A Guide to the Signs of Drug Use in Teens<br /><br />The Adolescent Brain Substances Most Abused Abuse, Dependence, and Addiction Risk Factors Video: Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Signs of Drug Abuse Consequences or Drug Use Video: Generation X: The New Teen High What to Do if Your Teen is Abusing Drugs Talking to Your Teen Additional Prevention Tips When It's Time for Treatment<br />The good news is that according to the 2018 Monitoring the Future Survey, teenage drug abuse, aside from marijuana use, is at its lowest level in over two decades.<br />1<br />Among 12th graders, past-year use of illicit drugs other than marijuana has declined by 30 percent since 2013. According to the survey,<br />substances at historically low levels of use among teenagers include cigarettes, alcohol, heroin, prescription opioids, meth, sedatives and ketamine<br />. However, many teenagers are still abusing drugs, including 12.4 percent of high school seniors. Let's take a look at the signs of drug use in teens, including risk factors for teenage drug abuse, signs of teen addiction, and what parents can do if they believe their teen is abusing drugs.<br />The Adolescent Brain and Drug Use<br />Teenagers demonstrate plenty of mental ability with regard to rational decision making and understanding right versus wrong. However, the teenage brain does not have fully-developed brain-based control mechanisms. This leads to teens being more likely to respond to stressful or emotional decisions with impulsiveness without considering the consequences of their actions.<br />6<br />When compared to adults,<br />16 to 17 year old adolescents are more likely to be more:<br />Vulnerable to peer pressure Aggressive Impulsive<br />Reactive to stress Focused on short-term gratification rather than long-term consequences<br />Adolescence is a normal time for experimentation. More than half of young people will try an illicit drug as a teenager, and almost all will have tried alcohol, tobacco, or both at least once before they reach legal age. Cross-cultural surveys show that for Americans aged 15-20,<br />12.2% met the definition of an alcohol dependence disorder within 12 months of the survey<br />. This percentage is much higher in comparison to other age groups: the rate of alcohol dependence was at 4.1% for those in the age range of 30-34.<br />Vulnerability to Drug Use: Adolescents vs. Adults<br />Several neuro-developmental studies show that a teenager's developing prefrontal cortex may lead to more emotional and impulsive decision-making. Adolescents also show a lower sensitivity to intoxication than adults due to higher metabolic rates allowing them to consume higher amounts of alcohol. These factors, combined with adolescent hormones promoting social competitiveness, may promote drug use for teens looking for social approval from their peers.<br />Adolescent Drug Use and Memory<br />A study shows that adolescents with alcohol use disorder show<br />10% smaller volume in the hippocampus<br />(the main brain structure for memory) and displayed greater difficulty retrieving memories than adolescents without a history of alcohol use disorder.<br />Substances Most Abused by Teens<br />Any use of substances by teenagers is considered abuse because the brain continues to develop into the 20's, making substance use dangerous to brain development. According to the Monitoring the Future Study, the following are the most used substances by teenagers:<br />Alcohol<br />With more than half of high school seniors admitting to drinking in the past year, alcohol remains the most abused substance by teenagers.<br />Marijuana​<br />Approximately 36 percent of high school seniors admit to using marijuana in the past year and 22 percent of high school seniors admitting using in the past month. Marijuana is the only substance to see an increase in teen use.<br />Nicotine<br />Cigarette use is on a decline, however the use of vaping or other e-cigarette products is increasing. This may be due in part to a misconception that vaping is somehow safer than cigarettes, when there is no evidence of that.<br />Adderall<br />Around 4 percent of high school seniors admitted to using Adderall in the last year. Although there is no evidence to support the idea that Adderall with improve academic or athletic performance, teenagers sometimes still believe it will help.<br />Tranquilizers<br />This category of substances include Benzodiazepines like Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin and Valium as well as Barbiturates like Phenobarbital and butalbital. Sleep Medications like Ambien and Lunesta are also a tranquilizer. More than 6 percent of high school seniors admit to tranquilizer use in the last year.<br />Detox from this category of substances is particularly dangerous due to increased risk<br />of seizure.<br />Spice/K2<br />Also known as “synthetic marijuana” these dangerous substances are perceived by some as “safe” when in fact it can cause violence and aggression along with paranoia and anxiety. Around 3 percent of high school seniors have used spice in the last year.<br />Oxycontin​<br />Sometimes people think that prescriptions are somehow safer, because they are prescribed by a Doctor. The truth is, painkillers such as OxyContin are just as dangerous. Around 2 percent of high school seniors admit to using Oxycontin in the last year.<br />Inhalants<br />Around 4 percent of students admit to having ever abused inhalants, however around 1 percent admit to use in the last year and less than one percent admit to abuse in the last month.