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A new study reveals that teen drug use does not fade with age. After decades of tracking the drug use of over 5,300 high school seniors from their teenage years up until age fifty, the findings are conclusive. Indeed, an astounding 60% of teens who report heavy use of drugs or alcohol have adult substance use disorders. Moreover, in many cases, adult substance use disorders are more severe, with prescription medications entering the picture.

The lasting effects of teen drug use findings reflect the experience of Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) as a Youth and Family Services provider. In the clinical work at TTC, most adolescents do not just experiment with drugs as a lark. Instead, teen drug use often results from childhood trauma and a need for self-medication. Since teen drug use does not resolve deeper issues, it naturally opens the door to ongoing adult substance use disorders.

Teen Drug Use and Adult Substance Use Disorders

According to lead author Sean Esteban McCabe, “We found that most U.S. adolescents with severe substance use disorder symptoms persisted with multiple symptoms in middle adulthood.” McCabe is the director of the Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. McCabe hopes parents and caretakers will take the findings seriously. Indeed, McCabe believes that simply telling teens they will one day “mature out of their substance use disorders … is like advising a jar of pickles that they can become cucumbers someday.”

Researchers began following a pool of U.S. high school seniors in 1976. After an initial assessment of the teen drug use habits, the participants were randomly surveyed every other year until age 30. From age 35 to 50, the gap between the surveys went from every other year to every five years. Over 75% of the 5,317 participants identified as Caucasian, and nearly 50% were women.

At the time of the initial assessment, more than 40% of the teenagers admitted to having a mild drug problem, with 12% reporting severe drug issues. Over 50% of the teenagers with mild drug problems later developed more serious substance use disorders as adults. In particular, participants were much more likely to misuse prescription medications as adults if they experienced teen drug use.

The Need for Teen Treatment Services Today

Given the study results, TTC underlines the importance of teen treatment services for substance use disorders. Hence, pushing teen drug use under the rug as “no big deal” is no longer an option. Thus, the only way to stem the tide before it becomes a tidal wave is to access professional help. By reaching out for help at the first signs of teen drug use, you are saving a teenager’s life today and tomorrow.

Moreover, with the rise of fentanyl abuse and opioid use disorder, teens using any drugs whatsoever is deadlier than ever before. With the extreme power of synthetic opioids like fentanyl and the national overdose epidemic, one day of giving in to peer pressure can equal the end of a young life. Rather than take the chance, please join TTC in raising awareness of the dangers and highlighting prevention efforts. Moreover, if you find out your teenager is experimenting with drugs, do not wait for help. Instead, take the first step and contact us today.