Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Articles

Teen drug use: Help your teen avoid drugs and alcohol.

Why teens abuse drugs
Talking about teen drug abuse
Why teens use or misuse drugs
Consequences of teen drug abuse
Recognizing the warning signs of teen drug abuse
Seeking help for teen drug abuse
Content
The developing brain
Reasons for using drugs and alcohol
Risks of using drugs and alcohol
Risk of substance abuse disorders
Health effects of drugs
Talking about teen drug use
Other preventive strategies
Recognizing the warning signs of teen drug or alcohol use
Seeking help for teen drug use

Risks of using drugs and alcohol

Using drugs or alcohol — even once in a while — creates particular risks for teenagers. Using frequently or in large doses only increases the risks, which include:

  • Drug or alcohol use disorders during teenage years or later in life.
  • Poor judgment about risk taking that can cause:
    • Accidents, violence or injury.
    • Impaired driving or riding with an impaired driver.
    • Unplanned or unsafe sex.
    • Illegal activity or encounters with the criminal justice system.
  • Lack of interest, frequent absences or poor performance at school.
  • Lack of coping skills to deal with typical problems.
  • Worsening mental health conditions.
  • Changes in personality, unusual irritability and big mood swings.
  • Suicide or suicide attempts.