English PDF | Other Languages | More Fact Sheets
We live in a complex, highly stressed world that is filled with mixed messages. As a result, it’s not always easy for today’s youth to understand and cope with their surroundings.
Young people are often told that tobacco, alcohol and other drugs are dangerous. Yet some of the adults around them may use these substances to manage stress or when socializing. In the media, substance use is sometimes linked to death. At other times, it’s linked to fun and presented as “normal” adult behaviour. This confusion over the benefits and harms of substance use can add more stress to a young person’s life.
What kind of pressures do young people face?
Teens face many pressures and influences. This can make growing up very difficult for some young people.
Some of the pressures come from parents and school. Others come from friends, music, the media and the internet.
Often these pressures result in teens feeling they need to be everything to everybody: smart, athletic, outgoing, popular, slim, sexy, fun, and so on.
Some forms of pressure and stress can motivate a young person to follow their passions and fulfill their dreams. But too much pressure (or the wrong kind of influences) can cause some young people to crumble. Stress is one of the reasons some teens may use drugs.
Besides stress, what are other reasons teens use alcohol and other drugs?
Most teens first try alcohol or other drugs for the experience. They may have heard about a drug and are curious about how it will affect their thinking and behaviour. Many teens believe they can safely try a drug a few times without getting hurt.
There are many reasons why a teen might use drugs recreationally or even regularly:
They have no reason not to. (There’s no sport, hobby or long-term goal that is affected by their substance use.)
They’re bored and don’t know how to get “un-bored.”
They feel socially isolated and have trouble relaxing around people their age.
Their friends use drugs and they want to feel like they belong in the group.
Is there a relationship between teen drug use and mental health disorders?
Studies show that some teens use drugs to help them cope with or mask their anxiety or depression. But it also works the other way around. Using drugs can lead to or worsen emotional problems in a teen who may be vulnerable to mental health disorders (because of a personal or family history of mental disorders).
Problem substance use (for example, binge drinking in order to get drunk) among teens is often linked to disruptive behaviour disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder.
What will happen if a teen uses drugs?
The earlier a child begins using alcohol and other drugs, the more likely they are to develop substance-related problems later on in life.
It is especially dangerous for a teen under 16 years old to use substances. Alcohol and other drugs can impair their physical, mental and emotional development. Older teens—those between 16 and 19—may be able to experiment with drugs with less risk of harm. But because they are not fully grown, they cannot safely consume the same amount as adults.
Binge drinking and binge drugging (using a lot quantity of drug in a short time) put teens at risk of short-term harms. These include falls, accidents, violent encounters and unwanted sexual activity.
Repeated use of a drug can, after time, lead to tolerance. This means the teen needs an increasing amount of a drug to get the same effects. Continued use can also lead to dependence. This means they feel they need the drug to feel normal and to cope with challenges in their daily life.
Long-term heavy substance use can lead to a variety of health issues. It can also lead to problems with employment and relationships.
When a young person is bingeing on or regularly using a drug, it could be a sign that something is troubling them. It could also mean that they’ve been using a drug for so long that it has become a habit. They may need help to break their habit.
What are some ways to prevent a teen from developing a drug problem?
Drug prevention starts early and at home. Parents and caregivers can begin by revisiting their own substance use patterns. Children often develop substance use patterns similar to those of the adults in their lives.
Parents and caregivers can also help by being open, loving and attentive. Young people who know they’re loved have more confidence and a stronger sense of self-worth. They can handle peer pressure better. And they’re better able to overcome problems at school and at home.
What to do if a teen has a problem with drugs
Sometimes love and attention won’t be enough to prevent a teen from developing a substance use problem. If a teen you know is struggling, call the Alcohol and Drug Information Referral Service at 1-800-663-1441 (toll-free in BC) or 604-660-9382 (in Greater Vancouver). You can also call the Kelty Resource Centre at 1-800-665-1822 (toll-free in BC) or 604-875-2084 (in Greater Vancouver) for information and support for children, youth and their families including substance use and addictions. You can also check out the HeretoHelp website for more information on how to help your teen.
