Welcome to this essential guide for parents and caregivers on understanding and addressing substance use among teenagers. This page provides clear information and practical advice to help you support your teen's health and well-being.
Current Data
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2023, adolescents aged 12 to 17 with a past-year major depressive episode (MDE) were significantly more likely to have used illicit drugs (28.4%) compared to those without an MDE (11.6%).
Types of Substances Teens May Encounter
Teens may experiment with a range of substances. Understanding the common types and their risks is crucial.
KRATOM
Kratom has become one of the latest “natural” trends drawing attention among teens and young adults, marketed online and in stores as a harmless herbal supplement, but in reality, it carries serious health risks.
Kratom is a plant from Southeast Asia that’s often sold in the U.S. as a “natural” supplement (commonly in the form of teas, powders, capsules, or gummies) promoted to boost energy, relieve pain, or reduce anxiety. However, Kratom can pose serious health risks, particularly for teens and young adults. The substance can be addictive and, in higher doses, has been linked to dangerous side effects and overdose. In fact, more than a hundred overdose deaths in recent years have involved Kratom, including several among youth ages 15–24.
B-PEN urges parents to stay informed and talk with their teens about the risks associated with Kratom use.
View our Kratom Fact Sheet
Vaping and E-Cigarettes:
Vaping has become incredibly popular among teens due to its discreet nature and wide variety of appealing flavors. However, most vape products contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can harm the developing adolescent brain. Vaping can also be used to consume marijuana. The long-term health effects of vaping are still being studied, but concerns include lung injury and a gateway to other nicotine products or drugs. It's important to note that Brookline is part of a groundbreaking Tobacco-Free Generation initiative: anyone born on or after January 1, 2000, will never be able to legally purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, within the town of Brookline, regardless of their age. You can learn more about this bylaw on the official Town of Brookline website.
Alcohol
Despite being illegal for those under 21, alcohol remains the most commonly used substance among American teens. Many teens who drink do so with the intention of getting drunk, often leading to binge drinking (consuming large amounts in a short period). Underage drinking is especially dangerous for the developing adolescent brain and significantly increases the risk of impaired judgment, risky behaviors (including regretted sexual activity), and potential alcohol poisoning.
Marijuana
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug among youth. The legalization of marijuana for adults in some areas has led to a misconception among teens that it is harmless. However, marijuana use, especially products with high THC potency, can negatively impact the developing teen brain, affecting memory, learning, attention, and decision-making. It can also exacerbate existing mental health issues or trigger new ones.
Prescription and Synthetic Drugs
Misusing prescription drugs—taking them without a prescription, in higher doses, or for non-medical reasons—is a significant concern. Common misused prescription drugs include anxiety medications (like Xanax), stimulants (like Adderall or Ritalin), and opioid pain relievers. Many teens obtain these from friends, family, or directly from home medicine cabinets. The danger is compounded by illegally made pills, which are often sold as prescription drugs but can be laced with potent and deadly substances like fentanyl. Synthetic drugs also pose serious, unpredictable risks.
Kratom has become one of the latest “natural” trends drawing attention among teens and young adults, marketed online and in stores as a harmless herbal supplement, but in reality, it carries serious health risks.
Kratom is a plant from Southeast Asia that’s often sold in the U.S. as a “natural” supplement (commonly in the form of teas, powders, capsules, or gummies) promoted to boost energy, relieve pain, or reduce anxiety. However, Kratom can pose serious health risks, particularly for teens and young adults. The substance can be addictive and, in higher doses, has been linked to dangerous side effects and overdose. In fact, more than a hundred overdose deaths in recent years have involved Kratom, including several among youth ages 15–24.
B-PEN urges parents to stay informed and talk with their teens about the risks associated with Kratom use.
View our Kratom Fact Sheet
Vaping and E-Cigarettes:
Vaping has become incredibly popular among teens due to its discreet nature and wide variety of appealing flavors. However, most vape products contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can harm the developing adolescent brain. Vaping can also be used to consume marijuana. The long-term health effects of vaping are still being studied, but concerns include lung injury and a gateway to other nicotine products or drugs. It's important to note that Brookline is part of a groundbreaking Tobacco-Free Generation initiative: anyone born on or after January 1, 2000, will never be able to legally purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, within the town of Brookline, regardless of their age. You can learn more about this bylaw on the official Town of Brookline website.
Alcohol
Despite being illegal for those under 21, alcohol remains the most commonly used substance among American teens. Many teens who drink do so with the intention of getting drunk, often leading to binge drinking (consuming large amounts in a short period). Underage drinking is especially dangerous for the developing adolescent brain and significantly increases the risk of impaired judgment, risky behaviors (including regretted sexual activity), and potential alcohol poisoning.
Marijuana
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug among youth. The legalization of marijuana for adults in some areas has led to a misconception among teens that it is harmless. However, marijuana use, especially products with high THC potency, can negatively impact the developing teen brain, affecting memory, learning, attention, and decision-making. It can also exacerbate existing mental health issues or trigger new ones.
