Adolescent Substance Use
By: Lachlan Molan
Adolescence is a time of growing independence and freedom, and for some young people this can mean experimenting with substance use, including nicotine, alcohol and illicit drugs. Despite what we may expect, in Australia fewer young people are using drugs and alcohol now compared to two decades ago (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024). Nonetheless, around 5.5% or one in twenty young people in this age group still consume alcohol at risky levels (more than 10 drinks per week or more than 4 drinks in a single day), and around 13% reported having used illicit drugs, like marijuana/cannabis, in the last year (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024).
Why is adolescent substance use so risky?
During adolescence, the brain is still developing, making it particularly vulnerable to the effects of substances. Some negative effects may require long-term use to become apparent, while others can occur after short-term or single instances of consumption, including:
-
Altered brain development: Substance use can disrupt the brain's growth, potentially leading to long-term cognitive issues.
-
Addiction and dependence: One predictor of adult substance abuse and dependence is younger age of first use. It is therefore important to help young people delay their first use of alcohol and other drugs.
-
Mental health challenges: Substance use can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and even early symptoms of psychosis (a loss of touch with reality).
Beyond the mental health aspects, alcohol and drug use amongst young people also places them at risk of motor vehicle accidents, sexual assault and more risky sexual behaviour (in Brown & Zucker, 2019).
"One in twenty young people in this age group still consume alcohol at risky levels"
How can you spot potential problems?
In line with the Mayo Clinic (2025) recommendations, there are a number of signs or behaviour changes that may indicate your young person is experiencing problems with substance use. These may include:
-
Sudden changes in friends or school performance.
-
Finding drug paraphernalia like pipes, rolling papers, or alcohol containers.
-
Withdrawing from family activities or a sudden lack of interest in hobbies.
-
Sudden changes in mood or behaviour.
"When young people identify a parental figure as a confidant, they are less likely to engage in alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis use"
What can parents or caregivers do to address substance use in young people?
Parents and caregivers have a powerful role to play. Research suggests that building a trusting relationship with their young person is one of the best protective measures. When young people identify a parental figure as a confidant, they are less likely to engage in alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis use (Marziali et al., 2022). The same study also found that peer and parental disapproval of substance use was also associated with a reduction in recent substance use.
​
If your child opens up about struggling with substance use, the best course of action is to remain calm and continue providing a supportive and non-judgemental relationship. This will help your young person feel able to share their concerns. Remember that help is available. There are many effective treatment options, including:
​
-
Group based interventions: e.g. SMART Recovery, a government funded initiative, or youth specific narcotics and alcoholics anonymous groups.
-
Detox: Both inpatient and outpatient options are available, including both private and medicare funded services.
-
Psychological therapies: e.g., Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).​
​
There are many effective approaches to treating substance use problems in young people. This can often include teaching young people and their families about the impacts or causes of substance use (often called psychoeducation). Many therapies involving young people who are using substances work with the family and parents alongside the young person. CBT and MI both have strong evidence for their effectiveness in helping people overcome substance use problems (Australian Psychological Society, 2024). CBT focuses on helping individuals change their thoughts and beliefs about the benefits of substance use, while working to understand substance use behaviours (e.g., what events/emotions trigger substance use, warning signs, and the purpose that substance use has in the person’s life), and on developing alternative behaviours, harm minimisation and coping strategies to replace drug and alcohol use. Motivational interviewing focuses on helping people feel ready to change their behaviour, such as by helping young people articulate their own reasons for stopping or reducing their substance use.
When young people are actively engaged in treatment and can identify reasons that they want to change their relationship with substances, they are much more likely to make effective changes in their behaviour.
About the Author
Lachlan is a Clinical Psychology Registrar who previously worked with adolescents as a teacher and youth worker. Lachlan has an interest in working with people experiencing difficulties with substance use, including when this occurs alongside other mental health problems. He works from a client centred and collaborative perspective, incorporating CBT, MI, acceptance and commitment therapy and elements of dialectic behaviour therapy. He is currently accepting new referrals at our new practice in Toowong.
Contact
If you or a young person you care about are seeking support with substance use or other mental health difficulties, My Psych Clinic has trained clinical and generally registered psychologists who are available to provide treatment and management of a variety of problems. You can enquire about sessions by calling our friendly reception team on 07 3349 5511 or by submitting an online enquiry via our website.
​
My Psych Clinic is not an emergency or crisis service. We are unable to respond to communication of a crisis nature through social media, our website or when the practice is closed. Please use the support services below for crisis or emergency and for general enquiries, contact us during our office hours.​
​
If you are seriously injured or know someone who is at risk of harm right now, call Triple Zero (000).
If you require crisis support or immediate counselling, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 for 24/7 support. Alternatively, present to your doctor or nearest hospital Emergency Department.
Helpful Resources:
ADIS (Alcohol and Drug Information Service) is an online tool to help you find support for anyone who may be experiencing problematic substance use.
Raising Children Network has a variety of helpful information about youth substance use.
National Alcohol and other Drug Hotline: For those who are experiencing difficulties with substance use and are seeking support, or for those looking to support someone they care about with alcohol or drug use problems. Phone: 1800 250 015
References
Australian Psychological Society. (2024). Evidence-based psychological interventions in the treatment of mental disorders: A literature review. Australian Psychological Society. https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/evidence-based-psychological-interventions
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Young people’s use of alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes and other drugs. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/young-people-alcohol-smoking-drugs
Brown, S. A., & Zucker, R. A. (Eds.). (2019). The Oxford handbook of adolescent substance abuse. Oxford University Press.
Cancer Council NSW. (2025). Vaping and young people: Assessing early impacts of Australia’s comprehensive approach to vaping product control. Cancer Council NSW. https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/GenerationVape-Wave8-14-17s-short-report-July-2025.pdf
Gray, K. M., & Squeglia, L. M. (2018). Research Review: What have we learned about adolescent substance use? Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines, 59(6), 618–627. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12783
Marziali, M. E., Levy, N. S., & Martins, S. S. (2022). Perceptions of peer and parental attitudes toward substance use and actual adolescent substance use: The impact of adolescent-confidant relationships. Substance Abuse, 43(1), 1085–1093. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2022.2060439
Mayo Clinic. (2025). Teen drug abuse: Help your teen avoid drugs. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teen-drug-abuse/art-20045921#:~:text=Recognizing%20the%20warning%20signs%20of,money%2C%20coordination%20or%20school%20performance.