<br />Hallucinogens<br />Psychoactive substances include LAD, Peyote, Mescaline, Mushrooms and DMT. Around 6 percent of high schoolers admit to having ever used hallucinogens.<br />Cough Medicine<br />Approximately 3 percent of high school seniors admit to abusing cough medicine in the past year. Abusing this substance can result in brain damage and nausea.<br />Teen Drug Abuse, Dependence, and Addiction<br />Drug abuse, addiction, and dependence are not the same things, and understanding the differences can help you determine the level of help your teen needs if they are using drugs or alcohol.<br />Drug Abuse<br />Drug abuse is the act of using drugs or alcohol in a way that causes problems, such as relationship problems, troubles in school, behavioral problems, and mental or physical illnesses.<br />Any drug or alcohol use by teenagers is considered drug abuse because these substances interfere with normal brain development.<br />This impact on brain development can increase the risk of cognitive, behavioral or emotional problems later on.<br />Dependence<br />Dependence is<br />characterized by withdrawal symptoms<br />that set in when drugs or alcohol use suddenly stops. Dependence develops as the brain changes the function of neurotransmitters in an attempt to compensate for the chemical changes in the brain caused by heavy drug abuse. This produces tolerance, which means that increasingly larger doses are required to get the same effects. At some point, brain function may shift so that it operates more comfortably when the drug is present than when it's not. Then, when use stops, normal neurotransmitter function rebounds, causing physical symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the drug of abuse, and they can range from mild to severe.<br />Addiction<br />Addiction is characterized by compulsive drug or alcohol abuse despite the negative consequences it causes. When struggling with an addiction, you may find it challenging to quit even though you want to or try to. Addiction<br />affects the structures and functions of the brain<br />and causes changes in thought and behavior patterns. Addiction almost always has underlying causes, which commonly include chronic stress, a history of trauma or a mental illness like anxiety, depression or an<br />eating disorder<br />.<br />Substance Use Disorder Criteria<br />Drug abuse, addiction and dependence are now diagnosed under the umbrella of "substance use disorder", which will be<br />characterized as mild, moderate, or severe<br />, depending on how many of the following elen criteria are met:<br />Taking a substance in larger amounts or for a longer period of time than planned. Wanting to stop or cut down on using but finding you can't. Spending a lot of time procuring, using and recovering from using. Experiencing cravings for the substance. Neglecting duties at home, work, or school due to substance abuse. Continuing to use even though it's causing problems in your life. Losing interest in social or recreational activities due to substance abuse. Using drugs or alcohol even when it puts you in danger. Continuing to use drugs or alcohol even though it's causing a physical or mental health problem or making an existing problem worse. Needing increasingly larger doses of the substance to get the desired effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using cold-turkey.<br />Risk Factors for Teenage Drug Abuse<br />Some biological and environmental factors may increase your child's risk of abusing drugs or alcohol. These include:<br />Family History of Drug or Alcohol Abuse<br />Genetics account for about half of the risk for developing a drug or alcohol addiction.<br />Impulse Control Problems<br />Teens who have trouble controlling their impulses are likely to engage in risky behaviors, including abusing drugs or alcohol.<br />Trauma<br />Children who have experienced trauma, such as witnessing death or violence, being a victim of physical or sexual abuse, or surviving a natural disaster, are at a higher risk for substance abuse problems later on. A number of therapies can help reduce the impact of trauma.<br />Mental Illness<br />Anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders and other mental illnesses increase the risk for self-medicating, substance abuse and addiction. Getting treatment for these conditions can help reduce the risk.<br />Peer Pressure and Pop Culture<br />Teenagers frequently must deal with peer pressure and popular culture, which often glamorizes drug abuse. Teens who are stressed or unhappy may turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to feel better. Some teens abuse drugs out of boredom or rebellion, and some use in order to feel more confident or "cooler."<br />Myths About Teenage Drug Use<br />Unfortunately, teenagers are likely to be sorely misinformed about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. For example, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,<br />one-fourth of all teenagers believe that prescription drugs are safe<br />because they're prescribed by a doctor.<br />2<br />But as the opioid crisis has proven, this couldn't be any farther from the truth. Similarly, some teens believe marijuana is safe, but the<br />fact is that teenage marijuana abuse can knock as many as eight points off an IQ<br />, later on. Spending quality time with your child and educating your child early on about the realities of drugs and alcohol abuse are two of the most powerful deterrents for teenage drug abuse.