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Addiction in Adolescence
Victoria Duncan
Liberty University
COUC502: Human Growth and Development
Dr. Elizabeth Cates
April 23, 2025
Substance abuse in the United States has become a significant issue. With this being
said, a large number of young people are trying substances such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana,
and other prescription drugs during their teen years through their young adult years (Garofoli,
2020). Research tells us that more than half of high school seniors have experimented with at
least one substance, causing the number of usage to double from 8th to 12th grade. Garofoli
(2020). This behavior indicates there is a need for early intervention among young children who
engage in this type of behavior.
Individuals are more vulnerable to getting addicted to substances during their
adolescent years as their brains are still developing during this stage of life. According to Wong
et al. (2021), adolescence is a crucial period as it forms the basis for your impact reasoning,
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impulse control, and self-regulation. Adolescents are more prone to engage in substance use
due to their increased desire to be independent, pressure from peers, and the exploration of
their identity. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), 2001, addiction can start
as an experiment but can quickly turn into dependence.
Indicators of substance abuse can include being more impulsive, more aggressive,
hyperactivity, and signs of depression. These symptoms are often misinterpreted and can lead
to delays in intervention, therefore affecting one’s academics, relationships, and overall well-
being. According to Garofoli (2020), these mood and behavioral changes may indicate
underlying issues, prompting medical professionals to be attentive when adolescents are
referred for treatment.
Resilience and Interventions in Adolescent Populations
Having resilience is just the beginning of recovering from substance abuse. Resilience is
more than just deciding to stop using the substance; it involves having effective coping skills
that enable you to manage emotions and maintain a strong sense of self-efficacy. With that
being said, according to Rathinam and Ezhumalai (2021), individuals who have been abstinent
for at least three months tend to display greater resilience.
Interventions for adolescents may be beneficial, but they must be developmentally
appropriate and holistic. Strategies such as family-based therapy, school involvement, and
community-based prevention programs can enhance outcomes (Wong et al., 2021). These
interventions should prioritize not only sobriety but also foster emotional growth and
psychological resilience.
Adolescent identity development can sometimes conflict with treatment goals,
particularly when teens feel their autonomy is being challenged (Wong et al., 2021). Therefore,
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collaborative, strengths-based approaches that validate adolescents’ need for independence
while guiding them toward healthier choices are essential.
Impact of Substance Abuse on Family Systems
Substance abuse among adolescents significantly disrupts family systems. As Mafa and
Makhubele (2020) stated, families dealing with adolescent addiction often experience secrecy,
denial, role shifts, and emotional disconnection. The entire family dynamic frequently centers
around managing or concealing the addicted individual's behavior, creating a chaotic and
unstable environment.
Parents may struggle to grasp the severity of the issue until it affects daily functioning at
home. Stress and uncertainty can strain parent-child relationships and impact siblings, often
leaving family members feeling helpless. Wong et al. (2021) argue that systemic family therapy
can be crucial in these cases, not only to support the adolescent but also to foster healthier
family dynamics and promote open communication.
Spiritual Development as a Protective Factor
Healthy spiritual development may serve as a buffer against substance abuse in
adolescents. Engagement in religious or spiritual activities has been linked to lower rates of
substance use (Grim & Grim, 2019). Chen and VanderWeele (2018) found that adolescents who
regularly attended religious services were 33% less likely to have used illicit substances
compared to their peers.
Spirituality provides a framework for meaning-making, offers community support, and
promotes values that discourage harmful behaviors (Wong et al., 2021). Participation in
religious groups and structured practices helps to foster accountability, therefore reinforcing
positive behaviors. The faith community can provide adolescents with a sense of belonging and
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better equip them to resist the negative influences of their peers, ultimately leading to healthier
choices.
Wong et al. (2021) emphasize the importance of incorporating spiritual aspects into counseling
when adolescents express an interest in religion and spirituality. This approach can enhance the
patient's resilience and therefore add an extra layer of support during the recovery process.
Conclusion and Suggestions for Further Study
In conclusion, substance abuse is an issue comprised of multiple problems including
developmental, environmental, and family influences. Adolescents are vulnerable due to their
ongoing brain development, search for identity, and influence of their peers. The use of
substances during this time can have an impact on their academic, emotional, and social
development.
For effective intervention, it is essential to take a holistic and developmentally aware
approach. Programs that focus on building resilience, strengthening family ties, and promoting
spiritual growth have shown potential in reducing the risk of substance use and supporting
longterm recovery. Spirituality, in particular, can provide a sense of purpose, accountability, and
community support that helps keep adolescents away from addiction.
Future research should look into how spirituality and resilience manifest across various
cultural contexts and how early intervention strategies can be focused on meeting the mental,
emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals. A comprehensive and inclusive approach to
tackling adolescent substance use may give the best outcomes for their long-term health and
overall well-being.
References
American Medical Association (2001). Adolescent substance use: A public health issue.
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Chen, Y., & VanderWeele, T. J. (2018). Outcome-wide findings of associations of religious
upbringing with later-life health and well-being from adolescence to young adulthood.
American Journal of Epidemiology, 187(11), 2355–2364.
https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwy142
Garofoli, M. (2020). Adolescent substance abuse. Journal of the American Board of Family
Medicine, 20(5), 458–466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pop.2020.02.013
Grim, B. J., & Grim, M. E. (2019). Belief, behavior, and belonging: Why faith is necessary for
preventing and recovering from substance abuse. Journal of Religion and Health, 58,
1713–1750. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-019-00876-w
Mafa, P., & Makhubele, J. C. (2020). Substance abuse in teens: Effects on family system and
parents' coping approach. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 28(3),
1925–1938.
Rathinam, B., & Ezhumalai, S. (2021). Resilience in abstinent substance use disorder
individuals. Indian Journal of Psychiatric Social Work, 12(2), 96–102.
Wong, D., Hall, K., & Hernandez, L. W. (2021). Counseling individuals through the lifespan
(2nd ed.). Sage Publications. ISBN: 9781544343242.
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