Drinking alcohol or using tobacco, nicotine, or other drugs

Teens and sometimes younger kids use substances for many reasons. They might drink alcohol or use other substances because they see others doing it and are curious. They may also feel pressured by friends.

Alcohol is legal for adults in most places and is often advertised as fun and exciting. The same goes for tobacco products like vapes and cigarettes. Many adults use alcohol and tobacco to relax and have fun in social situations. But these substances can also be dangerous and habit-forming, especially for kids and teens, and frequent use can have serious consequences for health, learning, and relationships. They might use them to feel better when they are anxious, sad, or lonely, which can increase the risk of addiction.

Other dangerous substances include marijuana (like cannabis, edibles, and vapes), hallucinogens (like LSD, mushrooms, and ketamine), sedatives (like Xanax, Ambien, Rivotril, and Diazepam), stimulants (like Adderall, Ritalin, and cocaine), opioids (like heroin, Percocet, and morphine), steroids, inhalants (like glue), and date rape drugs (like roofies). Even though these are illegal or need a doctor’s prescription, kids can still get them, and they are bad for health.

People who use these substances a lot might be trying to “solve a problem.” These substances can make them feel relaxed, help ease boredom, fit in with others, escape pain, or get rid of bad memories. While they provide momentary relief, these substances often worsen problems in the long run. It’s important for parents to understand why their child might find substances appealing and to help prevent negative consequences.

When substance use is severe, it’s hard for any parent to handle it alone, so professional help may be needed. It’s important to understand that this problem isn’t always just a matter of “bad influences.” In some cases, it can involve biological, psychological, and social factors.

What is typical use?

None. There is no good or acceptable amount of alcohol or substance use for kids or teens.

Even though kids and teens are not supposed to use alcohol and other substances, they might be curious, exposed to them, or pressured to use them, and consumption often begins during adolescence. Kids with anxiety, mood issues, behavior problems, or trouble paying attention are more likely to try alcohol or substances.

Most substances are harmful, especially in large amounts. Young people react differently than adults because their brains are more sensitive. For instance:

• They may enjoy alcohol more, leading to overuse and losing control.
• Their brain development can be impaired, impacting health, memory, and decision-making.
• Their brains are very sensitive to alcohol, which can harm their health and development.

Using alcohol or substances might seem to work at first (like reducing anxiety or making fun moments better). But this can lead to more use over time and cause problems with health, school, and relationships. It can also make kids take more risks.

In many families and societies, alcohol and nicotine use is seen as common, which can create the misconception that these substances are harmless. The caregiver’s role is to discourage use, offer alternative ways to deal with stress and peer pressure, and maintain an open dialogue. When adolescents feel they can talk without fear of judgment, they’re more likely to share their experiences or concerns.

When should I be concerned?

Alcohol or substance use in kids or teens should always worry parents. The longer they use something, the more dangerous it becomes.

But how do you know if a child is using alcohol or substances? You might find bottles or bags, but you can also look for changes in behavior, emotions, and actions. For example, smoking can cause coughing, while using stimulants can cause insomnia and weight loss.

It’s important to remember that none of these signs, in isolation, indicates substance use. Many of them can also be linked to other common adolescent situations, such as anxiety, depression, or periods of change. What deserves attention is when several signs appear together, persistently, or intensely, especially if they mark a clear change from the young person’s usual behavior.

Here are some signs that a child or teen might be having serious substance use problems:

• Changes in behavior, daily habits, and friends
• Mood swings, irritability, or arguing more
• Acting hyperactive or restless
• Being lazy, sleeping more, or having no motivation
• Falling grades, skipping school, and bad performance
• Losing interest in hobbies or activities
• Comments from teachers or friends
• Having friends who use substances
• Smelling like alcohol or tobacco
• Trouble waking up or falling asleep in class
• Dangerous actions like fighting, driving under the influence, or risky sexual behavior
• Isolating from friends or skipping school events
• Borrowing or stealing money or valuables
• Missing prescription drugs or alcohol

Extra care must be taken when adolescents begin to use substances frequently, even in small quantities, and when this use begins to interfere with school, family life, or friendships.

What can I do to help?

Parents know their children best. Here are some ways to address substance use:

1. Strengthen family bonds.Build trust and respect in your daily life. Eat meals together when possible, show interest in their activities and friendships, and set clear boundaries to show you care.
2. Talk about it.Plan a quiet time to have a conversation about substance use. Tell them ahead of time what you’ll talk about and explain your concerns and rules. Talking about the topic doesn’t encourage use; on the contrary, it protects.
3. Set rules and consequences.Clearly state your rules and what happens if they break them. Kids are safer when parents set consistent limits.
4. Explain why.Explain why using substances is bad. It can harm their judgment and lead to dangerous situations affecting school, relationships, and future opportunities.
5. Speak kindly.Treat them with respect and explain things. Avoid yelling or accusing. Show good, healthy behavior in your own daily life.
6. Listen.Let them share their feelings and questions. Listening without judgment increases the chance that they’ll be honest with you.
7. Seek help for emotional distress.If your child has mental health issues, get help to reduce the risk of substance use.

What kind of professional support can I seek out?

If you think your child is already using substances, professional support can help. Catching it early is important. Some parents may feel embarrassed when they discover their child is using, but that’s also when their child needs their support. Substance use that happens a lot, is intense, or affects their life might mean they have a Substance Use Disorder.

Talk to your child’s pediatricianor family doctor. They can refer you to other specialists, such as mental health professionals. Mental health professionals can help both the child and the caregivers. They can work with you to support your child at home and in therapy. The important thing is to seek help early and ensure that treatment involves both reducing or stopping use and strengthening the adolescent’s emotional and social well-being.

You can also find free support through the Unified Health System (SUS). Care often begins at your local Basic Health Unit (UBS). Other services include Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS i), specialty centers, and clinics at university hospitals.