Teen substance use disorder

Substance use disorder means that a person uses substances even though it causes harm to themself or others. For example, you may neglect school, work, or your relationships. You may keep using a substance even though it affects memory and learning or causes physical problems. Substance use disorder can range from mild to severe. The more signs of this disorder you have, the more severe it may be.

Substance use disorder can develop from the use of almost any type of substance. This includes alcohol, marijuana or other drugs, prescription medicines, and over-the-counter medicines.

Most of the time, substance use disorder starts with casual use. You may not think there will be a problem if you use a substance once or twice. But substance use can lead to substance use disorder. And it sometimes happens quickly.

Substance use changes your brain's structure and how it works. Teens who keep using substances may develop a strong need, or craving, for the substance. You may want to stop using a substance but can't. You may become physically dependent on the substance. You may have uncomfortable symptoms (withdrawal) if you stop using it or use less of it.

If a doctor thinks that your teen may have a substance use disorder, the doctor will:

• Ask about your teen's past health and do a physical exam.
• Want to talk with your teen in private. The doctor may ask your teen about their attitudes toward substance use, their history of use, and any effects of drug use.

Certain health conditions are common in teens who use substances. These include ADHD, depression, and anxiety disorders. The doctor may try to find out if your teen has any of these conditions. The doctor will want to treat these conditions as well as the substance use.

The doctor may refer your teen to a professional who is experienced in teen substance use disorders.

Tests like urine or blood tests aren't usually done to diagnose a substance use disorder. And most health professionals won't do these tests without the teen's consent. A parent's consent usually isn't enough.

The basic types of substance use treatment programs for teens are:

• Inpatient programs.

  These programs are very structured and closely supervised in a hospital or treatment center. The teen stays day and night during treatment. These programs usually have an aftercare program that provides support and encouragement.

  Other types of inpatient programs are:

  • Therapeutic communities. These are not based in a hospital. They may last up to 2 years.
  • Wilderness challenge programs. They combine a wilderness experience and some form of treatment.
• Outpatient programs.

  These range from very structured programs to drop-in centers.

  • Day treatment programs require that the teen spend 8 hours or more during the day at the facility, but the teen is home at night.
  • Less intensive programs are designed for young people who don't need as much time in day treatment or to be in an around-the-clock treatment center.