5 Strategies For Preventing Teen Substance Abuse

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Medically Verified: September 6, 2024

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All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

5 Strategies For Preventing Teen Substance Abuse

5 Strategies For Preventing Teen Substance Abuse

Addiction is a severe, complex condition that can be difficult to overcome. The earlier people start using addictive substances, the worse their addiction is likely to be. The effects of addiction can impact every aspect of a person’s life, from their physical health and emotional well-being to their ability to function in daily life. 

Teens who develop substance use disorder (SUD) often face significant challenges as they grow up. They may struggle in school, have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, or experience life-threatening complications. 

Preventing teen drug abuse can seem overwhelming. However, parents and caregivers can take steps to prevent kids from experimenting with drugs and alcohol.

This article will outline some strategies people can use at home, in schools, and in the community to prevent teen drug use. You will learn:

  • Commonly abused substances
  • Risk factors for teen substance use
  • The effects of teen substance abuse
  • Five substance abuse prevention strategies
  • Where to find substance abuse treatment

If you or a teen in your life needs help to overcome alcohol and drug abuse, you are not alone. Contact the team at The Living Room to explore our treatment and support programs

Understanding Teen Substance Abuse

Teens may begin using addictive substances for a range of reasons, including:

  • Peer pressure
  • Curiosity
  • To self-medicate emotional pain
  • To mask the symptoms of mental illness

Illicit drug use during the teen years can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s life. It puts teens at increased risk of health problems, legal or financial trouble, and other life-altering consequences. 

Commonly abused substances for teens include:

Certain risk factors make it more likely that a teen will begin to use drugs or alcohol. Risk factors for teen substance abuse include:

  • Mental health conditions
  • Behavioral issues
  • History of trauma
  • Low self-esteem
  • Family history of substance abuse

Teens who abuse drugs or alcohol may face short and long-term consequences of substance abuse, which may include:

  • Impaired driving that results in legal or financial trouble
  • Poor school performance
  • Poor judgment that results in accidents, injuries, illegal activities, and other problems
  • Risky sexual behaviors that put them at high risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections

Lack of health care, low parental involvement, and environmental factors can make it challenging to get the treatment teens need to overcome substance abuse. However, it is crucial to take steps to help addicted teens find treatment and stay on track in recovery. 

How to Prevent Teen Substance Abuse: 5 Strategies

Treating teen substance abuse can be very challenging. Taking steps to prevent teen substance use is critical. 

Here are five strategies you can use to prevent teen substance abuse. 

1. Start early

Teem substance abuse can start earlier than many adults think. It’s crucial to begin talking about substance use at an early age. 

It’s important to talk about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse in an age-appropriate way. 

Here are some tips to help you have these conversations:

  • Use age-appropriate language when talking about drugs and alcohol
  • Give only necessary information
  • Answer questions honestly
  • Talk about substance abuse frequently instead of waiting to have a “big talk” all at once

The more open you are with your kids about the risk of substance use, the more likely they’ll be to ask questions or talk about their concerns later on.

2. Use real-life examples

Use real-world examples of drug and alcohol abuse to open up conversations with kids and teens. Talk about drug abuse you see on TV or discuss news stories featuring substance abuse. This can help you bring up the subject of substance abuse in a natural way and make it easier to discuss.

3. Create open communication

Create an open environment where children feel safe to talk about substance abuse. Ask your child open-ended questions. Focus on giving them age-appropriate information. Never judge or shame them for being curious or asking questions. 

As time goes on, talk about substance abuse in different ways. You can give them language to say no to drugs or alcohol or tell them how to identify substances. You can also encourage teens to call you for a ride if they or others are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. 

4. Be aware of prescription drugs

Prescription drugs are one of the most commonly abused substances among teens and young adults. Many teens have access to prescription painkillers or benzodiazepines in their own medicine cabinets.

Parents must be aware of prescription medications with the potential for addiction. Don’t leave addictive prescription drugs out in the open. Secure them in a lockbox out of sight. Properly discard expired or unused prescription drugs. 

If your teen spends time with others who may use addictive prescription drugs, ask them to keep their medications locked up while your teen is in the home. 

5. Lead by example

A teen’s environment is one of the most significant risk factors for substance abuse. 

Children and teens learn by watching their parents and other adults. Check your own substance use. If you abuse drugs or alcohol, it’s likely your teen knows about it. 

Make sure to drink responsibly and do not use addictive, illegal substances. If you struggle with substance abuse or find it hard to stop using these substances, get help.

Find Treatment Now

If you or a teen in your life struggles with substance abuse, you are not alone. Reach out to The Living Room specialists to explore our teen treatment and recovery support programs. Contact our intake team with questions or to set up an intake appointment.

Start a Conversation

More than anybody, we understand that reaching out for help can be difficult. If you have any questions about our programs, services or the recovery process itself; please connect with us now. We are here to provide guidance and support… every step of the way.

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