The teenage years are often filled with experimentation and exploration. As their minds develop, adolescents seek out new ways to establish their own sense of identity and autonomy through new activities, behaviors, and experiences.Â
An area of concerning experimentation for many parents is their teen’s drug use. In fact, the National Institutes of Drug Abuse reveals that 10.9% of eighth graders, 19.8% of 10th graders, and 31.2% of 12th graders reported illicit drug use in the past year.1
Not surprisingly, teen drug use can lead to dependence and eventually to addiction. Once the body becomes dependent on a substance, it typically experiences withdrawal symptoms once use is stopped or significantly limited. For some substances, withdrawal is extremely uncomfortable and can lead individual to restart use to eliminate the symptoms. However, with other substances, withdrawal without medical monitoring and intervention can be life-threatening.Â
While medical detox and treatment for teens is available through organizations such as Guardian Recovery—which provides comprehensive behavioral and substance use disorder treatment via boutique style adolescent retreats—it’s important to understand and be on the lookout for withdrawal symptoms among teens.
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Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms
Once someone develops dependence on a substance, the body doesn’t function normally without it. When use is stopped or significantly limited, individuals experience withdrawal symptoms. The type and severity of withdrawal symptoms varies according to a host of factors, such as the duration and severity of use, physical factors, and any co-occurring mental disorders. However, chief among these factors is often the type of substance used.Â
Medically managed detox, however, ensures patients are safe and as comfortable as possible during withdrawal. Offering 24/7 medical care and monitoring, medical detox is often the first step in an adolescent treatment program.
Common Physical Symptoms of Withdrawal in Teens
Physical withdrawal symptoms vary greatly depending on which substances have been used. Plus, each teen will experience withdrawal differently based on a host of personal factors. However, here are some broad examples of withdrawal symptoms related to specific substances.
Alcohol
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:2
- Elevated blood pressure
- Sweating
- Dilated pupils
- Disorientation
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Nausea
- Seizures
However, alcohol withdrawal can also lead to a potentially life-threatening condition known as delirium tremens marked by severe withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, hallucinations, confusion, heart complications, and seizures.2
Opioids
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can include:3,4
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Increased body temperature
- Sweating, chills
- Racing heart rate
- Muscle and bone pain
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
While typically not life threatening, the symptoms associated with opioid detox and withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable, often leading individuals to restart opioid use to ease discomfort.Â
Stimulants
Stimulant withdrawal symptoms include:5
- Agitation and irritability
- Depression
- Increased sleeping and appetite
- Muscle aches
Additionally, those who use large amounts of stimulants, particularly methamphetamine, can also become distressed and agitated and can develop psychotic symptoms such as paranoia, disordered thoughts, and hallucinations. As such, they may be at risk for harming themselves or others.5
Although stimulant withdrawal isn’t typically dangerous, severe depression and anxiety are common, which can lead to relapse and/or ideations of self-harm. Thus, medical detox for stimulants is typically recommended.
Benzodiazepines
Benzo withdrawal symptoms can include:6
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Nausea, vomiting
- Transient visual, tactile, and/or auditory hallucinations
- Psychomotor agitation
- Hand tremors
- Grand mal seizures
Seizures and delirium are usually the most severe symptoms of benzo withdrawal, and in some cases, they can be fatal. Insights from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicate that benzo withdrawal should be medically supervised to ensure safety.7
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Emotional & Behavioral Changes in Teens During Withdrawal
Emotional and behavioral changes are also commonplace during addictive substance withdrawal. Typically energetic and outgoing teens may become withdrawn or distant. Mental health symptoms like anxiety or depression may develop or worsen as their bodies adjust to the lack of drugs or alcohol.7 Increased agitation is also a common withdrawal side effect for multiple substances including opioids, amphetamines, alcohol, and benzodiazepines.Â
Cognitive Symptoms
Another common set of withdrawal symptoms in teens are issues with cognition. Adolescents may experience loss of memory, brain fog, or difficulty understanding abstract concepts as a result of withdrawal. This can lead to a decline in academic performance and the ability to focus or concentrate on daily living tasks.
Effects Withdrawal Symptoms Can Have on Daily Life
Each set of side effects can result in disruptions to daily life for your teen. In mild cases, side effects like brain fog or lack of energy may have minimal impact on daily living tasks. However, severe physical symptoms like seizures could pose a significant health risk rendering adolescents unable to conduct the most basic tasks.
Approaching Your Teen & Discussing Your Concerns
Developing open and honest communication with teens is a key element in addressing possible illicit substance use. Providing a nonjudgmental support system will enable your adolescent to recognize you as a dependable ally. Establishing yourself as a viable resource will encourage your teen to turn to you for help and guidance through the tumultuous years of adolescence.
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Seeking Professional Help
Professional help and outside resources can be key components in addressing your teen’s drug use. Licensed professionals are trained to come alongside teens and parents to offer guidance and support throughout your child’s developing years. Through individual counseling, group therapy, and education, mental health professionals at Guardian Recovery and elsewhere can aid both children and families.Â
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).Â
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.Â
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.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023), Reported drug use among adolescents continued to hold below pre-pandemic levels in 2023.Â
- Kattimani S, Bharadwaj B. Clinical management of alcohol withdrawal: A systematic review. Ind Psychiatry J. 2013;22(2):100-108. doi:10.4103/0972-6748.132914
- Shah M, Huecker MR. Opioid Withdrawal. [Updated 2023 Jul 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.Â
- Pergolizzi JV Jr, Raffa RB, Rosenblatt MH. Opioid withdrawal symptoms, a consequence of chronic opioid use and opioid use disorder: Current understanding and approaches to management. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2020;45(5):892-903. doi:10.1111/jcpt.13114
- Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. 4, Withdrawal Management.Â
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2006). Detoxification and substance abuse treatment. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 45. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 15-4131. Rockville, MD: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.Â
- Gupta M, Gokarakonda SB, Attia FN. Withdrawal Syndromes. [Updated 2023 Apr 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.