Prescription and Synthetic Drugs
Misusing prescription drugs—taking them without a prescription, in higher doses, or for non-medical reasons—is a significant concern. Common misused prescription drugs include anxiety medications (like Xanax), stimulants (like Adderall or Ritalin), and opioid pain relievers. Many teens obtain these from friends, family, or directly from home medicine cabinets. The danger is compounded by illegally made pills, which are often sold as prescription drugs but can be laced with potent and deadly substances like fentanyl. Synthetic drugs also pose serious, unpredictable risks.
Why Teens Turn to Substances
Adolescence is a period of significant change and development, making teens particularly vulnerable to experimenting with substances. The reasons teens may turn to alcohol, marijuana, vaping, or other drugs are complex and often multi-faceted.
Curiosity and Experimentation: A natural part of growing up, some teens are simply curious about the effects of substances.
Peer Pressure and Social Influence: The desire to fit in, be accepted by friends, or feel part of a group can lead to trying substances.
Coping Mechanisms: Teens might use substances to self-medicate for anxiety, depression, stress, or other mental health challenges. They may be seeking to escape difficult emotions or situations.
Stress and Academic Pressure: The demands of school, extracurriculars, and future planning can lead some teens to seek ways to cope or enhance performance (e.g., stimulants for studying).
Risk-Taking and Sensation-Seeking: The developing teenage brain is wired for novelty and risk, which can contribute to impulsive decisions regarding substance use.
Availability: Easy access to substances, whether at home, from friends, or through social gatherings, increases the likelihood of use.
Misinformation: Misconceptions about the safety of certain substances, particularly newer ones like vapes or legally available marijuana products, can influence choices.
Peer Pressure and Social Influence: The desire to fit in, be accepted by friends, or feel part of a group can lead to trying substances.
Coping Mechanisms: Teens might use substances to self-medicate for anxiety, depression, stress, or other mental health challenges. They may be seeking to escape difficult emotions or situations.
Stress and Academic Pressure: The demands of school, extracurriculars, and future planning can lead some teens to seek ways to cope or enhance performance (e.g., stimulants for studying).
Risk-Taking and Sensation-Seeking: The developing teenage brain is wired for novelty and risk, which can contribute to impulsive decisions regarding substance use.
Availability: Easy access to substances, whether at home, from friends, or through social gatherings, increases the likelihood of use.
Misinformation: Misconceptions about the safety of certain substances, particularly newer ones like vapes or legally available marijuana products, can influence choices.
Safe Storage and Disposal of Medications and Alcohol
Secure All Medications. Keep all prescription and over-the-counter medications, especially pain relievers, stimulants, and sedatives, in a locked cabinet or secure location. Do not leave them easily accessible in medicine cabinets or on counters.
Secure Alcohol. Keep all alcoholic beverages in a locked cabinet or a place inaccessible to teens. Be aware of social host laws in Massachusetts, which hold adults accountable for providing alcohol or allowing underage drinking on their property.
Dispose of Unused Medications Properly. Do not flush old medications down the toilet or throw them in the trash, as this can contaminate water supplies. Utilize community drug take-back programs or pharmacies that offer safe disposal options. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) often sponsors National Prescription Drug Take Back Days. Learn more about safe disposal methods on like the Deterra Drug Deactivation System on the Town of Brookline website. Pick up your FREE Deterra Pouch to safely dispose of your prescription medications at the Brookline Department of Health and Human Services or the Brookline Police Department.
Secure Alcohol. Keep all alcoholic beverages in a locked cabinet or a place inaccessible to teens. Be aware of social host laws in Massachusetts, which hold adults accountable for providing alcohol or allowing underage drinking on their property.
Dispose of Unused Medications Properly. Do not flush old medications down the toilet or throw them in the trash, as this can contaminate water supplies. Utilize community drug take-back programs or pharmacies that offer safe disposal options. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) often sponsors National Prescription Drug Take Back Days. Learn more about safe disposal methods on like the Deterra Drug Deactivation System on the Town of Brookline website. Pick up your FREE Deterra Pouch to safely dispose of your prescription medications at the Brookline Department of Health and Human Services or the Brookline Police Department.
How to Talk to Teens About Substances
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Massachusetts Department of Public Health has an excellent downloadable parent’s guide loaded with facts and advice -- 7 Ways to Protect Your Teen from Alcohol and Other Drugs.
What to Do in a Crisis
If your teen is experiencing a substance-related crisis or overdose, quick action is vital.
- Call for Help Immediately:
- For an overdose or immediate medical emergency, call 911.
- If you suspect an opioid overdose, and have NARCAN (Naloxone) available, administer it as directed while waiting for emergency services. NARCAN is an opioid overdose reversal medication and can be life-saving.
- For an overdose or immediate medical emergency, call 911.
- Stay Calm and Support Your Teen: Remain with your teen and provide comfort and reassurance until help arrives.
- Seek Professional Help: If you observe warning signs that substance use has become problematic, seek professional guidance. This could include a pediatrician, a school counselor, or a mental health professional specializing in adolescent substance use disorders. They can help assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatment or support.
For additional resources and support, please visit the Community Resources page on our website.
