Most parents have had conversations about substance misuse and may have strict house rules in place that prohibit their children from drinking and misusing drugs in the home. As a parent, you may keep alcohol locked away and ensure that any prescription medications are carefully stored where others cannot gain access. Despite parents’ best efforts, however, sometimes all these precautions are not enough to prevent your child from experimenting with substances. That’s because teens can access substances of misuse via a host of sources, such as friends, school campuses, and a variety of other places you may not have considered.
If you’re concerned about drug use among teens and maybe even within your family, Guardian Recovery can help. We offer resources and professional guidance to help you and your child navigate the teenage years. For guidance and support, reach out to us today. Not only do we specialize in adolescent addiction treatment and mental health care, but also we’re here to support you and your family every step of the way.
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Common Sources of Drugs for Teens
According to the latest results from the 2023 Monitoring the Future Survey, the percentage of adolescents reporting past-year illicit drug use, most of which involves controlled substances, included 10.9% of eighth graders, 19.8% of 10th graders, and 31.2% of 12th graders.1Â
Furthermore, per the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), just over one-third (33.1%, 12.6 million individuals) ages 12 to 20 reported consuming alcohol at least once in their lifetime. This includes 14.6% reporting past-month drinking, 8.6% reporting binge drinking, and 1.7% reporting heavy alcohol use.2
Common sources of alcohol and drugs for adolescents include:
- Home (especially for alcohol and prescription drugs)
- School, including peer groups and dealers
- Friends and their parents (secured with or without permission)
- Parties, raves, and festivals
- Neighborhood dealers
- Convenience stores (particularly for illicitly obtained alcohol)
- Pharmacies (for cough and cold products)
- Internet forums and the dark web
It’s also important to note that some teens end up using substances that are the most readily available in the home and for everyday purposes. These include inhalants such as glue, aerosol sprays, cleaning fluids, and cans of whipped cream or compressed air. While difficult to monitor, these common household items are potential hazards if you suspect your child is misusing these or other substances.
While these are among the most popular ways teens access drugs, your teen may be exposed to substances in any number of ways. So it’s crucial to be able to recognize the warning signs. If you suspect your teen might be struggling with substance misuse, contact Guardian Recovery today for more information.
Peer Groups & Drug Accessibility
Peer groups often play a major role in making drugs and alcohol accessible to teens. For this reason, it’s vital for parents to educate their children on the importance of surrounding themselves with positive peer influences who don’t engage in substance misuse. In addition, parents are urged to track any unhealthy changes in their teen’s social circles and encourage open, honest communication to help prevent them from obtaining substances via friends and peers.
Ways peer groups may influence teens to use substances include:
- Through peer pressure and fear of social rejection
- By sharing experiences and developing bonds, making it more challenging to resist conforming
- Through shared beliefs that substance misuse is harmless or even beneficial
- By normalizing or romanticizing substance misuse
- Through shared rebellion against parents and authority figures
- By providing access to drugs and alcohol or sharing information on how to access them
- By providing an escape from problems
Pressure and influence from friends and peers can be extremely powerful thanks to a need for belonging and a fear of rejection, which often go hand-in-hand. During adolescence, social acceptance is a make-or-break deal for many young people, and those who experience low self-esteem or lack confidence may be more susceptible to peer influences than others. Also, it’s a common perception among teens that it is necessary to conform to peer pressure to be well-liked and popular.
To combat the potentially harmful influence of peer pressure, parents can lead by example, ensure their children have as many positive role models as possible, and help them foster the self-esteem and motivation they need to make healthy decisions.
Internet & Social Media Influence Access to Substances
Internet forums, social media, and the dark web are all spaces where adolescents can obtain information on where to access substances, and even where to purchase them in some cases. Although keeping tabs on a teen’s online activities can be challenging, parents can do their best to monitor the child’s mobile phone, computer, and internet use. For example, setting limits on screen time, tracking and reviewing your teen’s internet history regularly, and using parental control features on electronic devices can help limit their access to certain websites or content.
Teens also need to be educated on the risks involved with drug-related online content, including potential academic and legal consequences. Furthermore, setting boundaries stressing responsible internet use can help prevent teens from succumbing to online influences that promote drug or alcohol misuse.
Prescription Medications & The Risk of Misuse Among Teens
Prescription medications, especially narcotic painkillers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, are especially popular among teens and come with many of the same dangers as the use of heroin, fentanyl, and other illicit opioids. However, parents can securely store any prescription medicines in the home, preferably in a locked cabinet or safe, to prevent unsupervised access. Even these storage solutions should still be monitored, and any unused or expired medications safely disposed of. It’s also important to communicate to teens the risks of misusing these medications to help prevent them from misusing them in the first place.
