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Teenage years can be very challenging for young people and their carers alike, and teen drug misuse only adds to the worries.
Teenagers may be more vulnerable to drug and alcohol misuse due to several reasons. It might be more likely that they are exploited or put in vulnerable situations. There can be a lack of understanding and experience. The teenage brain can react differently to drugs, and they can also be significantly more susceptible to addiction than adults…
Why are Teenagers More Susceptible to Addiction?
Addiction risk is influenced by biology as well as environment, and the teenage brain is still very much a work in progress. Crucial decision-making abilities are still in development, which may lead to experimenting with drugs.
The developing brain also has plasticity that allows the brain to quickly habituate or become accustomed to drinking or drugs. Mental health issues, trauma, and conditions like ADHD can lead many young people to turn to alcohol and drugs in an attempt to self-medicate.
Research has shown that early exposure to drugs or alcohol significantly increases the risk of addiction. You should bear in mind, though, that increased vulnerability does not mean addiction is inevitable.
How does the Teenage Brain Develop?
Adolescence is a pivotal time for brain development, with different aspects continuing to grow and change throughout this period…
The Brain Continues Developing Into Early Adulthood
The brain usually reaches its full size and weight by the early teens, but continuous development and remodelling occurs until at least the mid-20s and sometimes later. The prefrontal cortex, which dictates executive functions like decision-making, impulse control and emotional regulation, is the last part to mature and undergoes constant change during adolescence.
Drug misuse is one of many factors that can affect the development of the adolescent brain – including genetics and heredity, environment, sleep and nutrition.
The Reward System Develops Earlier Than Self-Control
As noted, the prefrontal cortex, which deals with self-control among other things, is the last part of the brain to fully mature. The reward circuit is an interconnected network that doesn’t rely on a single part of the brain and is one of the first systems to start to develop. This difference in timelines produces a developmental gap where adolescents are both open to risky behaviour and more driven by pleasure and reward rather than being governed by self-control.
Why Drugs Affect Teenagers More Than Adults
A frontal cortex in development leaves teenagers more prone to risky behaviours such as trying drugs and less equipped to stop or control their consumption if they start. They can also be more sensitive to stimulation of the reward system.
Teenagers are often more subject to peer pressure, and many may suffer from mental health and emotional issues, which they could misguidedly seek to self-medicate or deal with through drugs or alcohol.
Other Factors That Increase the Risk of Teenage Addiction
Some people may be more predisposed to addiction, and substance misuse can be a learned behaviour, meaning young people coming from a background of drug or alcohol addiction may be more at risk themselves.
Other factors that may increase the risk of addiction and substance misuse could include availability and accessibility of drugs and alcohol, social circles, untreated mental health conditions and experience of trauma.
Signs Your Teenager May Be Using Drugs
You may be asking yourself, ‘What are the potential signs my teenager is on drugs?’ It can be incredibly worrying if you believe this may be the case, and unchecked drug use can be very damaging, especially for teenagers who are still developing and may be put in vulnerable situations.
There are a number of behavioural, physical and emotional signs to look out for. However, it’s important to realise that any or all of these symptoms could have other causes and should NOT automatically be assumed to indicate drug use.
That said, different signs taken together may provide an indication that there may be serious or developing issues that could involve drug use…
Behavioural Signs
Behavioural signs indicating potential drug use could include:
- Secrecy
- Lying
- Changes in friendship groups
- Loss of motivation
- Poor school attendance
- Declining academic performance
- Money going missing
- Breaking household rules
Physical Signs
These can vary depending on the substance involved but could include:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Unusual smells
- Changes in sleep
- Appetite changes
- Poor hygiene
- Unexplained injuries
- Weight changes
- Slurred speech
Emotional and Psychological Signs
Emotional and psychological signs of drug use in teenagers could include:
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Withdrawal from family
- Sudden aggression
- Lack of interest in hobbies
Again, remember that these are not necessarily signs of drug use or teenage drug addiction. They may indicate other issues and problems, or simply be signs of change that your teenager is going through.
What Parents Should Do If They Are Concerned
Teenage substance abuse can be very harmful, but charging in can do more harm than good. Teenagers who are confronted – whether they are actually using drugs or not – may become more confrontational themselves, withdraw or become defensive and evasive. Every situation is different, but in general it is best to try to engage in calm, non-judgemental conversations and to listen before making accusations.
Safeguarding may be a consideration where immediate risks exist, but in general you should try to keep communications open and seek professional help if necessary.
Conclusion
Adolescent brain development increases vulnerability, but it does not determine outcomes on its own. Recognising warning signs early can improve long-term outcomes, and early conversations and intervention can be important. If you’re concerned about a loved one’s drug use, get in touch with Rehab Clinics Group today for confidential advice and to find out how we can help further.
