Substance Abuse in Teen Girls – What Parents Need to Know
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
We generally only cite government and peer-reviewed studies
Scientific claims and data are backed by qualified sources
Content is updated to ensure we are citing the most up-to-date data and information
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Adolescence can be a strange and confusing time for most teens. During this stage of development, teens crave freedom and are willing to take more risks. This thrill of risk-taking behavior makes it difficult to parent teens. Parents have to be careful and often walk a tightrope as they try to parent their teen girls. Although this type of behavior is normal for many teens, some of them take it a step further and start exploring or experimenting with drugs. In this day and age, drugs have become more common in society. They are more widely available and can be accessed through the tap of a button.
As a parent or guardian, it is important to stay involved in your teen’s life and teach them about the dangers of drug and substance abuse. This article aims to help parents and guardians recognize signs of substance abuse in teen girls. If you are looking for immediate help from a teen substance abuse treatment facility, Nexus Teen Academy can help. Contact our team today to learn more.
Understanding Substance Abuse in Teen Girls
During adolescence, teen girls tend to experiment and explore. Their rapidly maturing brain can make them seek out thrilling activities that stimulate the reward neuropathways in the brain. Due to this, some teens find themselves experimenting with drugs and substances when given the chance. Their impulsive and risk-taking behavior makes them not analyze the consequences of their actions. As a result, many teens will experiment with drugs at least once in their teenage lives.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, at least 15% of high school students reported using illegal drugs such as ecstasy and cocaine. They also reported that they experimented with drugs in a social setting, such as a party which may indicate that social situations and peer pressure may also play a role in substance use.
Common Substances Abused By Teen Girls in Arizona
You might be wondering what drugs are likely to be abused by teen girls. Some of them include the following:
Alcohol
Marijuana
Ecstasy
Cocaine
Heroin
Opioids
Painkillers
Prescription drugs
Nicotine
Risk Factors Contributing to Teen Girl Substance Abuse
“Why is my teen girl abusing drugs?” This is a common question that many parents ask themselves. Several factors may increase the likelihood of drug abuse in teens. These include the following:
Peer pressure: Many teens want to fit in and be accepted in social settings. Due to their fear of rejection, they may experiment with drugs to seem cool and be accepted by their peers. Peer pressure is one of the most common reasons why teens use drugs. As a parent or guardian, you need to ensure that you teach your teen assertiveness to prevent peer pressure from making them do impulsive and risky things.
Emotional struggles: Teens going through a hard time may use drugs to numb the pain. Drugs such as alcohol and marijuana can offer temporary relief to your teen’s issues. Drugs like nicotine are especially popular with teens who have trouble with emotional regulation since they calm their nerves.
Trauma: Bullying and other forms of trauma can be crippling. Drugs and substances offer an escape from negative thoughts and pain associated with trauma.
Mental health conditions: Some mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, may drive your teen to use drugs and substances. Drugs offer temporary relief from the overwhelming feelings associated with mental health conditions. This use of drugs as a negative coping mechanism leads to a dangerous cycle of continued substance use and mental health disorders.
Family Dynamics: Your teen’s home life may also contribute to their drug use. Teens who grow up in households with a history of drug use are at an increased risk of abusing drugs. They have grown up seeing that drug use is acceptable, and when they reach adolescence, they want to experiment with drugs. A difficult home life may also make your teen more likely to abuse drugs to escape their troubles.
As a parent or guardian, it is your responsibility to ensure you teach your teen the dangers of drug use. You should also ensure you create a supportive environment where your teen can express themselves fully about their struggles in life.
Behavioral and Physical Signs of Substance Abuse in Teen Girls
Teen girls who use substances may exhibit several signs and symptoms. Some of the symptoms may be behavioral, while others are physical. Symptoms of substance abuse vary with the type of drug used and when the drug was taken. Here are some behavioral signs of drug abuse:
Academic underperformance or decline: When teens abuse substances, they put less effort into school. This may lead to their grades dropping or skipping classes.
Neglected hygiene: Teens who are drug dependent usually have a hard time with their hygiene. Bathing, changing clothes, or doing laundry becomes too much of a chore for them.
Constantly borrowing money or unexplainable money issues: One way to know if your teen is abusing drugs is how they use their money. Drugs can be expensive, and dependent teens require regular use. If your teen is unable to explain how they use their allowances or money, it may be a sign that they are using drugs.
Change in friend groups: A sudden change in friend groups can be an indicator of drug use. Teens predominantly use drugs in a social setting and when they want to be accepted into a new friend group.
Engaging in other risky behaviors: If your teen girl is using drugs, they are likely engaging in other risky behaviors. Drugs lower an individual’s inhibitions, making them engage in activities they would unlikely engage in. Other risky behaviors include unsafe sex, driving while drunk, and vandalism.
Sudden weight loss: Heavy drug use may make your teen lose weight since they do not take care of their health properly. They stop eating and constantly chase the high they get from drugs.
Sudden change in sleeping patterns: Drugs and substances can have a negative effect on your teen’s sleep schedule. They may sleep for too long or struggle with insomnia.
