Addiction and Substance Abuse in Teenagers
Support for Teens, Hope for Families
Many teens try alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Some teens try these substances only a few times and stop. Others can't control their urges or cravings for them. This is substance abuse.
Teens may try a number of substances, including cigarettes, alcohol, household chemicals (inhalants), prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and illegal drugs. Teens use alcohol more than any other substance. Marijuana is the illegal drug that teens use most often.
Fortunately, prevention and treatment can make a difference. We know that the development of a substance use disorder is complex, involving interactions between biological and environmental risk factors. Many teenagers who have a substance use disorder can also have one or more psychiatric disorders.
If you’re concerned your teen may have an issue with substance abuse or addiction, talk to your pediatrician or family physician, who will refer you to a mental health professional.
Related Conditions
Depression in Children
Anxiety in Children
Related Specialties
Pediatric Behavioral Health
Compassionate expertise for your child, whether he or she needs support during times of instability or help learning to cope with an ongoing condition.
Concerned for yourself or someone else?
Call or Text 988 for the Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline
The Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline provides 24/7 free and confidential crisis intervention, emotional support, problem-solving, and referrals to local resources for anyone at risk for suicide and for those concerned about them. You do not have to be in crisis to call.
The Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline is a member of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and is taking the 988 calls for Idaho as part of the national network of crisis call centers. The people you'll speak to live here in Idaho. Help is just a phone call or text away. Please call or text 988, or start an online chat now.