3 Most Common Teen Drug Addictions

The reasons for teen drug addictions tend to be as varied as the reasons behind adult addiction. Some teens take drugs or drink alcohol to fit in with a particular social group, while others use them to feel good or to escape underlying mental health problems. Still, others use substances to improve their performance in school or athletics.

Alcohol and Marijuana Count Among the Top Teen Drug Addictions

Unsurprisingly, alcohol and marijuana continue to be the top addictions among teens. The reason for this lies in how easy it is to obtain these substances. They may have parents who drink or even smoke marijuana. Unfortunately, teenage brains and bodies are ill-equipped to handle either substance and the risk of addiction tends to be much higher with teens than adults.

Even among teens, some have more vulnerability than others. Teens with histories of physical or sexual abuse, other mental health problems, or with a troubled home environment have a much higher risk of becoming substance abusers.

Other Common Teen Drug Addictions

For younger teens, inhalants represent one of the most common forms of teen drug experimentation, but inhaling various chemicals typically does not lead to addiction. However, it can lead to serious health problems, and it may motivate the teen to try other addictive substances down the road.

After marijuana and alcohol, the other common forms of teen drug use are Adderall, as prescribed for ADHD, and opiate painkillers often obtained from parents. Both drugs can cause dependence after regular use and withdrawal symptoms when stopped. In the case of opiates, teens may start abusing medications seized from their parents and then end up turning to heroin when it becomes too hard to get opiate pain relievers.

Treatment For Teen Drug Addictions

If you suspect your teen’s involvement in drug use, you should be aware of some telltale signs. The most common symptom is a noticeable change in behavior. Teens may become more withdrawn, paranoid, hostile or excessively tired. Other signs include missing school, reduced academic performance, lack of personal hygiene, change in social group and loss of interest in favorite activities or hobbies.

Parents often underestimate the seriousness of teenage drug use. The signs listed above can indicate that a drug problem has already escalated into addiction. Seek help at an accredited facility that offers programs geared towards teens. You may also look for dual diagnosis treatment to uncover co-occurring disorders.

Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida offers individualized treatment programs to address the personal nature of addiction. You’ll find the following services at our facility:

• Drug and alcohol detox
• Mens drug addiction rehab program
• Womens drug addiction rehab program
• Student addiction treatment
• Sober living
• Inpatient and outpatient rehab

Teen drug addictions can have serious ramifications later in life. Teenagers who struggle with addiction have a higher risk of becoming addicted adults. Don’t let substance abuse control your teen’s life any longer. Seek help by calling Beaches Recovery today at 866.605.0532 and begin the path to sobriety.