Substance use among teenagers is more common than many parents realize. In fact, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 5.3 million individuals aged 12 to 17 (20.6% of this age group) reported having used illicit drugs in their lifetimes.1
With adolescence being a time of exploration and peer influence, many teens are exposed to substances as they navigate their social environments. Unfortunately, this period of experimentation can sometimes lead to substance misuse and, in some cases, addiction.
Teens might turn to substances for various reasons—curiosity, peer pressure, or as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. Recognizing and addressing these issues early can significantly impact a teenager’s life.
If you suspect that your teen might be experimenting with substances, it’s essential to know which ones are most commonly used by adolescents. Here are a host of insights about substance misuse and teens.
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Teen Substance Use Statistics & Trends
According to the 2023 Monitoring the Future survey, adolescent substance use continues to be below pre-pandemic levels. However, the survey indicates that 10.9% of eighth graders, 19.8% of 10th graders, and 31.2% of 12th graders reported using illicit drugs in the past year.2 This stability is a result of the sharp decline in substance use observed after the COVID-19 pandemic began, and the usage rates for most substances have remained relatively low since then. Alcohol, nicotine vaping, and cannabis remain the most frequently used substances among teens, though their usage rates have generally stayed stable or even decreased slightly from 2022. Interestingly, the percentage of 12th graders abstaining from marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine has increased, reflecting a shift toward healthier choices.
However, there is growing concern about the rising risk of overdose deaths among teens, primarily due to the influx of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills. These trends underscore the ongoing need for comprehensive education and prevention strategies to protect young people from the dangers of substance use.
Alcohol: The Most Commonly Abused Substance Among Teens
Alcohol remains the most widely misused substance among teenagers, posing significant risks to their health and development. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), alcohol is the most frequently used drug among individuals over the age of 12 in the United States, more so than any other drug or tobacco product.3
This widespread use extends to teens, who often view alcohol consumption as a social norm despite its legal restrictions and the health dangers associated with underage drinking. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most prevalent type of substance use disorder in the U.S., highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions and prevention strategies.
Early alcohol use is associated with a higher likelihood of developing AUD later in life, as well as other adverse outcomes like impaired cognitive function, increased risk of accidents, and exposure to other risky behaviors. It is crucial to educate teens and their families about the risks of alcohol use to help prevent its misuse and reduce its impact on adolescent health and well-being.
Marijuana Usage Among Teens
Marijuana use among teens is a growing concern, particularly given the potential risks to their developing brains and overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2022, nearly one-third of 12th graders in the U.S. reported using marijuana in the past year, with 6.3% using it daily. While the rate of cannabis vaping among teens stabilized in 2022 after significant increases in previous years, the numbers are still substantial, with 6% of eighth graders, 15% of 10th graders, and 21% of 12th graders reporting past-year use.4 This level of usage is alarming, especially since the teen brain continues to develop until around age 25, and marijuana use during this critical period can have adverse effects on cognitive functions such as thinking, memory, and learning.
Additionally, teens who use marijuana are more likely to face academic and social challenges, including a higher risk of not completing high school or achieving a college degree. The impact extends beyond academic performance; marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of mental health issues, such as depression, social anxiety, and even psychosis. Additionally, frequent use can lead to cannabis use disorder, a form of addiction where individuals struggle to control their use despite harmful consequences.
Nicotine and Vaping: The Rise of E-Cigarettes in Teen Culture
A new survey has revealed a sharp increase in vaping among American teens, with 37% of 12th graders reporting they had vaped in 2018, up from 28% the previous year.5 This rise in vaping, which involves using a battery-powered e-cigarette to heat a liquid into an inhalable vapor, is leading more teens to start using nicotine, reversing years of declining nicotine use among adolescents.
E-cigarettes often contain nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals and can also be used with marijuana or hash oil, making them particularly attractive to teens. However, vaping poses serious health risks, including addiction, harm to brain development, and exposure to toxins and carcinogens. Health experts stress the importance of educating teens about these risks to prevent vaping from becoming a gateway to nicotine addiction and other substance use.
Misuse of Painkillers & Prescription Medications
Adolescence is a critical period for the initiation of substance use, including the misuse of prescription painkillers. Data from the CDC’s 2009-2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed that while rates of lifetime use for substances like marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, cocaine, and heroin have decreased, prescription opioid misuse remains a significant concern. In 2019, 7.2% of high school students reported current misuse of prescription opioids, with notable co-occurrence of other substance use. Plus, 59.4% of these students also used alcohol, and 43.5% used marijuana.6
Misuse of prescription opioids is linked with higher risks of subsequent heroin use and other illicit drug use. Prevention efforts must focus on addressing these high-risk behaviors and consider demographic variations, including higher misuse rates among Hispanic and Black students and heightened risks among sexual minority youth. Expanding evidence-based prevention programs and policies is crucial to mitigating these risks and tackling the broader opioid crisis.
Other Illicit Drugs: Cocaine, Heroin, and Club Drugs
Substance use among teens remains a serious public health issue, with the CDC reporting that 15% of high school students have tried illicit or injection drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and club drugs, and 14% have misused prescription opioids.7
These behaviors carry significant risks, including overdose, HIV infection from injection drug use, and increased vulnerability to sexual risk behaviors and violence. Drug use in teens is also associated with mental health issues, suicidal behavior, and being a victim of dating violence. Understanding these risks, as well as the factors that contribute to high-risk substance use—such as family history, parental attitudes, peer influence, and lack of school connectedness—is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies that emphasize protective factors like parental engagement, family support, and school connectedness.
