Why Do Teens Use Drugs Or Alcohol?

Families Out Loud
Mar 3
5 min read

If you think your teen is using or may use drugs or alcohol – firstly, don’t panic! Most young people don’t do drugs, and most of those who do won’t continue using them. One-off or even occasional use does not mean addiction. But, of course, we’d rather they didn’t do drugs or drink at all. There are many reasons why teens use substances, but try comparing it to why you do something—like when you’re choosing what to eat.

Boredom

You have nothing to do, so you eat a packet of crisps. How many times has your teen told you they’re bored? They may look for something to make life exciting, and the forbidden things are often the most exciting.

Feeling Good

You eat to feel good and have fun—sugar, chocolate, ice cream. Your child’s friends might tell them substances are a way to have a good time. Teens want to feel better about life for many reasons, such as low self-esteem, low self-confidence, or problems at school.

Media Influence

People on TV and in films often have a drink to relax after a stressful day or an upsetting event. How many times have you had a drink at dinner to forget your troubles, relax, and escape? Your teen may feel the same—they hear the message and think that using substances is the solution.

Curiosity

Have you ever picked a dish from a menu that you haven’t tried before? You don’t know if you’ll like it, but others say it’s nice, so you’re curious. You may have done the same with an alcoholic drink—or maybe even a drug. Your teen has the same curiosity—only more, due to brain growth and development!

Fitting In

Ever been out for the evening and someone suggests a bottle of red, but you don’t like wine? Or a friend cooks dinner and serves a dish you don’t like, but you eat it anyway. Not wanting to rock the boat, you just fit in. Teens can feel a desperate need to fit in with their mates and may do drugs or drink to be part of the group. At times, everybody needs a connection and to feel the same as others.

Asserting Independence

Sometimes, they just need to feel grown-up and exert their independence from you—like when, for no apparent reason, they refuse to eat what’s served at a family lunch, even though they’ve eaten it a million times before.

What Makes It More Likely That Teens Will Try Drugs or Alcohol?

There are recognized risk factors, and the more of these your child experiences, the more likely they are to use drugs or alcohol. Here’s what to consider:

Low grades or failure at school
Being a victim of bullying or cyberbullying
Low self-esteem
Permissive parenting—letting children do exactly what they like
Helicopter parenting—hovering over a child’s every move and not teaching them to make their own choices
A parent or older sibling using drugs or alcohol
Living in a community with a high tolerance for smoking, drinking, or drug use among young people
Attending a school without strict rules for tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, and inconsistent enforcement of those rules
Belief that there is little risk in using substances

What You Can Do to Make It Less Likely

Protective factors are characteristics that can reduce a person’s risk for substance abuse or addiction. These may include:

A Strong Bond with an Adult They Respect

This could be you, a grandparent, a teacher, or anyone your teen feels close to and listens to. If they are closer to someone else, ask that person to talk to your child about drink and drugs—whether you suspect they are using or not. Information, at any stage, can help them change their thinking.

Family Rules and Consequences

Be clear about the rules and stick to the consequences. There’s no point in making threats and not following through—this will either make them think you don’t care or that they can

do whatever they like, neither of which will help.

The Feel-Good Factor

Make your child feel good about themselves—start at any age, the earlier, the better. Show them love and care. Use positive affirmations when they do something well, and keep criticism to a minimum. Offer advice and be there for them whenever they need to talk—just listen. Be interested in their feelings, opinions, and lives.

Talk About Alcohol and Drugs

Talk to your child about substances. Even if it means admitting that you have tried them, be honest. Tell them why you regret it and why you stopped. If you’re honest, they are more likely to be honest with you. If you have never taken drugs, try not to be judgmental of those who do—the disapproval of parents can be exactly what some teens want. (Try telling a teenage girl you disapprove of her boyfriend!)

Sports and Hobbies

Encourage involvement in sports, clubs, cadets, youth groups, and hobbies. These activities increase the chances that your child will spend time around positive role models, either in person or online. However, ensure that youth organizations have a strict no-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol.

School Policy

Make sure your child’s school or college has an effective alcohol and drug education program and a zero-tolerance policy. Ask what measures they have in place for substance misuse and what consequences they impose. You could also get involved through parents’ associations or as a school governor if you feel the school could do more.

Clear Messaging

Be clear that you believe substance misuse is harmful. Use news stories, TV shows, and real-life situations as conversation starters. Don’t shield them from the harsh realities of drugs and alcohol. You know your teen and what they can handle, but remember—they are nearly an adult and need to understand the real world, not just the sugar-coated version. Give them the facts before they are exposed to the fantasy!

Lead by Example

And lastly, lead by example. Make sure that older siblings and relatives do the same. Keep it clear that family rules apply to everyone, including visitors. Don’t use drugs in front of your child—full stop. Alcohol is more complicated, but try to drink in moderation. Don’t get drunk in front of them, don’t tell them you are having a drink because you’ve had a hard day or because you deserve it, and be very clear that it is not for children.

If you’re reading this, you obviously care about the effects of substance misuse—so tell your teen that, and explain why. “Because I said so!” won’t cut it—be prepared to have a conversation.

If Your Child Is Already Using Alcohol or Drugs

If you need support, please contact us at Families Out Loud. Connecting with professionals who understand what you’re going through can make a real difference.

📌 Website: https://familiesoutloud.org/contact/📌 Phone: 07444 098427📌 Email: enquiries@familiesoutloud.org