Understanding Teenage Substance Use: When to Be Concerned and When to Seek Support
As parents, we all want the best for our children. We aim to guide them through their teenage years, a
period often marked by experimentation and discovery. One area that can cause significant worry is
substance use. It’s not uncommon for teenagers to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, or even drugs.
However, distinguishing between normal experimentation and potential addiction can be challenging.
Here, we’ll explore the difference between typical teenage behaviour and signs that may indicate a
need for professional support.
Normal Experimentation: What to Expect
Experimentation with substances can be a part of normal teenage development. Curiosity, peer
pressure, and the desire to assert independence can lead teens to try alcohol, tobacco, or even
marijuana. Some typical behaviours might include:
1. Occasional Use: Trying alcohol at a party, smoking a cigarette, or experimenting with
marijuana a few times.
2. Peer Influence: Using substances in social settings with friends.
3. Curiosity: Wanting to experience what it feels like without developing a habit.
While these behaviours can be alarming, they don’t necessarily mean your child is on a path to
addiction. Open communication and setting clear boundaries can help manage this phase.
Warning Signs of Potential Addiction
It’s crucial to recognize when experimentation crosses the line into more dangerous territory. Here are
some red flags that indicate your teen may need help:
4. Increased Frequency: Using substances more regularly, not just in social settings.
5. Change in Behaviour: Noticeable shifts in mood, attitude, or performance at school. This could
include a drop in grades, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, or new, questionable
friends.
6. Secretive Behaviour: Hiding substances, lying about their whereabouts, or being overly
defensive about their activities.
7. Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring schoolwork, chores, or other responsibilities due to
substance use.
8. Physical Changes: Unexplained weight loss or gain, bloodshot eyes, frequent nosebleeds, or
changes in sleep patterns.
9. Financial Issues: Unexplained need for money, missing money or valuables from home.
When to Seek Support
If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, it’s important to act promptly. Here are steps
to consider:
10. Open a Dialogue: Approach your teen calmly and express your concerns without judgment.
Use “I” statements, such as “I’m worried about how often you’re drinking,” to avoid sounding
accusatory.
11. Educate Yourself: Learn about the substances your teen might be using and their potential
effects.
12. Set Clear Expectations: Reinforce your family’s rules regarding substance use and the
consequences for breaking them.
13. Seek Professional Help: If your teen’s substance use is escalating, consult with a healthcare
professional. Therapists, counsellors, and support groups can offer the necessary guidance
and support.
Resources for Parents and Teens
mind.org Offers information and resources and lists of organisations who offer support about
various substances and their effects.
turning-point.co.uk: Provides a
helpline and resources for finding treatment and support, free of charge.
Conclusion
Navigating teenage substance use can be daunting, but understanding the difference between
experimentation and addiction are key. Keep the lines of communication open with your teen, educate
yourself on the warning signs, and don’t hesitate to seek professional support if needed. Remember,
the goal is to support your child in making healthy choices and ensuring their well-being during these
formative years.
By staying informed and proactive, you can help your teen navigate these challenges and steer them
toward a healthier future.