<br />Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in Teenagers<br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISMLIAXENFc&t=93s<br />Signs of Teenage Drug Abuse<br />If you suspect your child is using drugs or alcohol, you've probably seen some signs that raise red flags. You can listen to your instincts, and should also follow them up with concrete, observable proof, which will help you confront your teenager about the abuse. Signs that your teen may be abusing drugs or alcohol include:<br />The presence of drug paraphernalia, such as a pipe, empty pill bottle, or a vaping pen Changes in appetite or sleep patterns Complaints of not feeling well Declining performance in school A loss of interest in activities your teen once enjoyed A change in your teen's friend group Physical signs like dialated pupils, stumbling, slurring, or bloodshot eyes The smell of liquor or marijuana on your child The development of behavioral problems Frequent mood swings Deceitful behavior Missing medications or alcohol<br />If you strongly suspect your child is using drugs, don't be afraid to conduct a search of their bedroom or phone for evidence. You may feel like you are invading their privacy, but it could also save their life.<br />Where Could My Teen Hide Drugs?​<br />If you are concerned your child may be hiding substances, there are some frequent locations and tricks used to conceal substance use.<br />Game Consoles<br />Unused consoles or controllers have empty space that are sometimes used to conceal substances. The batter compartment of unused controller is frequently used by teenagers as a secret spot.<br />Stash Cans<br />Stash cans can be designed into any regular looking item that you may see in your child's room. They can be anything from a shaving can, to WD- 40 to Jiffy. If you notice an unmoving Mountain dew can, it may be garbage, or it may be hiding substances.<br />Office Supplies<br />Writing utensils like pens, markers or highlighters all have some empty space that can be used to conceal drugs. Of course, items like books may also be hollowed out to contain objects or substances as well.<br />Beauty and Hygiene Items<br />Items such as lipsticks and lip glosses can be hollowed out or used to conceal substances. Feminine hygiene items have also been used to conceal substance.<br />Outside or En Route<br />Consider your child's regular routine. Do they drive to school? They may be concealing substance in the vehicle. Do they walk to school or other activities? They may choose to hide substances in places they frequently pass or know will remain undisturbed outside.<br />Consequences of Teenage Drug Use<br />When the developing body uses substances that change chemical functions, long-term effects can appear as a result of the abuse. One of the consequences include a decline in academic performance. When substance use has a negative impact on a teen's performance in school, it could also impact opportunities in the future such as acceptance into higher education. Substance use is linked to poor judgement in social interactions, including sexual activity and impaired driving. When substances are used as a social lubricant from an early age, it can be more challenging later on for a person to develop social connections without substances. A citation due to substance abuse such as an impaired driving or criminal charges could also have long-lasting effects. Drug use also increases the risk of developing a mental health disorder like depression or anxiety.<br />The Health Consequences<br />Depending on the drug of choice, severity of abuse, and existing physical health factors, a teenager is at risk of addiction, serious impairment, or death. Here is a list of commonly abused drugs and the associated health risks:<br />7<br />Opioids (including prescription painkillers) Respiratory issues or death from overdose. Marijuana Impaired memory, learning, problem solving, and concentration. Higher risk of psychosis later in life like paranoia, hallucinations, and schizophrenia.<br />Electronic Cigarettes (Vaping) Despite being smoke-free, those who vape are still exposed to harmful substances similar to those found in traditional cigarettes including the addictive substance Nicotine.<br />Methamphetamine Psychotic behavior.<br />Cocaine Heart attack, stroke, and seizures.<br />Inhalants Damage to heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.<br />Ecstasy Liver or heart failure.<br />Generation RX: The New Teen High<br />https://youtu.be/JLVhkyNgP0s<br />Transcript<br />for the SATs ecstasy suboxone a bunch of pills I 00:11 don't I don't know Benita her just take 00:13 them prescription medicines have become 00:16 the new drug of choice among teenagers 00:18 they're easily available potent and 00:21 highly addictive they're also quite 00:23 dangerous if misused in that there 00:25 really is a potential to overdose and 00:27 die when using these things hospital 00:29 emergency rooms are already seeing a 00:31 dangerous new trend way ahead nationally 00:34 of deaths from heroin our deaths from 00:37 overdoses of oxycodone oxycontin vicodin 00:41 hydrocodone and methadone addicted at 15 00:44 kalenna has been popping pills and 00:46 smoking pot since she was 12 now 18 00:49 she's been in and out of emergency rooms 00:51 for the past three years there are many 00:54 times I could have died and I didn't for 00:56 some