Why Teens Use Substances: Understanding the Root Causes

Sep 28

When a teen begins using drugs or alcohol, parents often ask the same question: “Why?” The answer isn’t simple. Substance use among teens usually isn’t about rebellion alone. It often connects to stress, mental health struggles, peer influence, or environmental factors. Understanding these root causes is the first step toward helping teens find healthier ways to cope — and toward offering them hope for recovery.

Mental Health Struggles

Many teens turn to substances as a way to manage overwhelming emotions.

About 1 in 5 adolescents in the U.S. report symptoms of anxiety or depression (KFF, 2023).
Globally, around 1 in 7 young people aged 10–19 experience a mental disorder (WHO , 2021).
Adolescents aged 12–17 with a major depressive episode are more than twice as likely to have used illicit drugs in the past year compared to those without depression (28.4% vs. 11.6%) (SAMHSA , 2023).

These numbers highlight the close connection between mental health and substance use. When teens don’t have healthy coping skills or accessible support, drugs or alcohol can feel like an escape.

Peer Influence and Social Pressure

Peers play an enormous role in shaping behavior during adolescence.

In one survey, 21% of teens who had used illicit drugs said peer pressure was a direct factor (National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 2025).
Social media adds another layer: teens who see friends posting about drinking or drug use are more likely to try it themselves (FIU, 2023).

For many teens, the drive to “fit in” outweighs the risks, especially if substance use feels normalized in their peer group.

Availability and Perceived Norms

Perception often drives behavior. If teens believe “everyone is doing it,” they may feel substance use is a normal part of adolescence.

According to the CDC, about 15% of high school students report having used select illicit or injection drugs at least once (CDC, 2023).

While the majority of teens do abstain, those who perceive low risk in trying substances — or who have easy access to them — are much more likely to experiment.

Parents can counteract this by correcting misperceptions (“No, not everyone is drinking or smoking”) and reinforcing the risks honestly, without fear tactics.

Stress, Trauma, and Family Environment

For some teens, substance use stems from deeper pain. Stress from academic pressure, family instability, or traumatic experiences can lead to self-medicating behaviors.

Research consistently shows that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) — such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction — increase the likelihood of later substance use (CDC , 2022).

Providing teens with safe, supportive environments and early intervention after trauma can dramatically reduce the risk of substance use.

Responding with Compassion

When families discover a teen is using drugs or alcohol, the response matters. Shame and punishment often push teens further into secrecy. Instead:

Approach conversations with curiosity, not judgment.
Offer consistent support while setting healthy boundaries.
Seek professional help when needed — from therapists, counselors, or recovery programs.

How TRS Helps Teens in Oklahoma City

At Teen Recovery Solutions, we see the “why” behind substance use every day — and we know it doesn’t have to define a teen’s future. Through Mission Academy High School, peer support groups, and family counseling, we help teens replace unhealthy coping mechanisms with resilience, education, and hope.

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