Research on Adolescent Substance Use: Risks and Interventions

Did you know that over 90% of adults who have addiction problems first tried substances as teenagers?

A new study published in BMC Psychology examined teens who had used non-alcoholic and non-cigarette substances. It focused on the risk factors, protective influences, and helpful interventions from the teens’ own perspectives.

Researchers found that certain risk factors increased the likelihood of substance use. These included peer pressure, family problems, trauma, and difficult life experiences. Schools and social environments also play a role.

Another important finding was that preventive and protective factors, such as awareness of the risks and supportive family relationships, helped some teens avoid or reduce substance use.

As for interventions, the study showed that teens benefit most when support comes from multiple sources. These include parent education, counseling, school-based programs, and different types of therapy.

Understanding the Research

The researchers chose a qualitative approach, meaning they spoke directly with teens to listen to their personal experiences with substance use. The study included 21 Turkish teens ages 14–18 who had used substances other than cigarettes or alcohol.

Before joining, both teens and their parents gave written consent. The researchers made sure everyone’s identity stayed private.

Each teen participated in a face-to-face interview that lasted about 20 minutes. The researchers asked questions about:

• How they first got involved with substances
• What influenced their decisions
• The risks they faced
• What helped them cope or stay safe

They also discussed how substance use affected their daily lives and what advice they would give to other teens. After reviewing all the interviews, the researchers analyzed the responses and found some patterns.

Here are the key takeaways from the teens’ experiences:

Risk factors

Teens are more likely to start using substances due to several pressures. These include peer influence, challenges within their families, bullying, abuse, and exposure to crime.

For example, one teen said he was bullied in prison, and after he was released, he couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Another teen shared that he came from a broken family and felt deep pain and loneliness, which eventually led him to use substances to cope.

Prevention factors

Teens who recognize their strengths and goals are better able to avoid substance use. Families who stay aware of their teens’ behaviors and emotional needs also play a big role in prevention. Supportive teachers and school environments add another layer of protection through supervision.

For example, one teen said that he often couldn’t focus during the day and sometimes acted out violently because he couldn’t control his impulses. He felt he couldn’t talk to his parents about his struggles, but he believed that if they had noticed his behavior, they would have understood he was in trouble.

Treatment and Support

Teens shared that having informed parents, receiving professional help, and the coping skills they’ve learned from treatment centers helped them recover.

For example, a teen mentioned that if they had not received support from the treatment center, they would not be where they are today. They described how their life, friendships, and social circles have improved.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

The research findings are an eye-opener. They show just how complex substance use can be and how many factors influence a teen’s choices.

With these insights in mind, here are simple ways parents and caregivers can support kids and teens in making healthy, positive decisions:

Build strong and warm connections at home

Family conflict, emotional distance, or a lack of attention can make teens more vulnerable to peer pressure, which sometimes leads them toward risky behaviors. The relationship you build with your teen can act as a strong protective buffer.

You can start by dedicating a few minutes each day to simple, casual conversations (during breakfast, car rides, or bedtime) where the focus is just on listening. Ask about their day, their thoughts, their goals, or even their small victories, and show interest.

Pay attention to changes in your teen’s behavior

Many teens said they wished adults had noticed their struggles earlier. Changes in sleep patterns, loss of interest in hobbies, or sudden impulsive behaviors can be signs that a teen is experiencing inner conflict.

You can ask open, non-judgmental questions, such as: “I’ve noticed you haven’t been sleeping well lately. How are you feeling?” or “You haven’t been drawing or playing sports as much. Is something bothering you?”

These questions show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.

Show openness about mental health

Not all families are comfortable discussing mental health, and this can make it harder for teens to reach out for support. Teens face many struggles that we might not even be aware of, which is why it’s so important to start by being open about mental health concerns.

Equally important is practicing coping skills together at home, so they become a natural part of daily life.

You can also normalize asking for help by saying things like, “Everyone needs support sometimes,” which sends the message that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

The researchers are saying future studies should include all teens aged 14–19 so the results apply to more young people.

Check out our full collection of worksheets for kids and teens. These are perfect for proactive mental health support or as part of therapy.