagnosed with any diagnose of ADHD. It’s not recommended for teens to use medications if they don’t have the prescription.

Help for Substance Abuse

All In Solutions Counseling Center is a trusted leader in addiction treatment with rehabs in Florida and New Jersey. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse or mental health, feel free to reach out to our friendly admissions staff to ask questions, get support, or learn more about getting treatment.

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Teen Alcohol Abuse: How Worried Should Parents Be?

Teen Alcohol Abuse: How Worried Should Parents Be?

Parents of teens know how challenging it is to protect their children from danger while allowing them to maintain a healthy sense of autonomy. This balance between allowing them to make (and hopefully learn from) their own mistakes and guiding them toward a successful future often leaves parents questioning their decisions. One of the most common of these questions: how worried should I be about my teen drinking? Fortunately, there is some new research that explores the relationship between teen alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorders later in life. 

Underage Drinking Statistics  

To accurately assess how troublesome a teenager’s alcohol use is, it is important to put the potential problem in context. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 40% of those between 12 and 20 years of age report drinking at least once, and almost 20% reported drinking within the past month.

And, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, when young people drink they tend to binge drink. In fact, 90% of all drinks consumed by people between the ages of 12 and 20 are consumed through binge drinking (drinking large amounts of alcohol in a single sitting). 

While there are certainly many dangers associated with underage drinking, including alcohol poisoning, motor vehicle accidents, assaults (and sexual assaults), an impact on brain development, and more, the statistics do show that alcohol use among teens is not uncommon. High school students and young adults drink for a number of reasons, some of which may involve peer pressure. But as it relates to problems with addiction and alcoholism, how do parents know if they should be worried?

CMU Study: Drinking Alone Foreshadows AUD in Adolescents and Young Adults

According to a Carnegie Mellon study that investigated the correlation between drinking patterns in adolescence and young adulthood and alcohol use disorder (alcoholism) later in life, drinking alone is a strong indicator of future problems. Kasey Cresswell, lead author of the study says, “Most young people who drink do it with others in social settings, but a substantial minority of young people are drinking alone. Solitary drinking is a unique and robust risk factor for future alcohol use disorder. Even after we account for well-known risk factors, like binge drinking, frequency of alcohol use, socioeconomic status and gender, we see a strong signal that drinking alone as a young person predicts drinking problems in adulthood.” 

So, just how bad is drinking alone? The study found that those who reported drinking alone at age 18 were 35% more likely to show symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD) at age 35 compared to social-only drinkers. The effect was even stronger in young adults. Those who reported drinking alone between ages 23-24 were 60% more likely to have a problem with alcohol at age 35 than their counterparts who drank only in social settings.

The study also found that adolescent females who drank alone appeared to be at particular risk for developing future alcohol problems in adulthood.

Florida Alcohol Treatment Experts Respond

When asked about the results of the study, Albert Zingariello, LCSW, and clinical director at All In Solutions Counseling Center stated, “These results support what we have seen for years in treating adults with addictions. It is often the behavior that surrounds the use of drugs and alcohol that is the greatest indication of a potential problem. When young people are using drugs or alcohol in isolation, it should be a big warning sign that the role intoxicants play in their lives is unhealthy and unlikely to resolve without intervention.” 

There are of course many other factors that contribute to problems with alcohol in adulthood, including the age at which a person starts drinking and the presence of family members with drinking problems. Studies have shown that those who start drinking at an especially young age are more prone to addiction. And of course, genetics and family environment play a role.

But, for parents concerned about their teens drinking alcohol, the important thing to know is that if they are drinking alone, it may be time to step in. Other studies by Cresswell show that drinking in isolation is a sign that an individual is using alcohol as a way to cope with negative emotions. This kind of behavior, abusing alcohol as a coping mechanism, has consistently been linked to the development of alcoholism.

If you have questions about teen alcohol abuse or would like to seek help for yourself or a loved one don’t hesitate to reach out to All In Solutions Counseling Center. Experienced treatment center staff are available 24/7 to assist you and your family.

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