Secretive behavior: Drug use is considered shameful in society. Teens who use drugs become secretive to prevent others from finding out that they are using.
Neglecting one’s responsibilities: Teens who use drugs tend to neglect the responsibilities they have at home or at work. They are more carefree and do not worry about their responsibilities. This makes it difficult for them to keep a job or be trusted with responsibilities.
Sudden withdrawal from friends and family: Teens who use drugs feel shame and guilt. These feelings make them become isolated and, therefore, withdraw from family and friends.
The Impact of Substance Abuse on Teen Girls
Teen girls who abuse drugs face several risks. Drug use can have a profound impact on your teen’s academics, social life, and overall well-being. Some effects of drug and substance use include the following:
Breakdown of interpersonal relationships: Drug use can strain your teen girl’s interpersonal relationships. Drug use causes a lot of conflict within friend groups, which strains the bond they share. With the stigma associated with substance use, many people will distance themselves from their teens.
Academic issues: Prolonged drug use negatively affects your teen’s academics. They constantly skip classes or fail to study to use drugs with their friends. This leads to poor academic performance.
Legal troubles: Commonly abused drugs are regulated or restricted. If your teen is found in possession of illegal drugs or alcohol, they may be charged and be taken to jail.
Mental health deterioration: The link between mental health and substance abuse cannot be ignored. Many teens use drugs in a bid to improve their mental health issues. While drugs offer temporary relief, they worsen your teen’s mental health in the long run. Substance abuse in itself is a distinct mental health disorder.
Addiction: Drugs directly act on the reward pathways in the brain. They interfere with neuron activity and may mimic natural neurotransmitters. This means that the brain perceives that neurotransmitters are present in the body and alters its natural state. For example, drugs like amphetamines trigger the release of large quantities of natural neurotransmitters, causing perception distortion. When the brain gets used to this feeling, it causes addiction.
Isolation: If your teen uses drugs, it is likely that they will withdraw from social activities and become isolated. This is because of the stigma associated with drug use as well as the internal shame and guilt.
Development of co-occurring disorders: Teens who use drugs are at an increased risk of developing co-occurring disorders. These are disorders that co-exist within the body. Substance abuse co-occurs with other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. It can also co-occur with PTSD due to your teen engaging in risky behavior that may be dangerous or lead to PTSD.
It is important that you, as a parent or guardian, sensitize your teen on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
How to Approach Your Teen About Substance Abuse
Addressing substance abuse with your teen girl can be a daunting task. Many parents find it difficult to approach their teens about such a sensitive topic. Here are some tricks and tips to approach your teen about the subject:
Create a safe environment where your teen can freely express themselves: A safe and supportive environment free of judgment can be the difference between a productive and unproductive conversation. If your teen trusts you and feels safe to share, they will entrust you with information about their personal lives. They will share with you about their experimentation with drugs since they know you will understand and be supportive. It is critical to make them feel safe as possible.
Ask about your teen’s view on the subject: It is very important to get your teen’s perspective on drug use. Listening to your teens’ views helps them feel heard and appreciated and prevents the discussion from becoming a lecture.
Teach them assertiveness and boundary-setting: As a parent, you should teach your teen to be assertive and set boundaries. This will help them say no when their peers offer drugs.
Do in-depth research on drugs: Many parents skip teaching themselves about drugs. The more you know about drugs, the more you can help your teen understand the effects of drugs. You do not want to be in a situation where you are asked a question you do not have an answer to.
Sensitize them on why they should not use drugs: Avoid using scare tactics when teaching your teen about drugs. Be honest and emphasize the importance of not using drugs.
Seeking Professional Help for Substance Abuse
Nexus Teen Academy is a premier teen mental health treatment facility that offers high-quality and tailored services for teens. It specializes in treating teens with substance abuse and mental health issues. At Nexus Teen Academy, our highly skilled staff offers tailored treatment options that cater to your teen’s needs.
If your teen struggles with substance abuse, our facility offers residential treatment for troubled teen girls in Arizona. We also offer individual, group, family, and holistic therapy options. We also use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help your teen recover from substance use.
Our residential treatment for teen girls is reserved for teens with extreme cases of drug use. It offers detox programs where your teen’s withdrawal symptoms are managed. Detox reduces the likelihood that your teen will crave using drugs once they leave the facility.
Other benefits of residential treatment include:
Focus on recovery. Your teen can focus on recovery, free from the distractions of the outside world.
Medical management. Where your teen needs medication to manage the symptoms, our staff will use medical interventions to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Peer support. Residential treatment offers your teen peer support as they recover from drug use. The shared goal of getting better improves their socialization skills and builds meaningful connections.
As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for getting your teen the help they need to recover. Contact us today to get more information.
Teen Substance Abuse Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Drug use can affect your teen in negative ways, like academic underperformance, poor hygiene, and problems with the law. As the problem persists, it will only get worse if left untreated.
If your teen is abusing drugs, you may need to seek professional help. Nexus Teen Academy offers a wide range of therapy options to help your teen recover. Contact Nexus Teen Academy today for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get my teen to admit they have a substance abuse problem?
