FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Kids who start drinking alcohol, using tobacco, or drugs before age 15 are 5 times more likely to develop abuse or dependence than people who first use at ages 18 or older, 21 for alcohol. Dependency risk decreases the older an individual's age of first use. A study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine showed that 47% of those who began drinking before age 15 experienced alcohol dependence at some point in their life, compared to 9% percent of those who began drinking at age 21 or older.

Parents should consider substance use when they notice changes in their adolescent's behavior. Changes that might be a sign of substance use include increased moodiness or sudden changes in mood, getting into fights, secretiveness, and associating with friends who are getting into trouble. Signs of substance use can also include doing worse in school, cutting classes, dropping out of sports or clubs, or getting into more arguments. Parents can be alert to noticing more direct signs such as missing pills, unexplained over-the-counter medications in the house, cigarettes or rolling paper in the laundry, or smells of alcohol or smoke.

Parents can contact a trusted professional, for example, a school counselor, a pediatrician or a family doctor. If they have access, they can seek advice from a specialist such as a child psychiatrist, psychologist, or substance abuse counselor. Check here for our local community resources.

Treatment can occur in different settings, depending on the severity of the problem and the availability of treatment options. Milder cases can occur in weekly outpatient counseling. Intensive outpatient treatment involves more time in treatment, ranging from a few hours to a full day, all or most days of the week. Residential treatment involves admission to a 24 hours/day, 7 days/week program and typically would last for at least a week, and sometimes much longer. An adolescent who also has a psychiatric disorder will need coordinated treatment for the psychiatric disorder, such as therapy and/or medication.

Yes. Parents can help in many ways. They can communicate their concerns about substance use and can set clear expectations for behavior. Supervision and monitoring are important, including meeting friends, knowing where their children are, and having developmentally appropriate rules, for example curfews.

Parents can be alert to early signs of substance use, such as smelling alcohol or cigarette smoke, changes in mood or odd behavior when the adolescent returns home. Parents concerned about their children's mental health should seek treatment, since untreated psychiatric disorders can increase the risk of substance abuse.

Parents who have mental health or substance use problems should seek treatment for themselves, and also to help prevent their children from having a substance use problem.

Most experts in the field of treating adolescent (teenage) chemical dependency will tell you to talk with your child directly if you find drugs in his/her bedroom. Your child may deny that the drugs are theirs, often claiming that they are holding them for a friend. Try and avoid arguing or getting into a power struggle with your child in an attempt to force them to tell you the truth. If your child continues to deny, tell them that you are concerned, and that the next time you suspect any drug use activity, you will take them for a professional assessment. Take the drugs you find away and dispose of them appropriately.

Individuals who are involved with the illegal use of drugs and alcohol, regardless of their age, will try and defend their right to behave the way they want. Assume your child will be defensive when confronted. If he/she admits to use and asks for help, you are one step ahead. If he/she becomes defensive, try not to yell or be argumentative. Let your child know how you feel, talking about your fears and worries. Your child can't deny or get defensive about your feelings.

Don't expect that this technique will change things immediately. Your child needs to know how you feel and what to expect from you if you find drugs or your child is under the influence again.

Though some may claim vaping is less dangerous than traditional cigarettes, that doesn’t mean that vaping is safe. In other words, “safer” doesn’t mean safe. Studies have shown that the aerosol vapor can contain dangerous toxins, including heavy metals and chemicals known to cause cancer and other diseases. To create flavors, vape manufacturers mix chemicals that are harmful when inhaled, regardless of whether there’s nicotine. The chemicals can damage the heart, lungs, and immune system. In addition, most vape products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive.

Human brain development continues far longer than was previously realized (until age 25), and nicotine use during adolescence and young adulthood has been associated with lasting brain impairments, including effects on memory and attention.

While some vapes do not contain nicotine or THC, most do. In fact, 100 percent of Puff Bar and Juul products – teens’ top choices for vaping – contain nicotine. Both of these products use nicotine salts that allow for much higher levels of nicotine compared to earlier generations of e-cigarettes. Plus, studies have shown that most vaping products labeled “nicotine-free” actually contain nicotine. For teens who don’t want to become addicted to nicotine, the safest option is not to vape at all.

E-cigarettes come in a variety of sweet flavors which appeal to youth. E-cigarette companies, some of which are owned by tobacco companies, developed products that are addictive and appealing to children. These companies have created hundreds of candy and fruit flavored e-liquids that make e-cigarettes seem harmless, but they are not.

• Learn about e-cigarettes and the different types of products youth are using. Check out our resources page.
• Talk to your children about the risks of using e-cigarettes.
• Ask your child what they have heard about vaping and if any of their friends are vaping.
• Encourage an open, ongoing conversation.
• Avoid criticizing your child, but explain your concerns about vaping.

Long-term studies of high school students show that few young people use other illegal drugs without first using marijuana. Using marijuana puts people in contact with people who are users and sellers of other drugs and are more likely to be exposed to and urged to try other drugs.

Yes, marijuana is a plant but it has very real health consequences, including drug addiction. While some people think marijuana is a “harmless drug,” actual experience and the real science show a different reality. More teens are in treatment with a primary diagnosis of marijuana dependence than for all other illegal drugs combined.

There are many negative effects and risks related to youth cannabis use.

• Cannabis use can be addictive. The earlier it is used, the harder it is to stop using it.
• Studies have found that long-term cannabis use is linked to poor memory through changes in brain structure
• Adolescents who abuse cannabis are more likely to have lower reading and math scores than their peers
• When used, cannabis can cause a decrease in judgement. This means that youth who are under the influence of cannabis may be more likely to make unsafe choices, such as driving dangerously and engaging in risky sexual behaviors
• Regular youth cannabis use has been linked to depression, anxiety, changes in personality, and suicidal thoughts

• If your child asks about your past use, be honest and open with him or her. You could say “I did try marijuana, and I had this experience.” Don’t feel pressured to tell every detail. Highlight what responsible use of cannabis looks like.
• If you use cannabis, make sure to explain what responsible use is. You could say “I can legally use marijuana because I am over 21 years old. I use it responsibly. I do not use it while driving, I do not use it to the point where it gets in the way of work and family. I do not use it to forget things I am sad or mad about.”
• Check out our Parent Resources Page

Kids who start drinking alcohol before age 15 are 5 times more likely to develop alcohol abuse or dependence than people who first used alcohol at age 21 or older. A study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine showed that 47% of those who began drinking before age 15 experienced alcohol dependence at some point in their life, compared to 9% percent of those who began drinking at age 21 or older.

Alcohol can also cause changes in the structure and function of the developing brain. Because most people’s brains are not fully developed until their mid-20’s, alcohol can have a major impact on a young person’s brain development that affect decision making, judgment, emotions, and even academic performance. It may have consequences reaching far beyond adolescence.