Common Teenage Addictions and How to Manage Them

The most commonly abused drugs among teenagers include:

• benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium)
• opioids (oxycodone, Vicodin)
• stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, cocaine)
• psychedelics (LSD, mushrooms)
• psychotropic drugs (MDMA, Ecstasy)
• opioids (heroin)

A common reason for drug abuse among US teenagers is to cope with stress and anxiety. Nearly half of teen drug abusers say that they use drugs to deal with their problems.

If you suspect that your child is addicted to drugs, look out for signs such as:

• Sudden changes in appearance or hygiene
• Withdrawing from friends and activities
• Loss of interest in school or hobbies
• Unexplained mood swings
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits

Depending on the severity of the addiction, you may also want to consider rehab, boarding school, or a treatment program.

Tobacco and Nicotine Products

Tobacco and nicotine products are some of the most addictive substances on the planet. Tobacco addiction is so powerful that nearly 70% of smokers say they want to quit but can’t.

While many adults smoke cigarettes, the percentage of teenage smokers has been declining in recent years. However, e-cigarettes have become increasingly popular among teenagers. Teenaged e-cigarette users have increased by nearly 50% in just two years.

E-cigarettes are just as addictive as regular cigarettes and can be even more difficult to quit because they come in many different flavors. If you think your teenager is addicted to nicotine, look for signs such as:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Coughing or wheezing
• Decreased physical activity
• Bad breath or stained teeth
• Increased irritability or moodiness

If you’re worried about your teenager’s addiction to nicotine, there are a few things you can do to help them quit, such as:

• Encouraging them to set a quit date
• Helping them to identify their triggers
• Making sure they have a support system in place
• Providing them with resources to help them quit

If they refuse to quit, you may want to consider nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or gum. You may also take further disciplinary action.

Marijuana

Marijuana (also called cannabis, weed, pot, and dope) is one of teenagers’ most commonly used substances. According to the CDC, 37% of US high school students reported lifetime use of marijuana.

On a personal level, it is a social drug. On-campus, your child may feel that “everyone else does it,” so they should too. At home, they may use it to cope with anxiety or stress.

While people generally regard marijuana as “safer” and legalization sweeps the nation, there are still risks.

Risks of teenage marijuana use include:

• It is still an illegal substance for anyone under 21
• It can damage cognitive development
• It impairs your child’s ability to drive
• It may cause laziness or lack of motivation

If your teen’s marijuana use has begun to interfere with their daily life, it may be time to intervene. You can set boundaries and expectations, restrict them from smoking, or apprehend them when you catch them. You may also want to consider therapy or a treatment program that can uncover the root cause of their use.

What to Do if Your Teen is Addicted

If you think your teenager may be addicted to drugs, nicotine, or marijuana, the first step is to talk to them about it. But unfortunately, many parents’ first reaction is to try to apprehend them or restrict their life completely. This kind of response is ineffective, but it can also worsen the situation.

Your teenager needs to know that you are here for them and want to help them through this difficult time. Be honest with your concerns and let them know that you are willing to do whatever it takes to help them recover. Many teens feel as though they are alone in their addiction, but this is not the case.

There are many resources available to help your teenager overcome their addiction, such as:

• Therapy or counseling
• Treatment programs
• Rehabilitation centers
• Support groups

If you’re unsure where to start, you can always call a helpline for advice.
If your teen continues to be defiant, you may need to consider more drastic measures, such as sending them away to boarding school or therapy. The most important thing is to get them the help they need before it’s too late.

The Bottom Line

Addiction is a serious issue, but your teen can overcome it with the right help and support. If you think your teenager may be struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

It’s important to remember that you are not alone in this, and many resources are available to you. With the right help and support, your teenager can overcome their addiction and go on to lead a healthy, productive, and happy life.