What is 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.

Treatment for substance use disorder usually includes group therapy, one or more types of counseling, and education. Sometimes medicines are used to help a teen quit. Teens who are physically dependent on substances may need medical treatment. And they may need to stay in a hospital or treatment center.

Treatment focuses on more than substance use. It also helps your teen 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 teen's life, like relationships with friends and family, school and work, medical problems, and living situation. It helps you and your teen find and manage problems. Treatment helps your teen take control of life so that your teen doesn't have to depend on substances.

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