What to Do if Your Teen Is Using Drugs, Alcohol, or Tobacco

As a parent, finding out your child has experimented with substances can be a bit shocking. What should you do?

Read on for an overview of why teens may seek out substances—and how adults can help them.

Risk Factors for Teen Substance Use

In addition to the activities of their peers, several factors may make a teen more likely to seek out drugs, alcohol, or tobacco:

• psychological stress, such as school issues or bullying;
• low self-esteem;
• underlying mental health conditions;
• social factors, such as peer pressure or feeling they don’t fit in;
• environmental factors, such as the prevalence of substances in the community;
• a family history of substance use disorder;
• and personal knowledge and beliefs around substance use and its consequences.

Assess the Situation.

Resist the urge to fly off the handle and impose a harsh punishment. Seek first to understand your child and their situation. It may be helpful to get answers to the following questions:

• What substances has your teen used?
• How frequently has this happened? Would you consider their use a one-time event, regular use, or an addiction?
• How is your child feeling? What other factors may be influencing their decisions? The list of risk factors above can help you determine if there is an underlying issue to address.

Call Your Child’s Doctor.

Don’t wait—contact your teen’s doctor immediately any time you suspect or confirm substance use in your child.

Your child’s doctor may wish to screen your child for mental health conditions that could make substance use more appealing. Sometimes, treating the underlying issue early can help curb the need to self-medicate.

Additionally, your teen may not be forthcoming with information about their substance use; they may fear getting in trouble. It’s important for their doctor to get the full story on the child’s mental and physical health.

Monitor the Child and Continue Talking Regularly.

As the adult in the situation, familiarize yourself with the warning signs of possible substance use. DrugFree.org provides this extensive list.

Once you know what to look for, keep an eye on your child. Err on the side of caution; if you suspect your child is using substances regularly, continue talking with them directly about their choices and seek out help if the use persists.

Seek Out Help for Substance Use.

After you’ve alerted your child’s pediatrician, consider others who might help you and your family.

• Other family members and close family friends can provide support.
• Your child’s school may have resources, such as school counselors.
• Other healthcare providers, such as mental health counselors, may help your family work through substance use challenges.
• Rehab, medication, or other support services may be necessary, depending on the substance used and how far the behavior has progressed.

If you don’t know where to start, call LEAF at (607) 432-0090—our staff is prepared to listen and connect you with local resources. We are committed to supporting healthy families in our community.

Sources:

Get Smart About Drugs. 2023. “Why Do Teens Use Drugs?” March 31, 2023. https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/family/why-do-teens-use-drugs.

Partnership to End Addiction. 2023. “Signs of Drug Use in Teens.” October 2023. https://drugfree.org/article/signs-of-drug-use-in-teens/.

The Recovery Village. 2023. “What to Do if Your Child Is Using Drugs.” Edited by Camille Renzoni. The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab. June 20, 2023. https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/teen-addiction/drug/teen-using-drugs/.