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Quick Facts


Substance Abuse Quick Facts

Substance use or abuse can complicate emotional or behavioral problems for young people. Although a small percentage of young people actually become "addicted," the majority go through a period of experimentation or regular use. Whatever the pattern of use, there is a problem when it begins to interfere with how an adolescent functions in school, or how they get along with family members or friends. Clearly, there is a serious problem when someone begins engaging in negative and/or self-destructive behavior because of his or her substance use.

We see substance abuse on a continuum from experimental use to severe use, leading to dependency. Although excessive abuse can lead to disease-end states, this does not mean that the behavior itself is a disease or the result of an underlying disorder. There can be many factors thatlead to, or contribute to, substance use/abuse.

Risk Factors for Adolescents Developing Substance Abuse Problems:

  • Alcoholism and other Drug Abuse in the Family
  • Difficulties in Family Management/Parenting
  • Aggressive and Antisocial Behavior, as well as other Behavior and/or Emotional Problems
  • Family History of Mental Health Problems and/or Criminal Behavior
  • Parental Use and Positive Attitudes Toward Use
  • Little Commitment to School / Academic Failure
  • Rebelliousness, Alienation and Lack of Social Bonding
  • Substance Using Friends and Positive Attitudes Toward Use
  • Early Experimentation with Alcohol and other Drugs (Prior to age 15)

Behavioral Indicators of Substance Abuse by Adolescents

The following signs and symptoms are potential indicators. They may be signs of other problems, and a thorough assessment is needed in order to determine if there is a substance abuse problem.
  • Poor Hygiene, Change in Appearance
  • Odor on Breath or Clothes
  • Drowsy, Tired
  • Poor Coordination
  • Frequently Borrows Money, Money or Objects Missing
  • Drop in Grades, Truancy
  • Avoids People, Withdrawn from Family
  • Change in Peer Group or Activities
  • Glassy Eyes, Pupils Dilated
  • Argumentative, Explosive
  • Red Eyes and/or Nose
  • Moody, Sullen
  • Secretive
  • Extremely Animated, Rapid Speech
  • Poor Concentration
  • Trance-Like, "Spaced Out"
  • Sudden Gain or Loss of Weight
  • Runaway or "Sneaking Out"
  • Peer Group Uses
  • Possession of Paraphernalia