Why do some teens choose to drink and use other drugs?

Teens' decision to drink alcohol or use other drugs is influenced by:

  • If alcohol or other drugs are easy to get
  • If parents, neighborhood adults, or friends disapprove of teen drinking or other drug use
  • If parents provide teens with alcohol or other drugs
  • If they see teen alcohol or other drug use as dangerous
  • If they think teens who drink alcohol or use other drugs will be caught by the police
  • If they think they would be caught by their parents if they used alcohol or other drugs
  • If there is a lot of alcohol or tobacco advertising
  • If they experienced violence, mental illness, or drug use in their household

Sources

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-adolescent-substance-use-disorder-treatment-research-based-guide/introduction

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17485618

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16389206

https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUHresults2012/NSDUHresults2012.pdf

Show All Answers

1. What are the consequences of teen substance use?
2. Why do some teens choose to drink and use other drugs?
3. What can I do to reduce teen use of alcohol and other drugs?
4. I'm worried about someone's alcohol or other drug use. Where can I find help?
5. How did SCCUDD start?
6. What does SCCUDD do?