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Substance Use Disorder: Dealing With Teen Substance Use

Table of Contents


Overview

If your teen is using alcohol, tobacco, or other substances, take it seriously. One of the most important things you can do is to talk openly with your teen about the problem. Urge your teen to be open too.

Try not to use harsh, judging words. In most cases, an angry face-to-face meeting will push a teen away. Be as supportive as you can during this time.

If you don't know what to do or if you don't feel comfortable, ask for help. Talk to your teen's doctor, a pediatrician, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist.

Finding signs of substance use at an early age is important. That's because early substance use may:


How to recognize and deal with teen substance use

Looking for signs

Sometimes it's hard to tell if a teen is using alcohol or drugs. Experts recommend that parents look for a pattern or a number of changes, not just one or two of the changes listed here.

Signs that a teen may be using substances include a:

Talking to a teen who is experimenting

If you think that your teen has started to experiment with alcohol or other substances, don't ignore it. It's important to talk openly with your teen about your concerns.

Taking action

If you think that your teen is using alcohol or any other substance regularly, take action. It's important to take this problem seriously. Frequent or regular use of a substance can quickly lead to substance use disorder.

Use these tips to help your teen.


Credits for Substance Use Disorder: Dealing With Teen Substance Use

Current as of: November 15, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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