Why is my teen using drugs?

Adolescents experiment with drugs or continue taking...

Adolescents experiment with drugs or continue taking them for several reasons, including:

  • To fit in: Many teens use drugs “because others are doing it”—or they think others are doing it—and they fear not being accepted in a social circle that includes drug-using peers.
  • To feel good: Abused drugs interact with the neurochemistry of the brain to produce feelings of pleasure. The intensity of this euphoria differs by the type of drug and how it is used.
  • To feel better: Some adolescents suffer from depression, social anxiety, stress-related disorders, and physical pain. Using drugs may be an attempt to lessen these feelings of distress. Stress especially plays a significant role in starting and continuing drug use as well as returning to drug use (relapsing) for those recovering from an addiction.
  • To do better: Ours is a very competitive society, in which the pressure to perform athletically and academically can be intense. Some adolescents may turn to certain drugs like illegal or prescription stimulants because they think those substances will enhance or improve their performance.
  • To experiment: Adolescents are often motivated to seek new experiences, particularly those they perceive as thrilling or daring.

Information obtained from The National Institute on Drug Abuse

About the Author

About the Author

Gary Hazy serves as the Executive Director of Lotus Behavioral Health. With a deep commitment to improving the lives and well-being of youth, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization. With a career spanning 20 years in the behavioral health field, Gary has dedicated his efforts to transforming the lives of kids and families facing challenging situations. He is fueled by a passion for making a positive impact and has tirelessly advocated for accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based care.

Table of Contents

Contact Us

Why is my teen using drugs?

Adolescents experiment with drugs or continue taking...

opening lotush behavioral health
James Ekbatani

Adolescents experiment with drugs or continue taking them for several reasons, including:

  • To fit in: Many teens use drugs “because others are doing it”—or they think others are doing it—and they fear not being accepted in a social circle that includes drug-using peers.
  • To feel good: Abused drugs interact with the neurochemistry of the brain to produce feelings of pleasure. The intensity of this euphoria differs by the type of drug and how it is used.
  • To feel better: Some adolescents suffer from depression, social anxiety, stress-related disorders, and physical pain. Using drugs may be an attempt to lessen these feelings of distress. Stress especially plays a significant role in starting and continuing drug use as well as returning to drug use (relapsing) for those recovering from an addiction.
  • To do better: Ours is a very competitive society, in which the pressure to perform athletically and academically can be intense. Some adolescents may turn to certain drugs like illegal or prescription stimulants because they think those substances will enhance or improve their performance.
  • To experiment: Adolescents are often motivated to seek new experiences, particularly those they perceive as thrilling or daring.

Information obtained from The National Institute on Drug Abuse

opening lotush behavioral health

About the Author: James Ekbatani

Shahriar James Ekbatani is the chairman and founder of Lotus Behavioral Health, a non-profit organization dedicated to treating children with addiction. With nearly 40 years of experience in healthcare management and a deep commitment to philanthropy, Ekbatani has significantly impacted the healthcare industry and the lives of countless individuals through his compassionate initiatives and community involvement.