PRICEAMFT6111-6.docx - Teen Substance Abuse 50 % of teens...

Teen
Substance
Abuse
Facts and Information
Teen substance abuse is a problem, know the risk factors
and how to help your teen
By Ashley Price
50
%
of teens
have

Risk Factors Associated with Teen
Substance Abuse (Inside the Home)
Individual Behaviors
A child’s early behaviors can be signs and risk factors that the child might develop a substance abuse problem
later in life. For instance, a child that often get in fights and has trouble controlling their temper can be a sign of
impulse control and that could lead to substance abuse.
Family Life
There could be a number of things going on in a child’s life that could lead them to substance abuse. These
include but aren’t limited to:
 Abuse/Neglect in the family
 Parent struggling with substance abuse
 Lack of parental guidance
 Constant conflict in the family

Risk Factors Associated with Teen
Substance Abuse (Outside the Home)
Peers
Teenagers can be influence by their peers by peer pressure. Wanting to fit in with
the other teens and wanting to be popular increases the likelihood of teens using
drugs.
School/Community
Teens have easy access to drugs and other substances. This, along with poverty, lack of
social skills and academic challenges can lead to substance abuse.
Who Can Help?
6 times more likely
the likelihood of teens using
alcohol if their peers are using
[ CITATION Nov18 \l 1033 ] .
44%
percentage of high
school students who
know someone who
sells drugs
[ CITATION
The182 \l 1033 ] .

Family Therapists and Substance Abuse Among Teens