Teens, alcohol and drugs

Before graduating from high school, 90 percent of teenagers use drugs – mostly alcohol. Some do it to cope with family problems or other difficulties. Others start using out of boredom or curiosity, to feel good, etc.

Many may not become alcoholics or drug addicts. But they need to know about the influences and risks.

Adult influences

In forming their own habits, teens often look to parents, older siblings, other relatives, family friends and other adults. For example, if you relax by having a beer or smoking a joint, someone who looks up to you will tend to do the same.

Signs of a problem

The younger a person starts using, the more likely he or she is to develop abuse and dependency problems.

These signs point to an alcohol or drug problem:

• change in friends
• change in dress or appearance.
• change in patterns of sleeping or eating
• friends no longer being brought home
• unexpected failure in school/uncharacteristic tardiness or absenteeism
• slurred speech
• adamant defense of the right to use alcohol
• withdrawal and seclusion in room for long periods
• unexplained reduction in amounts of liquor in liquor bottles
• glazed look in the eyes
• more prominent mood changes
• general dishonesty
• radical changes in behavior or interests
• blackouts
• not coming home at night
• mysterious disappearance of valuable items

If someone you know shows any of the above signs, show you care by asking him or her about it. Remember that empathy and understanding are better than guilt or anger.

Related Links

Allina Behavioral Health Services: Substance abuse programs

Meth: Speeding toward death

Responding to teen drug abuse

First published: 09/13/99
Last updated: 04/20/2006

Reviewed by: Tim Gibbs, MD, medical director, Outpatient Clinic, Abbott Northwestern Hospital Behavioral Health Services; Paul Goering, MD, medical director, United Hospital Behavioral Health Services; Donna Krzmarzick, RN, director, Cambridge Medical Center Behavioral Health Services; Karin Lucas, RN, director, chemical dependency/mental health, Mercy Hospital; Robin McAlister, MD, psychiatrist, Mercy Hospital; David Olson, MD, psychiatrist, Cambridge Medical Center; Jodi Rucker, RN, director, Behavioral Health, Abbott Northwestern Hospital; Susan Tabor, BSN, RN, care center director, Behavioral Health Services, United Hospital