What is teen substance use disorder?

Returning to substance use is common after treatment. This is called relapse.

Getting a teen to stop using alcohol or other substances is only the first step. Substance use fills an emotional need. That need has to be satisfied in a healthy way for your teen to be able to stay off the substance.

Relapse is less likely if your teen:

• Is motivated by the treatment program to stop using and to learn the skills to deal with drug cravings, high-risk situations, and relapse.
• Can commit to being substance-free.
• Has or finds a healthy hobby or interest.
• Gets treatment for other conditions they may have. Examples may include ADHD, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or an anxiety disorder.
• Is involved in an aftercare program or case management.

It's important to know that:

• Relapse isn't a failure on the part of your teen or the treatment program. Recovery from a substance use disorder is hard, and it takes time.
• There may be setbacks that your teen will need to overcome one step at a time. Most teens need to go through treatment more than once and follow a long recovery process.

If you have substance use disorder, treatment usually includes group therapy, one or more types of counseling, and education. Sometimes medicines are used to help you quit. If you are physically dependent on substances, you may need medical treatment. You may need to stay in a hospital or treatment center.

Treatment focuses on more than substance use. It also helps you cope with the anger, frustration, sadness, and disappointment that often happen when a person tries to stop using substances.

Treatment also looks at other parts of your life, like your relationships with friends and family, school and work, medical problems, and living situation. It helps you find and manage problems. Treatment helps you take control of your life so you don't have to depend on substances.

Substance use disorder affects the whole family. Family counseling often is part of treatment.

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.

Some teens try substances such as alcohol or drugs only a few times and stop. Teens who keep using substances may form a strong need, or craving, for them. This can lead to a substance use disorder. Many factors increase a teen's risk for using substances and maybe developing a disorder. For example:

• Teens with family members who use alcohol or other drugs are more likely to have a substance use disorder.
• Teens who feel that they aren't connected to or valued by their parents are at greater risk.
• Teens who have poor self-esteem or emotional or mental health conditions, such as depression, are at increased risk.
• Teens who start using substances at a young age greatly increase their risk of a substance use disorder.

Teens who have substance use disorder use substances even though it causes harm to themselves or others. This disorder can range from mild to severe. It can develop from the use of almost any type of substance, including:

• Alcohol.
• Marijuana and other drugs.
• Prescription medicines.
• Over-the-counter medicines.