reason more than one-third of 00:58 prescription drug abusers are between 01:00 the ages of 12 and 17 and studies show 01:03 the younger a person starts using drugs 01:06 the more likely they are to become 01:08 addicted are we stocked that I could 01:10 control it by the time they come and see 01:14 us people feel like their lives are very 01:16 much out of control teens today have 01:18 greater access to drugs than ever before 01:21 most of it coming from family and 01:23 friends 01:25 kids have access at home to what's in 01:28 the medicine cabinet of their parents or 01:31 their grandparents and often those will 01:33 include oral doctor prescribed narcotics 01:37 I think that the first thing that 01:39 parents should really do is to know what 01:42 they have in their medicine cabinet and 01:44 to keep careful tabs of it as they would 01:48 anything else that's dangerous to kids 01:50 in the house like firearms or alcohol 01:53 so-called study drugs given to those 01:56 with ADHD attention deficit and 01:58 hyperactivity disorder are increasingly 02:01 being abused by teenagers you know store 02:04 in like smaller pills like adderall and 02:06 Ritalin and getting them from people who 02:09 were prescribed them I found like I 02:12 could focus more in school because I 02:14 would stay up all the time and I could 02:15 do essays and I loved it there's no 02:19 proof these drugs improve grades and 02:21 taken without a prescription 02:22 doctors say these stimulants can lead to 02:24 exhaustion abnormal heart rhythms even 02:27 confusion and psychosis just because a 02:30 drug is legal it doesn't necessarily 02:33 mean that it's safe teams even parents 02:36 often suffer from the misguided belief 02:38 that these drugs are safer because 02:41 they're prescribed by a medical doctor 02:42 when it comes to abuse parents often 02:46 don't know the warning signs and kids 02:48 don't know the dangers a lot of kids in 02:51 school smoke pot I think it's okay to 02:53 pills think it's okay just like I did I 02:55 know exactly how they feel and exactly 02:57 what they're thinking that it's okay and 02:59 nothing's gonna happen but prescription 03:01 painkillers now top car crashes as the 03:03 leading cause of accidental death in the 03:06 US and in New Hampshire the number of 03:09 drug overdose deaths have doubled since 03:11 2002 people who are addicted to opioids 03:14 whether they're shooting it 03:17 intravenously or taking pills at some 03:20 point if they live long enough they're 03:22 going to accidentally overdose it's kind 03:24 of like playing with fire you're gonna 03:25 get burned too often parents say not my 03:28 child it would never happen but 03:31 prescription drug abuse is an 03:33 equal-opportunity epidemic it doesn't 03:35 really spare anybody 03:37 we need to get upset about it because 03:39 it's a real waste of of our younger 03:43 generation when they get killed or died 03:47 in a car wreck or died in an overdose or 03:49 hurt somebody else it's not a game you 03:52 know and if you play it like a game 03:54 you're going to lose<br />What to Do if Your Teen is Abusing Drugs<br />Educate Yourself​<br />The most important thing you can do if you suspect your child is abusing drugs is to learn everything you can about substance use disorders and the specific drug your teen is abusing. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is an invaluable, trustworthy resource for information about drug abuse and specific drugs.<br />3<br />Talk to Your Teen<br />Armed with information and keeping in mind the signs of drug abuse you've noticed in your child, have a talk with your teen. Stay calm. Explain that you suspect there has been drug use, and point out the evidence. Expect that your teen may deny using, or that they may become angry or defensive. Remain calm and express your love for your child. Before your conversation, decide on the consequences of the drug abuse and the rules moving forward. Choose consequences and rules that are realistic and enforceable.<br />Seek Help<br />If your child abuses drugs chronically or has developed an addiction to drugs or alcohol, professional help may be necessary. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction almost always requires professional help to overcome.<br />4<br />Treatment works for most people who engage with their program and stay in treatment for an adequate period of time. Treatment helps people develop skills and strategies needed to cope with powerful triggers like stress, negative emotions and cravings. It helps show purpose and meaning in a life without drugs or alcohol, and it helps teach how to have fun and enjoy life without using.<br />Convey Love and Hope<br />Hope is the foundation of recovery from a substance use disorder, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.<br />5<br />Hope is the belief that a better future is possible, and conveying this hope to your child is very important. Let your child know that you love them and want the best for them, and that you believe they can find happiness in a life without using drugs or alcohol.<br />Get Support<br />Joining a support group for parents whose teens have a substance use disorder can help you cope with your own difficult emotions, and it can help you find resources for helping your child recover from a substance use disorder. There are many ways to find a support group online or in person, including talking to a doctor, counselor, social worker or treatment center.