To get your teen to admit they have a substance abuse problem can be difficult. They might be in denial or do not want to admit to the problem. It is crucial that, as a parent, you focus on the issue at hand. Speak to them openly about drug use and its dangers. Avoid using scare tactics, as many teens will become less trusting if threatened. Have a conversation about the subject and agree on a plan with your teen. Avoid accusations and judgment since this will help build trust and rapport.
Will my teen need long-term treatment to recover?
Age-appropriate treatment is crucial in recovery. Depending on the drugs and substances used and the severity of dependency, long-term treatment may not be needed.
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC and Nexus Teen Academy
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Substance Abuse in Teen Girls – What Parents Need to Know
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
Published By Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Published On November 25, 2024
Table of Contents
Adolescence can be a strange and confusing time for most teens. During this stage of development, teens crave freedom and are willing to take more risks. This thrill of risk-taking behavior makes it difficult to parent teens. Parents have to be careful and often walk a tightrope as they try to parent their teen girls. Although this type of behavior is normal for many teens, some of them take it a step further and start exploring or experimenting with drugs. In this day and age, drugs have become more common in society. They are more widely available and can be accessed through the tap of a button.
As a parent or guardian, it is important to stay involved in your teen’s life and teach them about the dangers of drug and substance abuse. This article aims to help parents and guardians recognize signs of substance abuse in teen girls. If you are looking for immediate help from a teen substance abuse treatment facility, Nexus Teen Academy can help. Contact our team today to learn more.
Understanding Substance Abuse in Teen Girls
During adolescence, teen girls tend to experiment and explore. Their rapidly maturing brain can make them seek out thrilling activities that stimulate the reward neuropathways in the brain. Due to this, some teens find themselves experimenting with drugs and substances when given the chance. Their impulsive and risk-taking behavior makes them not analyze the consequences of their actions. As a result, many teens will experiment with drugs at least once in their teenage lives.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, at least 15% of high school students reported using illegal drugs such as ecstasy and cocaine. They also reported that they experimented with drugs in a social setting, such as a party which may indicate that social situations and peer pressure may also play a role in substance use.
Common Substances Abused By Teen Girls in Arizona
You might be wondering what drugs are likely to be abused by teen girls. Some of them include the following:
Risk Factors Contributing to Teen Girl Substance Abuse
“Why is my teen girl abusing drugs?” This is a common question that many parents ask themselves. Several factors may increase the likelihood of drug abuse in teens. These include the following:
As a parent or guardian, it is your responsibility to ensure you teach your teen the dangers of drug use. You should also ensure you create a supportive environment where your teen can express themselves fully about their struggles in life.
Behavioral and Physical Signs of Substance Abuse in Teen Girls
Teen girls who use substances may exhibit several signs and symptoms. Some of the symptoms may be behavioral, while others are physical. Symptoms of substance abuse vary with the type of drug used and when the drug was taken. Here are some behavioral signs of drug abuse:
The Impact of Substance Abuse on Teen Girls
Teen girls who abuse drugs face several risks. Drug use can have a profound impact on your teen’s academics, social life, and overall well-being. Some effects of drug and substance use include the following:
It is important that you, as a parent or guardian, sensitize your teen on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
How to Approach Your Teen About Substance Abuse
Addressing substance abuse with your teen girl can be a daunting task. Many parents find it difficult to approach their teens about such a sensitive topic. Here are some tricks and tips to approach your teen about the subject:
Seeking Professional Help for Substance Abuse
Nexus Teen Academy is a premier teen mental health treatment facility that offers high-quality and tailored services for teens. It specializes in treating teens with substance abuse and mental health issues. At Nexus Teen Academy, our highly skilled staff offers tailored treatment options that cater to your teen’s needs.
If your teen struggles with substance abuse, our facility offers residential treatment for troubled teen girls in Arizona. We also offer individual, group, family, and holistic therapy options. We also use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help your teen recover from substance use.
Our residential treatment for teen girls is reserved for teens with extreme cases of drug use. It offers detox programs where your teen’s withdrawal symptoms are managed. Detox reduces the likelihood that your teen will crave using drugs once they leave the facility.
Other benefits of residential treatment include:
As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for getting your teen the help they need to recover. Contact us today to get more information.
Teen Substance Abuse Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Drug use can affect your teen in negative ways, like academic underperformance, poor hygiene, and problems with the law. As the problem persists, it will only get worse if left untreated.
If your teen is abusing drugs, you may need to seek professional help. Nexus Teen Academy offers a wide range of therapy options to help your teen recover. Contact Nexus Teen Academy today for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To get your teen to admit they have a substance abuse problem can be difficult. They might be in denial or do not want to admit to the problem. It is crucial that, as a parent, you focus on the issue at hand. Speak to them openly about drug use and its dangers. Avoid using scare tactics, as many teens will become less trusting if threatened. Have a conversation about the subject and agree on a plan with your teen. Avoid accusations and judgment since this will help build trust and rapport.
Age-appropriate treatment is crucial in recovery. Depending on the drugs and substances used and the severity of dependency, long-term treatment may not be needed.