It is a common phenomenon for teens to experiment with drugs and alcohol. They may first try a bit at a party or a friend’s house. After they first give in to try drugs or alcohol they are more likely to try them again. Before long, they can be regularly using drugs or alcohol which will easily turn into a problem that will persist later on in life if it is not properly handled. The statistics show that 90 percent of those who have an addiction disorder tried drugs or alcohol and used them before they were 18 years-of-age.

A variety of factors contribute to why adolescents give drugs or alcohol a try. Their home environment, social pressures, genetics, a mental health issue are all some of the reasons behind a young person’s willingness to try a substance. When a teenager starts using drugs or alcohol their risk for developing an addiction to the substance is significantly increased. Let’s discuss the most common causes that lead to teen substance abuse.

What Are The Leading Reasons Youths Use Drugs And Alcohol?

Peer Pressure:

Peer pressure is a significant part of a young person’s life and it manifests in many forms. Teens have influences good and bad coming in all directions, from friends, and family members. A teen may not want to try drugs or alcohol and know that it isn’t a good idea. The desire to fit in with a social group is so strong they do what they believe is necessary to be accepted. They want to impress others and become a part of the group. Understanding Substance Abuse In Youths

In the life of a teenager, being invited to parties and events and groups of friends are a sign of status. It is natural to want to be a part of the crowd. Unfortunately, the prevalence of drugs and alcohol shows up more at parties and similar social gatherings. Teenagers experience peer pressure that motivates them to try alcohol or drugs. They may have a higher tendency to give in to those that appear to be less risky like nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana. These drugs are gateway substances to more potent and dangerous substances. As they get more used to using one of these gateway drugs they can easily get caught up with trying other illicit drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, and opioids which can quickly turn into an addiction. 

Mental Health Issues:

Young people have much to deal with in terms of emotional and cognitive health. Their hormones are still changing causing them to feel unstable and act erratically at times. The immense pressures on teens to excel in school, sports, and socially put added stress on developing youths which can be a lot to take on. If a teen is also struggling with a mental health issue, all of these factors combined can feel like too much to bear and drugs and alcohol appear to be a release from the struggles they face in life when they are sober.  It is extremely important to get a teen struggling with a mental health issue in touch with a professional counselor to help them manage their condition and benefit from a treatment plan. When properly addressed, a teen is less likely to turn to substance abuse for self-medication.

Environment:

If teens are exposed to drug or alcohol use at home through parents or sibling’s use they are going to be more likely to try drugs or alcohol themselves. When a home lacks structure and discipline and there are no repercussions for negative behaviors like sinking grades or coming home drunk, for instance, these teens have no boundaries. The lack of rules and limitations put them at increased risk for continual engagement in drugs and alcohol and eventually a full-blown addiction. 

Genetics also plays a role. When there exists a family history of addiction a teen who tries drugs or alcohol may be more easily hooked than another who doesn’t have it in their genes.

Finding Help For Addiction In Tennessee

When you or someone you love needs help with substance abuse, the medical detox and addiction alternative treatment center at Discovery Place is here. Discovery Place’s Tennessee addiction alternative treatment center is a safe place for those struggling with addiction to safely detox and learn how to be successful in sobriety far after treatment.

Don’t waste any more precious time, call our Tennessee detox alternative treatment center today at 1-800-725-0922.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

    Thinking About Rehab?

    Learn More About Our Alternative Residential Recovery Programs

      Alternative Drug & Alcohol Treatment Rehab
    • Admissions
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Talk to someone about your options

      Talk to someone about your options

      Blue Pig Media