💊 Substance Use Disorders in Teens (SUD)


Overview:

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) happens when a young person uses alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, prescription medications, or other substances in a way that causes physical, emotional, or social harm.

For teens, SUD is especially dangerous because their brains are still developing, making them more vulnerable to addiction and long-term effects on memory, mood, and decision-making.


Substance use often begins as experimentation but can quickly become a coping mechanism for stress, trauma, anxiety, or depression. Recognizing the signs early can make recovery much more successful 🌱


⸻


How Common Is It? 📊

• The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 7.9% of U.S. teens ages 12–17 had a substance use disorder in the past year.

• Marijuana remains the most commonly used drug among teens, followed by alcohol and vaping products (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2023).

• Early substance use (before age 15) increases the likelihood of developing addiction 4 to 6 times higher than those who start later (NIDA, 2022).


⸻


Common Warning Signs 🚨

• Drop in grades, missing school, or loss of motivation

• Red eyes, dilated pupils, or unexplained fatigue

• New friend groups or isolating from family

• Secretive behavior, locking doors, or lying about whereabouts

• Finding vape pens, pill bottles, or alcohol hidden in their room

• Sudden money issues or stolen items

• Drastic mood changes — irritability, depression, or aggression


⸻


Why Teens Use Substances 💭

• Curiosity or wanting to “fit in”

• Coping with anxiety, depression, or trauma

• Family stress, neglect, or exposure to substance use at home

• Pressure from social media or influencers normalizing drug use


⸻


Health & Brain Impact 🧠

• Interferes with frontal lobe development, responsible for judgment and impulse control

• Increases risk of depression, anxiety, and psychosis (especially with marijuana in high doses)

• Can lead to dangerous overdoses, particularly with counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, which has become a major teen health threat


⸻


How Families Can Help 🌷

• Keep calm and caring — avoid yelling or shaming; instead, use “I care about you” language

• Set clear and consistent expectations about substance use

• Lock away medications and alcohol at home

• Ask open-ended questions: “What’s been stressing you lately?”

• Encourage positive outlets: sports, music, volunteering, or art

• Seek professional help: therapists trained in adolescent addiction, or contact local programs via SAMHSA’s national helpline (1-800-662-4357)


💬 Real-World Tip:

Early, compassionate conversations about mental health can prevent future addiction — prevention starts with trust, not punishment.


⸻


References:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2023). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2023 NSDUH. Retrieved from www.samhsa.gov

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2022). Adolescent Substance Use and Brain Development. Retrieved from www.drugabuse.gov

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS): Substance Use Among High School Students.