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The Reality of Drugs on Campus & School Environments
Drug and alcohol use on school campuses is a significant problem that can have many detrimental and potentially devastating effects on a student’s academic performance and overall well-being. While many schools have implemented drug prevention programs and provide resources such as counseling services for students struggling with substance misuse, this alone is not always enough. Parents also need to be involved in educating their teens about substance misuse and its risks and seek professional treatment and support if they suspect or confirm their child is using illicit drugs or alcohol.
Local Availability & Substance Misuse Trends
It’s vital for parents to be informed about the local availability of substances and trends of misuse in their neighborhood and community. This can help them better understand the risks their teens are facing and take proactive steps to protect them from exposure and harm.
Ways to stay informed about the local availability of substances and trends include:
- Reaching out to local law enforcement for information and resources.
- Contacting health departments, schools, and community centers who may have statistics on drug misuse and prevention programs.
- Using credible online resources, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which have information on national and state data as well as trends that could be applicable to your area.3,4Â
- Connecting with other parents in the community who may have intimate knowledge of local drug issues.
- Watching local news reports for information regarding drug-related arrests and public warnings.
The DEA also offers an online resource for parents, educators, and caregivers known as Get Smart About Drugs. You can find more information and sign up for updates here.5,6
Recognizing When Your Teen Might Be Using
Identifying the signs of drug or alcohol use in your teen, such as behavioral and social changes, is essential for intervening as early as possible to mitigate adverse consequences.Â
Common signs of teen substance misuse include:
- Mood swings, including periods of severe depression or anxiety
- Social withdrawal and self-isolation
- Hostility, anger, and impulsivity
- Secretiveness or deceit
- Strained relationships with loved ones
- Reduced academic performance and absenteeismÂ
- Missed curfews and other forms of rule-breaking
- Unwarranted use of gum or mints to cover up breath
- Unusual tiredness or lethargy
- Unexplained nosebleeds or runny nose
- Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain
- Frequent nausea and vomiting
- Impaired coordination, balance
- Speaking difficulties, such as slurring
- Periods of prolonged sleeplessness or hyperactivity
- Smell of smoke on breath or clothes
- Burn marks or sores on fingers or lips
- Track marks, sores, or bruises on arms or legs
For a more complete list of potential substance misuse warning signs, visit the Partnership to End Addiction at Drugfree.org.7
How Parents Can Combat Drug Access
Parents can combat teen drug use by closely monitoring their activities, establishing boundaries, and educating them about the risks of substance misuse.
Ways you can combat your teen’s access to drugs include:
- Promoting open communication so that the teen feels comfortable talking about personal issues or struggles
- Setting clear rules and expectations and outlining the consequences for breaking them
- Leading by example by engaging in responsible behavior regarding alcohol use and other substances
- Being aware of who your child is friends with, their social group, and influences
- Monitoring their social media accounts and online activity whenever possible
- Educating yourself about the risks involved with using drugs and alcohol
- Working with their school to ensure a safe environment for them and to avoid exposure to drug and alcohol use
- Encouraging healthy activities, sports, hobbies, etc.
- Storing prescription medications securely
- Keeping up-to-date on the latest trends in substance misuse among teens
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When To Seek Help for Teens & Families
If you suspect your teen is struggling with substance misuse, understanding where they are obtaining substances and blocking access to the sources is just the first step in helping them. While teenage drug and alcohol misuse is relatively common and can have serious consequences, early intervention and professional care and support can break the cycle and help them take the steps they need to thrive in recovery throughout these foundational years and into adulthood.Â
Guardian Recovery understands that teens have unique needs and goals, and we personalize our evidence-based treatment plans to ensure they receive comprehensive care in a safe, secure, comfortable environment conducive to recovery and wellness.Â
Additionally, we specialize in adolescent treatment services, which are designed to help teens aged 13–17 break free from drug and alcohol misuse and embark on their journey to recovery. Along with a virtual IOP for adolescents, Guardian Recovery offers two adolescent specific rehab facilities. One in Boca Raton, FL, treats girls aged 13 to 17 and offers a PHP with housing as well as an IOP. The other in Towaco, NJ, offers detox and residential treatment for those ages 13 to 17.
Our integrated, holistic approach, which includes detox, inpatient residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs, focuses on the unique needs of each young person and their families. Using evidence-based methods, experiential therapies, and academic support, we develop individualized treatment plans that promote sustained recovery and continued mental, physical, and spiritual growth.
Contact us today to learn more about our straightforward admissions process and receive a free, no-obligation health insurance benefits check. We are here to help you take the first critical steps toward a healthier and happier life for both you and your teen.
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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.
- Monitoring the Future. (2023). Available from: Monitoring the Future: National Survey Results on Drug Use.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). 2023 NSDUH Detailed Tables.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (n.d.). SAMHSA.gov.
- Drug Enforcement Administration. (2024). DEA.Gov.
- Get Smart About Drugs. (n.d.) Drugs & Your Family.
- Get Smart About Drugs. (n.d.). Sign Up for Email Updates.Â
- Partnership to End Addiction. (2024). Signs of Drug Use in Teens.
