What Are The Signs of Substance Abuse in Teenagers, Adolescents, and Young Adults?
Addiction is a progressive disease, which means it often starts subtly and intensifies over time. Early signs can be easy to miss, but identifying them promptly can prevent occasional misuse from turning into a serious substance use disorder.
As a parent, knowing the interests and habits of your child gives you a better chance of spotting when something is off. If your teen or adolescent starts to withdraw from things they once enjoyed, becomes secretive, or exhibits other unusual behavior, it might signal the beginning stages of substance use. Dismissing early signs as “just a phase” or “harmless experimentation” can lead to a slippery slope, where casual use escalates before anyone realizes it.
Teens are heavily influenced by their peers, and often, friends may notice drug or alcohol use before adults do. However, most teenagers won’t step in or have direct conversations to discourage risky behaviors. If a teen is surrounded by friends who condone drinking, smoking marijuana, or using other substances, that environment can normalize these actions, sending an unspoken message that they’re acceptable. This is where keeping open communication with your teen is crucial. Encouraging honest conversations helps them feel supported and makes it easier for them to share what they’re experiencing without fear of judgment.
Teen substance use can often be identified through changes in behavior and appearance, and being attentive to these signs can help parents or caregivers intervene early. Here are some behavioral and physical signs to look for:
Behavioral Signs of Substance Use Disorder
- Acts irresponsibly
- Avoids eye contact
- Takes items or money without permission
- Locks doors or maintains unusual privacy
- Regularly asks for money
- Rejects feedback or discipline
- Breaks curfews or ignores set boundaries
- Misses school or work without valid reasons
- Makes private calls or hides messages
- Lies or frequently makes excuses
- Withdraws from family and friends or damages relationships
- Decreases participation in school or sees a drop in grades
- Loses interest in hobbies or past activities
- Replaces long-time friends with a new crowd
Physical Signs of Substance Use Disorder
- Has glazed or bloodshot eyes
- Struggles to focus or stay on task
- Neglects hygiene or changes appearance
- Shows signs of paranoia, anxiety, or agitation
- Appears with a puffy or swollen face
- Shows notable mood swings or attitude changes
- Is unusually tired or, conversely, hyperactive
- Experiences frequent nosebleeds or runny nose
- Has marks on arms or legs; may cover them with long sleeves
- Displays abnormal pupil size (either larger or smaller)
- Cold, sweaty hands or noticeable tremors
- Develops sores around the mouth
- Experiences sudden weight gain or loss
What Are The Risk Factors of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Teenagers, Adolescents, and Young Adults?
As a parent or guardian, understanding the factors that may lead to substance abuse in teens can help you recognize risks and seek help and recovery services early. Researchers have identified several critical risk factors for youth, often summarized by the acronym FACTS:
Family History
A family history of substance use can increase a young person’s vulnerability to alcohol or drug misuse, making early intervention through education and treatment services essential.
Age of First Use
The earlier youth begin using alcohol or drugs, the more likely they are to struggle with addiction later. Teens who start young may require intensive outpatient programs to address the unique challenges of early exposure.
Craving and Tolerance
Teens may quickly develop cravings or tolerance, especially when drugs or alcohol are used to cope with co-occurring disorders like anxiety. Outpatient or intensive treatment programs can offer support to break this cycle.
Surroundings and Social Influence
Peer pressure, lack of engagement in activities, and exposure to substance use in the community can normalize unhealthy behaviors. In these cases, families benefit from programs that foster a positive environment and build recovery skills.
Early recognition of these risk factors can make a meaningful difference, enabling families to access the right treatment and recovery services for a healthy future.
Substance Abuse Treatment For Teens, Adolescents, and Young Adults
Woburn Addiction Treatment offers quality substance abuse treatment programs in Massachusetts for Teenagers, Adolescents, and Young Adults. As a state-licensed treatment provider and leader in addiction treatment with proven success in facilitating long-term recovery, our team of top clinicians provides individualized, integrated substance use and mental health care that maximizes clinical care and education. Let us show you and your loved one(s) why our programs are considered the gold standard in mental health care. Call us – we’re available 24/day, 7 days/week.
Teen Rehab Programs: What Types of Treatment Programs and Support are Available for Adolescents, Teens, and Youth?
Finding the right support services for youth is essential to their long-term well-being. Rehab programs for teens offer various services tailored to meet the individual needs of young people at different ages and stages of development. These programs address the unique challenges adolescents face, such as navigating school responsibilities, peer influences, and developing independence, all of which can impact their recovery journey. With a combination of education, counseling, community resources, and services, youth can gain the skills they need to manage their struggles, find healthier coping mechanisms, and build a foundation for a positive future.
Residential Treatment Center Programs
For adolescents, teenagers, young adults, and children of all ages facing mild substance use and mental health challenges like anxiety, residential treatment centers offer an environment designed to address these complex, co-occurring issues. Studies show that integrated treatment—where both substance use and mental health needs are treated concurrently—leads to more successful outcomes than treating one issue at a time. Residential treatment programs allow young people to escape their everyday stressors, focus on recovery, and build healthy habits in a safe, supervised setting.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs offer a balanced approach for teenagers and youth who may not need round-the-clock care but still require significant support. IOP drug and alcohol recovery services combine flexibility with structure, allowing adolescents to continue with school activities and daily responsibilities while attending structured therapy sessions multiple times a week. These programs are particularly beneficial for teens managing additional challenges like co-occurring disorders, providing them with coping skills and a strong support network as they work through recovery.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment offers a less intensive option for teenagers and youth needing guidance and recovery services while remaining integrated in their daily lives. This approach works well for youth with milder substance use issues who may benefit from regular therapy sessions but do not require the more extensive support of an IOP or residential program. Outpatient treatment can also serve as a step-down service after a more intensive program, helping teenagers maintain their progress, reinforcing healthy choices, and the benefits of being enrolled in a treatment program in the community.
Support for teenagers facing substance use challenges is closer than you may think. Communities often offer a range of resources, from schools and healthcare providers to mental health specialists and addiction treatment centers. If you’re seeking a provider specializing in teen rehabilitation, a good first step is contacting our teen rehab. We can help you find the appropriate resources for your family.
Regardless of the treatment program or counseling services offered, effective treatment should begin with a thorough physical and mental health evaluation, as well as a review of the teen’s substance use history, to determine the most suitable care approach. With the right services, treatment, counseling, and education, teens and adolescents can overcome substance use disorders and go on to lead fulfilling, healthy lives.
Get Help From a Rehab for Teenagers, Adolescents, and Young Adults: Substance Abuse Treatment Center For Drug or Alcohol Use Disorders
Addressing teen addiction requires comprehensive clinical care that includes various therapeutic activities to meet each client’s individual needs. Whether through residential treatment programs that offer intensive support or an outpatient teen substance abuse treatment center that provides flexibility, the goal remains the same: to foster a healthy, balanced life for every teen. Investing in mental health care for teenagers is an investment in their future, ensuring they possess the tools and resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, do not hesitate to reach out for immediate help. Our Joint Commission-accredited teen addiction treatment center in Massachusetts offers comprehensive treatment for a range of addictions and substance use disorders. Contact us today by calling (781) 622-9190 or reaching out online. Our drug and alcohol rehab in Massachusetts can work closely with you to help you determine if your in-network or out-of-network insurance benefits allow you to access treatment and develop the best plan for you and your family.