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The Impact of Social Media & Peer Influence on Substance Use
The influence of social media and peer interaction plays a significant role in shaping adolescents’ behaviors, including their substance use. Digital media platforms provide numerous opportunities for marketing and social promotion of risky behaviors and substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and even online gambling. Research has shown that adolescents are particularly vulnerable to these influences, given their early adoption and frequent use of social media, combined with their susceptibility to peer influence.8
For example, seeing peers or influencers post about substance use can create a false sense of normalcy and encourage similar behaviors. Additionally, marketing on these platforms, often without effective age verification, can foster brand loyalty among young users.
While the impact of these exposures is still being studied, it is evident that such digital interactions can increase the risk of substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors among adolescents. To address these challenges, there is a growing need for research and the development of protective interventions tailored to the unique nature of digital communication and the adolescent population.
Recognizing Signs of Substance Use in Teens
Recognizing signs of substance use in teens is important for early intervention and support. Teenagers involved in illicit drug use often exhibit noticeable behavioral changes, such as withdrawing from family activities, frequently changing friends, or neglecting personal hygiene.9 Sudden mood swings, apathy, and a decline in school performance are also common indicators. Teens may become secretive, display irritability, and even engage in unusual or risky behaviors. Physical signs such as bloodshot eyes, dilated or pinpoint pupils, and unexplained weight changes can further suggest substance use. Parents and caregivers should remain vigilant for these warning signs so they can intervene early and provide the necessary help.
How Parents Can Help Prevent Substance Use
Parents play a pivotal role in preventing substance use among teenagers by fostering open communication, setting clear expectations, and modeling healthy behaviors. Creating a safe, supportive environment where teens feel comfortable discussing their challenges and emotions can significantly reduce the likelihood of substance use.
Educating teens about the risks associated with drugs and alcohol and helping them develop strong decision-making skills can empower them to resist peer pressure. Establishing consistent rules and consequences around substance use while also being involved in their social activities and friendships helps teens understand boundaries and the importance of making responsible choices. Parents can guide their children toward healthy, substance-free lifestyles by maintaining a positive relationship built on trust and respect.
Resources for Support
Guardian Recovery offers a range of resources for families seeking addiction recovery treatment for their child. These resources include individual therapy sessions for both teens and their parents, educational materials on substance use and the recovery process, and expert guidance on how to help prevent relapse and manage triggers and cravings in the future.
Additionally, families can benefit from counseling services and peer support groups specifically designed for recovering teenagers. These groups are filled with individuals who understand your and your child’s unique challenges, providing a comforting and empathetic support network.
Additional Resources & Support for Parents & Teens:
- National Helpline for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA)—1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- SAMHSA Website—https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- The National Drug Helpline—1-844-289-0879
- Crisis Text Line—Text “HELLO” to 741741
- Recovery support groups, such as Al-Anon
- Online resources, such as Above the Influence
- Local community resources, including community centers, churches, and workshops for parents and teens struggling with substance use
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Contact Us to Learn More About Addiction Recovery
If you or someone you love has been struggling with substance misuse, Guardian Recovery can help. When it comes to addiction recovery, we believe in taking an integrated approach, tackling the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual consequences of active addiction simultaneously.
Plus, we focus on comprehensive healing and individualized care. Each client is assigned a case manager, who works with the treatment team to develop a unique, personalized recovery program.
Our boutique adolescent program usually includes a short stay in medical detox, followed by an immediate transition into higher care. While residential inpatient treatment often comes recommended, a client might opt to transition into a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP).
To make our treatment options as accessible as possible, we have developed an admissions process that is simple, straightforward, and can be completed over the phone in minutes.
Reach out now to speak with an admissions advisor, who can not only answer your questions and discuss treatment options but also verify your insurance benefits and/or explore other payment options. The call is free and confidential, and you’re under no obligation to enter treatment. Recovery is possible. We can help.
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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.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Detailed Tables 1.2A and 1.2B.
- Miech RA, Johnston LD, Patrick ME, O’Malley PM, Bachman JG. MONITORING THE FUTURE National Survey Results on Drug Use, 1975-2023: Secondary School Students. Sponsored by The National Institute on Drug Abuse at The National Institutes of Health.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Research Topics: Alcohol.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Cannabis and Teens: Health Effects.
- National Institutes of Health. News in Health. (2019). Vaping Rises Among Teens.
- Jones CM, Clayton HB, Deputy NP, et al. Prescription Opioid Misuse and Use of Alcohol and Other Substances Among High School Students — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2019. MMWR Suppl. 2020;69(1):38–46.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). High Risk Substance Use Among Youth.
- Romer D, Moreno M. Digital Media and Risks for Adolescent Substance Abuse and Problematic Gambling. Pediatrics. 2017
- Ali S, Mouton CP, Jabeen S, et al. Early Detection of Illicit Drug Use in Teenagers. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011 Dec;8(12):24–28. Published online 2011 Dec.
