Top 10 Triggers for Teenage Chemical Dependency

As parents, we want to protect our teens from harm so they can have a bright future ahead. One of the biggest challenges that is rapidly getting out of control is chemical dependency among teenagers.

It’s hard enough to be a teenager, even without adding drug or alcohol use into the mix; yet more and more youth are resorting to these dangerous behaviors as an escape from the pressure of today’s reality.

What are those pressures? While some may argue that these problems stem from personal choices, professionals believe otherwise. Chemical dependency is also not just a physical dependence on substances. It is also a psychological one, especially for teenagers who are still discovering their identity and navigating life’s stresses.

With so many different influences, parents and caregivers alike need to understand the biggest risks for teenagers. Then we can equip younger generations with effective coping mechanisms rather than letting them spiral down destructive paths.

According to recent studies, substance dependence in teenagers has been steadily rising in this decade more than in any other decade in history. It’s time we all got together as educators, caregivers, and families alike to address the root causes proactively and stop this scourge.

The data most experts have accumulated through scientific studies unlock many of the root causes of teen addiction.

Triggers for Teen Chemical Dependence from Highest to Lowest

• The leading cause of chemical dependency in teens, according to a recent study by SAMHSA, the country’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is peer pressure. It accounts for an average of thirty percent of chemical dependency triggers among adolescents.
• A close second risk factor has been seen in teenagers who reported having a close family member with substance abuse issues. The reports say these kids are three times more likely to develop chemical dependency themselves.
• Another big contributor to drug and alcohol dependence is the easy access and glamorization of drugs through social media which plays a significant role in most teen substance abuse cases.
• Stress and anxiety from a huge academic workload, relationship issues, and other stressors common in this age group contribute to also pushing teens to seek solace through substance use.
• Youngsters are curious by nature; some might experiment out of curiosity without understanding the potential consequences leading them down the path of addiction.
• Experiencing trauma such as physical or sexual abuse, or neglect, at an early age, can make teenagers turn toward substances as coping mechanisms.
• Lack of proper education regarding the dangers associated with drug use has been identified as a leading cause behind teenage experimentation and subsequent addiction development.
• Studies show that undiagnosed mental health issues such as anxiety, ADHD, or depression can serve as catalysts for drug use among the youth population.
• Teens struggling with low self-worth may find temporary relief by using drugs or alcohol for confidence boosters.
• An alarming trend has also emerged with parental neglect or lack of parental involvement or monitoring behavior ranking high on the list in leading teens toward self-medication using addictive substances.

All of these facts show that early intervention for at-risk youth is essential. However, there are also a couple of important aspects to be considered in the case of families with addiction. Consequently, for the purpose of decreasing the prevalence rates of adolescent chemical dependency, targeted prevention should focus on the education of adolescents and their families about healthy coping mechanisms and open communication.

Once these generational patterns are disrupted through awareness campaigns that foster positive parenting and reinforce supportive familial relationships, lasting impacts can be achieved among the vulnerable youth in our communities.

Counseling can go a long way in helping parents and teens mitigate drug use even before it starts. Whether you are just concerned about the issue or your teen is actively using, seek help. Call our offices today, and we can make an appointment for you or your teen with one of the therapists in our practice. Any time is a good time to stop the impact of drug addiction.