In recent years, there’s been a growing concern about the availability of dangerous substances online, as digital drug markets become increasingly accessible and sophisticated. This is especially true for teens, as adolescence is a time of profound physical, psychological, and social change. During this period, experimentation with drugs and alcohol is common, and it can dramatically affect a teen’s well-being both now and into the future.
At Guardian Recovery, we understand that these issues can adversely impact not only teens but also their families, relationships, and academic endeavors. We provide teen addiction treatment focused on the personalized care and support they need to break free from substance misuse, improve their mental health, and empower them to achieve lasting sobriety.
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Modern Digital Drug Markets
Modern digital drug markets are a major shift in how illicit substances are bought and sold, creating new challenges for law enforcement and prevention efforts. In a 2020 study, researchers assessed the prevalence of social media drug acquisition among 15–25-year-olds from the U.S. and Spain.1 In the U.S., they found that approximately 10% of those who used drugs reported having used online sources to buy them. Overall, 69% of those who bought drugs online used social media sites, while the remainder did so only through the darknet. The most common sites used were Instagram (42%), Facebook (38%), and Craigslist (19%). About half of all the respondents used more than one of these ways to obtain drugs.1The Darknet
The darknet, also known as the dark web, is a part of the internet not indexed by normal search engines. It allows users to buy and sell illicit goods anonymously, including drugs. Online markets often use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for payment, making transactions harder to trace. Although law enforcement agencies are working continuously to shut down these platforms, new ones emerge regularly.Social Media & Apps Teens Use
Many social media platforms and apps have unwittingly become tools for buying and selling illegal substances. Drug dealers often use specific terms, hashtags, and emojis to advertise drugs while avoiding detection. Direct messages can be used to negotiate and arrange transitions, while encrypted message apps offer a secure way to communicate without fear of surveillance. Some of the most common platforms and apps that can be used for drug sales include:- Craigslist
- Snapchat
- TikTok
- Telegram
- Wickr
Online Pharmacies & “Legal Highs” Vendors
Many online pharmacies operate illegally, selling prescription medications without requiring an actual prescription. This means that teens and others may have access to dangerous and potentially lethal drugs, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants, without professional oversight. Teens may misuse these substances to cope with stress, self-medicate, or experiment, which can lead to dependence and health issues. Alarmingly, some online pharmacies sell counterfeit or contaminated drugs, placing users at an even greater risk of serious consequences. Some online vendors advertise substances that offer “legal highs.” These are typically unregulated, and are also sometimes marketed as “herbal incense” or “research chemicals.” They are designed to produce similar effects as illegal drugs but can be more potent, addictive, and dangerous, as they can cause heart complications, seizures, psychosis, and even death. Ordering drugs from online pharmacies and vendors can be appealing to teens due to ease of access and anonymity. They may also offer a false sense of security as teens may believe that these substances are safe because they are offered via prescription and may technically not be illegal.Complimentary Insurance Check
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Warning Signs of Online Purchasing
There are many signs to look for if you suspect your teen of making online drug purchases and using substances.Behavioral Changes
- Increased secrecy and increased online activity, especially late at night or at times when online activity can be more easily concealed.
- Receiving mysterious, discreet, or unmarked packages from unfamiliar companies or individuals.
- Unexplained/unusual expenses or monetary requests, credit card charges, bank withdrawals, or use of prepaid cards.
- General changes in mood/behavior that may imply drug use, such as sudden mood shifts, including depression or anxiety, increased irritability, changes in sleeping or eating patterns or social circle, academic difficulties, or withdrawal from loved ones.
Digital Evidence & Cues
- Suspicious browsing history, such as websites or drug-related online forums or online pharmacies in their browsing history.
- Encrypted messaging apps, such as Telegram or Wickr, which can be used for discrete communication related to drugs.
- Unusual search or probable drug-related search terms, slang, or code words—such as “How to buy ____ online” and “legal highs”—and related searches that seem suspicious.
Prevention Methods
Preventing your teen from buying drugs online involves vigilance, including providing them with education and taking safety measures surrounding online activity.Education
- Openly and honestly discuss the risks and dangers of drug misuse, including addiction, health consequences, and the dangers of online pharmacies and drug vendors. Let them know you are concerned and want to keep them safe. You may want to mention recent cases in the news about young people overdosing on drugs.2 Also, remind your teen about the legal implications of being caught in any kind of drug use or transaction.
- Teach media literacy by helping your teen critically analyze online content, identify misleading information, and understand how social media can be utilized to promote drug use.3
- Educate your teen about online vendors and the risks of purchasing drugs from online pharmacies without a prescription and using unregulated substances marketed as “legal highs” or “research chemicals.”
Digital Safety Measures
- Monitor your teen’s social media and online activity and be aware of the apps and websites they’re using.
- Supervise their technology use by setting limits on screen time and age-appropriate boundaries on types of content.
- Invest in a parental control and monitoring app that can be used to filter the content they can view and restrict access to inappropriate sites.
Taking Action
If your teen is buying drugs online, early intervention is key. Taking action immediately via due diligence, open communication, ongoing support, and a commitment to ensuring your teen’s well-being.Necessary Intervention Steps
Intervention includes many of the same strategies as prevention: talking to your teen openly, providing education about the risks of buying substances on the Internet, and monitoring online activity. In addition, it may be time to seek professional help from a doctor, therapist, or treatment center. At Guardian Recovery, our adolescent treatment program offers the following and more:- Safe, nurturing environment for ages 13-17
- Holistic approach to mental health and wellness
- Evidence-based strategies and proven, positive outcomes
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Substance use treatment including medical detox
- Adolescent-specific licensed staff
- Family-centered care to strengthen relationships
- Academic support and coordination
- Seamless continuum of care from assessment to aftercare
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Taking the first step in the recovery process can be incredibly challenging. Throughout our comprehensive programs, your teen and family will receive compassionate, expert guidance for lasting sobriety. Our holistic approach also supports adolescents beyond formal treatment, ensuring continued success on their path to lifelong wellness.
Are you ready to move toward a brighter future? Reach out to us today for a free consultation. Our simple admissions process ensures that getting professional help is as straightforward as possible. We’ll answer your questions about treatment, insurance, and payment options. We’re here to help your teen find the right path to recovery.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- Oksanen, A., Miller, B. L., Savolainen, I., Sirola, A., Demant, J., Kaakinen, M., & Zych, I. (2021). Social media and access to drugs online: A nationwide study in the United states and Spain among adolescents and young adults. The European Journal of Psychology Applied to Legal Context, 13(1), 29-36.
- CBS News. (2016). U.S. Police: 2 Utah 13-year-old boys died from dangerous new synthetic drug “pink”.
- Media Literacy Now. (2025). What is media literacy: the state of media & children.