<br />Talking to Your Teen About Drug Use<br />The earlier you start the conversation about drugs, and the more open the conversation with your teenage, the more likely your teenager will make healthy choices when presented with the opportunity to try drugs. Here are several tips for effective and open communication about drugs with a teenager:<br />7<br />Discuss the reasons why they shouldn't use drugs. This is not a time to use scare tactics. Rather, emphasize how drug use takes away from the things that are important to your teen, whether that's appearance, sports, driving, or school grades. Choose a time when everyone is calm and sober. It's not ideal to have a conversation about drugs when you or your teen is angry or under the influence of substances. These circumstances prevent effective communication. Discuss media messages. Try to understand what your teen sees and hears through social media, TV, movies, and songs that glamorize drug use. Prepare to talk about your own drug use It is normal for your teen to ask you about your own experience with drugs. If you chose not to use drugs, explain why you made that choice. If you did use drugs, be sure to share the lessons you learned from those experiences. Strategize ways to resist peer pressure Brainstorm together about ways they can turn down offers of drugs in social situations. This will prepare them to make healthy choices no their own. See it from your teen's perspective This is not a one-way conversation, so avoid lecturing your teenager. It is more effective to listen to your teen's opinions and questions about drugs. Show your teen that they can be open and honesty with you.<br />Additional Prevention Tips<br />While talking with your teenager about drug use can go a long way in preventing their own premature experimentation, there are many more ways you can help your child avoid drug use:<br />7<br />Lead by Example<br />Use prescription drugs only as directed. Don't use illicit drugs. If you drink, do so in moderation. Show your child what a healthy lifestyle looks like.<br />Be Aware of Your Child's Activities<br />Pay attention to where your teen spends their time. Encourage adult-supervised activities that they are interested in.<br />Know Your Teen's Friends<br />If your child's friends use drugs, your child might feel more pressure to use drugs too. Getting to know your teen's friends also opens the opportunity to foster trust and open communication between you and your teen.<br />Enforce Rules and Consequences<br />Clearly communicate your family rules and the consequences of not following those rules. Consistency is key.<br />Keep Track of Prescription Drugs<br />Stay aware of all medications in your home.<br />When It's Time for Addiction Treatment<br />By the time and addiction has developed, good intentions and willpower are rarely sufficient to overcome an addiction for good. This is because addiction rewires the brain's reward system. A properly functioning brain ‘rewards' a person with good-feeling dopamine when they do activities needed to thrive, such as eating, playing sports, or spending time with family and loved ones. When a teenager suffers from addiction, their brain has become so conditioned to getting a ‘reward' from using a drug that they have a hard time getting the same pleasure from the healthy things they used to enjoy.<br />8<br />Principles of Effective Treatment<br />The National Institute on Drug Abuse outlines an extensive list of guiding principles for effective treatment.<br />9<br />These principles include but are not limited to the following:<br />Addiction is a complex but reatable disease that affects brain function and behavior No single treatment is appropriate for everyone suffering from addiction Treatment needs to be readily available Effective treatment treats more than just a person's drug abuse It is critical to remain in treatment for an adequate period of time A person's treatment plan must be assessed continually and modified as appropriate Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective<br />What to Look for in a Treatment Program<br />If your teenager suffers from addiction, effective treatment will be vital to ending the drug abuse for the short-term while also preventing relapse for the long-term. Choosing the right treatment program for your child will give them the best chance at successful recovery.<br />High-Quality Treatment Program Checklist:<br />Emphasis on evidence-based therapies Individualized treatment plan for your teen Encouraged family involvement Staff that is fully licensed and trained Comfortable and safe facility environment Aftercare plan for ongoing success Adheres to the NIDA Principles of Effective Treatment (described above)<br />This article is brought to you by Whole Health.<br />Resources<br />https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/monitoring-future-survey-high-school-youth-trends https://www.samhsa.gov/homelessness-programs-resources/hpr-resources/teen-prescription-drug-misuse-abuse http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/preface http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-abuse-addiction https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery https://langley.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2017/11/Adolescent_Brain_Bochure.pdf https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teen-drug-abuse/art-20045921 https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-thirdedition/principles-effective-treatment