Teen addiction recovery is notoriously isolating, but communities can change this. The sooner we recognise addiction problems within our own areas, the less shame teens will feel.
Schools, community groups and families can work together to make this happen, through education, collaboration, and understanding. Step by step, communities can figure out how to navigate addiction, instead of hiding behind it. This is how resilient futures are born.
Understanding Teen Addiction
When we think of teen addiction, we commonly think of drug or alcohol detox or rehab. There are many other types of addictions teens can struggle with, from internet addiction to sex addiction.
Regardless of how addiction manifests, it can wreak havoc on teens’ self-esteem, relationships, education, and health, which can deeply affect communities.
1. Prevalence Of Teen Addiction
Since the Coronavirus pandemic, drug use among teens has been at an all-time low. However, it’s still a significant issue around the world.
In the US, 25.8% of 12th graders have used cannabis in the past 12 months, and 12.9% of eighth graders have used alcohol in this time.
This problem is also present in the UK, where one in three 17-year-olds has tried a “hard drug”, such as cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine. Half of 17-year-olds in the UK have engaged in binge-drinking.
2. Causes Of Teen Addiction
There are many potential causes of teen addiction. Substance users span different genders, races, sexualities, social classes, and educational backgrounds.
This may be due to the strong genetic component of addiction. Research shows that some drugs are as much as 70% heritable, with alcohol standing at 50%.
Despite the genetic factor, we still see trends in higher drug use among people who:
- Have mental health disorders
- Have experienced trauma
- Were exposed to drugs or alcohol from a young age
- Are in poor physical health
- Have had adverse childhood experiences
- Are struggling financially
All of these scenarios can create stress and anxiety, which increase the chances of an addiction developing. Many people use substances as a way to self-medicate, but this often worsens any existing mental health conditions, and creates a painful cycle.
3. Dangers Of Teen Addiction
Teenagers’ brains aren’t yet fully developed, making them more vulnerable to the long-term effects of addiction. For example, using cannabis excessively can create memory issues, which can persist into adulthood, even when the user gets sober.
Another consequence of ongoing brain development is that adolescents tend to be more impulsive than adults. This could also be a result of teenagers simply lacking experience with novel adult behaviour. Either way, impulsivity is high, and this can lead to dangerous decisions being made, such as taking high doses of drugs, using drugs frequently, or mixing drugs.
For some young people, this results in severe addiction symptoms, such as paranoia, delusions, and suicidal ideation.
The Impact of Teen Addiction on Communities
In communities with high rates of teen addiction, we may see:
- Poor educational outcomes
- High crime rates
- Physical health problems
- Road accidents
- Low workforce productivity
Schools facing teen addiction problems often lack the resources to manage this issue whilst adequately supporting other students. Teachers are overworked, students are neglected, and exam results are poor.
Due to high crime rates, individuals within the community may feel unsafe, and they may avoid spending time in the local area. Consequently, communities may become more divided than ever.
Unfortunately, communities with a reputation for teen addiction often carry a lot of shame. People may choose to ignore the issue, downplay the statistics, or actively shame teens who are battling drug misuse.
Over time, this leads to increased stigma surrounding addiction, which makes it even more difficult for teens to share that they have a problem. It can also create an “us vs them” mentality, with non-drug users believing they would never become reliant on a substance, and this can increase the risk of an addiction developing.
When communities are willing to educate themselves on addiction, and have compassion for those affected, it can change lives. Young people may feel safe to ask for help, which can have a positive knock-on effect on their peers, and the wider community.
How Can Schools Help?
Schools are incredibly important when it comes to setting the tone for addiction recovery within the community. It’s where teens spend most of their time, so the message they are receiving about addiction can shape how they view themselves and their future.
To prioritise addiction education, schools should consider:
- Peer support groups
- Mental health workshops
- Free counselling
Collaborating with other services can take support to the next level. Schools should look to work with drug and alcohol rehabs, youth clubs, GPs and therapists to create multi-layered addiction resources for young people.
How Can Community-Based Programmes Help?
Groups that meet outside of schools can get to know teens in a more personal way, addressing their traumas and helping them access healthy coping mechanisms as opposed to substance use.
Community programmes that centre around a specific hobby are incredibly beneficial, as they enable teens to bond with like-minded peers, which can provide them with the connection they need to stay away from self-medication.
This might look like volunteering groups, football clubs, art clubs, music classes, youth clubs, or outdoor adventure groups.
Engaging in a regular activity also ensures teens are following a routine, which is crucial for their mental health. The more stable their everyday life, the less likely they will feel compelled to use drugs and alcohol to escape.
Community groups can also integrate key life skills into sessions in a natural way. For example, an art class could revolve around the topic of resilience. We can’t underestimate how much a lack of awareness contributes to teen addiction issues. Plenty of teens aren’t familiar with the term “resilience”, nor have they seen it modelled. Teaching this through an enjoyable activity can set them up to tackle temptation.
How Can Families Help?
A teen with a supportive family is much less likely to struggle with drug addiction.
Parents can support their teens and their teens’ peers by:
- Attending parent support groups
- Educating themselves on teen addiction
- Mentoring young people in their community
- Attending family workshops with their teens
Conclusion
Let’s model resilience for our teens.
It starts by acknowledging teen addiction issues and working together to reduce shame. Teens who can be open about their struggles will learn how to lean on their families, community groups and schools for support.
What better way to build a resilient community?