The Path to Substance Abuse: What Motivates Your Teen?
The second installment in a three-part series examining teen substance abuse, this article delves into the reasons why young adolescents are attracted to drugs and what parents can do to prevent it.
By Karen Brodsky | Staff Writer
You welcomed into the world a perfect baby, nurturing her through childhood into her teenage years. So why would she choose to use drugs or alcohol? The reasons may be more familiar than you realize.
In many instances, teenagers mirror the drinking habits of their parents, friends, and other adults. Pam Blankenship, Executive Director of CARE (Chemical Awareness Resources & Education), a non-profit support system for families dealing with substance abuse, states, “Teens tell us that peer pressure is the primary lure… sadly.” She explains, “They observe what others are doing, noticing friends and adults consuming alcohol and using various substances. In their perspective, this is part of a normal teenage experience.”
Regrettably, teens often fail to see that what they consider normal can be a perilous path. A significant contributing factor to the increasing use of marijuana among middle schoolers is their misperception of its safety. Even tweens are not immune to this trend, as early experimentation with alcohol can lead to marijuana use. According to CARE Dallas, the average age for an individual to start drinking is now twelve; this number has decreased since 1965. “Students perceive the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana as proof of its safety,” (a study by Tammy Granger, Christine Storm, Cory Trevena, Tina George, and Cecily Crawl for Caron Treatment Centers, Dallas).
Carrie Stevens, a Substance Abuse Counselor at Plano West and founder of the Collin County Substance Abuse Coalition (CCSAC), concurs that peer pressure influences drug use. “I often ask teens, ‘Are you a leader or a follower?’” She challenges them to assess their potential to give in to pressure. When confronted with the idea that “everyone is doing it,” Stevens counters, “that’s a myth. Only the people you associate with are engaging in it.”
Historically, teens have sought to appear “cool” while yearning for acceptance within their social circles. However, Blankenship points out that a significant factor prompting substance abuse is that teens often use drugs as a means of coping. They may turn to substances to alleviate short-term crises, trauma at home, or to address feelings of depression or anxiety. According to Blankenship, CARE has observed many kids becoming over-scheduled throughout their childhood and teenage years, pressured to excel, leading them to drugs as a means of escape. “Frequently, kids do not know how to manage stress or pressure healthily, so they resort to alcohol or marijuana to cope.”
Stevens agrees, stating, “It’s about escape. Teens often wish to numb themselves from feelings stemming from family or friendship issues, but when the high fades, the problems remain. This cycle leads to a downward spiral of addiction.”
Some teens who experience more academic struggles may turn to drugs, and even high-achieving students face their own pressures and stressors, leading them to self-medicate. “There’s a lot of self-medication happening, combined with numerous mental health challenges,” observes Stevens. “When mental health issues coincide with drug use, the result can be a terrifying mix.”
Additionally, there are various other influences that drive tweens and teens towards drug use, including trends in pop culture. “Kids are aware of the dangers of drugs, yet they see celebrities using them,” notes Stevens. “They desire the freedom to make their own choices.” In contrast to Blankenship’s observation of over-scheduled lives, Stevens also highlights that some teens may experiment with drugs out of sheer boredom, seeking stimulation.
Some teens try drugs for the euphoric experience, states Stevens. “They believe it feels good; moreover, society has desensitized us. Just look at the media: there’s a pill for everything.” This leads to another point: some teens may engage in drug use to enhance focus, manage weight, or cope with negative body image.
Another factor that may contribute to the allure of drugs is exposure through the Internet. With the rise of technology, access to information about drugs has become easier for kids. (Research by Tammy Granger, Christine Storm, Cory Trevena, Tina George, and Cecily Crawl for Caron Treatment Centers, Dallas) Supporting this observation are the following statistics:
– The Internet ranks as the second most-used medium among teens after television.
– 84% of teens are online in any given week, dedicating an average of eight hours weekly on the Internet.
– 9 out of 10 teens (93%) have online access at home, school, work, or other locations.
– 77% of teens, nearly four out of five, have access to the Internet at home.
What can parents do? According to Stevens, communication is paramount. Parents should engage in discussions and ask questions, as teens often stay one step ahead. “Conversations are essential, but scare tactics don’t work. Set clear expectations and adhere to them,” she urges. “Stay informed and monitor their social media activity, as children can conceal certain apps on their devices.”
Besides overseeing the location of the computer and the amount of time spent online, parents should look out for common abbreviations that kids use when parents are present:
– POS: Parent Over Shoulder
– PIR: Parent In Room
– P911: Parent Alert
– PAW: Parents Are Watching
– PAL: Parents Are Listening
Local & National Resources
Betty Ford Center Children’s Program
(972) 751-0363
Offers intervention and prevention services aimed at children aged 7-12 impacted by a family member’s substance abuse.
C.A.R.E. (Chemical Awareness Resources & Education)
(214) 526-8986
A confidential, community-based organization and free resource for individuals and families concerned about substance abuse issues. CARE also provides chemical awareness education.
Collin County Substance Abuse Program
(972) 633-3370
Provides free drug assessments and evaluations for teenagers.
Hope’s Door
HOTLINE (972) 422-7233 | hopesdoorinc.org
A 30-day shelter for individuals affected by domestic and dating violence. Outreach services are available for women preparing to leave or who have already exited an abusive relationship and do not require shelter.
Serenity High School (9th – 12th Grades)
(469) 742-7830 | serenity.mckinneyisd.net
Established in Collin County under McKinney ISD, this school caters to students emerging from drug treatment, helping recovering teens maintain their commitment to sobriety.
The Turning Point
(formerly the Rape Crisis Center of Collin County)
(972) 985-0951 | theturningpoint.org
Offers support for survivors of sexual assault through individual and group counseling for victims, their friends, and family members, including hospital accompaniment and community.
Support Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous | aadallas.org
Provides support groups for adults and teens struggling with drug/alcohol issues.
Al-Anon | dallasal-anon.org
A support group designed to assist families and friends of alcoholics in recovering from the effects of living with a loved one’s problematic drinking.
Alateen | al-anon.alateen.org
A support group for teens impacted by a loved one’s substance abuse.
Narcotics Anonymous | na.org
Offers support groups for adults and teens dealing with drug-related problems.
Celebrate Recovery | celebraterecovery.com
A Biblically based program aimed at helping individuals overcome emotional obstacles, dependencies, and behavioral patterns.
Families Anonymous
Provides support for those affected by a family member’s destructive behaviors.
