At What Age Do Most Teens Start Experimenting with Drugs and Alcohol?

At What Age Do Most Teens Start Experimenting with Drugs and Alcohol?

---

As a parent, you probably know it's important to talk to your teenager about drugs and alcohol. You may also know some statistics about teen drug use and drinking alcohol. But you might not know that, for many teens, experimentation with these substances occurs around the age of 16 or 17. To avoid serious problems down the road, it’s important to address any suspicious activity your teenager may be engaging in and provide information on drug and alcohol abuse and its many side effects on their body and life. This way, when they are peer pressured or curious about trying drugs and alcohol, they are well-equipped with the knowledge they need to make conscious and smart decisions.

Teen Drinking

The most commonly used drug among teens is alcohol. Using alcohol before adulthood can cause many health problems and increase the chances of developing many substance abuse-related issues.

While it's important to know that alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down your brain and body—and can cause an individual to pass out—there are other dangers related to teen drinking:

• Alcohol poisoning – if you drink too much at one time or over a few hours, you could become unconscious and stop breathing.
• Alcohol-related car crashes – about half of all traffic fatalities involve drunk driving (one in three people who die from an auto accident are drinking). In addition, the NTSB estimates that 10 percent of all deaths on America’s highways involve alcohol impairment by drivers or pedestrians/cyclists who have been drinking (this accounts for more than 25 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents).

Teen Drug Use

There are several reasons why teens choose to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Studies suggest that peer pressure is a major factor influencing teenagers to view drugs and alcohol as part of life. Other factors like curiosity play a role in their decision to partake, but when kids become more independent, they decide a lot for themselves. This can be quite concerning as a parent because your children are so young, even teenagers, and might not have the proper life skills and understanding to make complex decisions at this stage in their lives.

Myth: Teens Don’t Become Dependent on Drugs

Teenagers and young adults are more likely to develop an addiction than children or the elderly. While it's true that young people's bodies are growing and changing rapidly, drugs and alcohol can still have a lasting effect on their brains. In addition, studies show that teens who begin using substances as adolescents have a higher chance of developing an addiction later in life.

There's no perfect age at which your children need to hear the implications of drugs and alcohol, but when you feel the time is right to inform your children about the many risks involved with substances, here are some things to consider mentioning when discussing the topic.

• It's important not to shame your child if they've experimented with drugs or alcohol—just make sure they know that doing so is dangerous. Be honest about what happened when you were younger (and how much trouble it got you into). If that means admitting mistakes you made while experimenting with substances as a teen, that's okay—it will help build trust between the two of you.
• Keep an ongoing open dialogue about any new research on substance abuse.
• Be completely present when they open up to you and talk about what they are experiencing in school and with their friends. Listen closely to any hints you may need to make changes for them or get them involved in more programs outside of school to keep them busy.
• If they admit to trying drugs or alcohol, ask them about their experience and reiterate the dangers. Do your best to encourage and support them in getting help and receiving therapy for any underlying issues they may be dealing with.
• Be the example. Children don’t always do what we say and often mirror what we do. If you don’t want your child using drugs or alcohol, you shouldn’t use them either. Setting the example for your children to be sober starts at home. Showing that life without drugs and alcohol can be fun, rewarding, and fulfilling is a great way to display the perks of a sober lifestyle.

Drug and Alcohol Treatment for Teens

If your teen is struggling with an addiction, it can be a scary and confusing time. Of course, you want to help them through their recovery, but you need to know where to start. Our admissions staff at Passages can help direct you to get your teen the treatment they need. We are here to answer any questions and provide you with various resources.

Most teenagers will experiment with drugs or alcohol. It's up to parents to help their teens make sure these things don't turn into something more serious.

Here are five signs your teen may be abusing drugs or alcohol:

• Changes in behavior, including mood swings, napping during the day, increased irritability, acting secretive, and staying out late
• Having trouble at school or home because of drug use or drinking (missing classes, getting poor grades, getting into fights, or being more rebellious)
• A sudden drop in hygiene habits (showering less often than usual; not washing their hair or brushing their teeth regularly)
• Spending time alone instead of with friends and family members, isolating themselves from others, and showing little interest in things they once enjoyed, such as athletics, social clubs, crafts, or other fun hobbies.

If you are worried that your teen is experimenting with drugs or alcohol, it's crucial to get them help immediately. Drugs and alcohol can lead to long-term health problems and addiction if not treated early on.