How Many Teens Abuse Cocaine?

Addressing Cocaine Abuse Among Teenagers and Adolescents

How many teens abuse cocaine? Is it common? Why do they use it? More importantly, what helps address cocaine abuse in your teen?

If you suspect that your child (or a relative or other young person in your life) is using cocaine, these are just a sampling of the questions you might be reeling with.

Cocaine abuse is lower than some other types of drug and alcohol use among teenagers. But it still poses a significant health risk.

Early intervention can help protect kids from the future effects of drug abuse and addiction. As a parent, it goes without saying that you want to find the most effective possible care.

Artemis Adolescent Healing Center provides cocaine abuse and addiction treatment for teens and adolescents in Arizona. We are JCAHO-accredited. Our professionals have diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, and we offer evidence-based, trauma-informed care.

How Many Teens Abuse Cocaine? Current Data and Patterns

In 2024, 0.3% of youth aged 12-17 used cocaine.[1] This is an increase compared to recent years. To compare, the rate of cocaine use in the same age group was 0.1% in 2021.

Overall, we’re seeing an increase in substance abuse among people in the United States aged 12+. This is largely due to an increase in marijuana use. However, statistics include other illicit drugs and prescription drugs with the potential for abuse as well.

Using drugs in your teen or young adult years is associated with an increased risk of substance use disorders later on. Seeking support as soon as you can for your child is critical.

When Youth Mix Cocaine With Other Drugs

Teens who use cocaine already run the risk of many serious health complications:

• Heart attack.
• Stroke.
• Overdose.
• Dangerously high blood pressure or heart rate.
• Nasal damage and collapse.
• New or worsened mental health symptoms.
• Dehydration.

Polysubstance use, meaning the mixing two or more drugs, can increase the chances of adverse outcomes, like overdose.[2] Unfortunately, it is very common. This is something parents and providers should look out for.

What are the Typical Consequences of Teen Cocaine Misuse?

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug. Dependence itself is only one of the risks. Other consequences of teen drug use may include, but aren’t limited to:

• Brain changes. Because their brains are still developing, teens are particularly susceptible to the brain-related effects of drug use.
• Problems at work or school. Using drugs increases the risk of problems at work or school. For example, reduced academic performance, difficulty keeping jobs, and loss of employment.
• Risky behavior. Teens who use drugs have a greater likelihood of engaging in high-risk behaviors, such as unsafe sex.[3] These can result in consequences like sexually transmitted infections.
• Criminal justice involvement. Using cocaine and other drugs puts teens at an increased risk of problems with the law.

Some risks of cocaine use depend on how your teen uses the drug. For example, health risks like nasal damage and collapse happen to those who snort cocaine. Injection drug use increases the risk of blood-borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

Similarly, smoking crack cocaine makes it more likely that a person will experience issues like respiratory failure. Early treatment can prevent new or worsened consequences of drug use.

What are the Risk Factors for Youth Cocaine Abuse?

Anyone can develop a substance use disorder. But some particular risks raise your chances. Risk factors for teen and adolescent cocaine abuse can include:

• Mental and behavioral health conditions. Depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders are some examples of conditions that might increase the risk of and co-occur with cocaine abuse.
• Family history. Teens and young adults who have family members with a history of addiction are more likely to develop substance use disorders themselves.
• Trauma. Young people who have experienced adverse life experiences, like abuse, assault, loss of a loved one, poverty, or bullying, can increase the risk of drug abuse. These are only some examples. Many stressors can influence teen substance use.
• Exposure. Youth may be exposed to cocaine in various settings, raising the risk of abuse. For example, social settings and certain work environments can raise the risk for teens who are already part of the workforce.

Young people may start using cocaine for many reasons. It could be to stay awake, party, fit in with peers, for euphoric effects, or reduce appetite. Addressing the underlying causes of cocaine use in teens is an essential part of helping pave the path to recovery.

When to Seek Help for Teen and Adolescent Cocaine Use

How do you know if a teen’s using cocaine? There are physical, mental, and behavioral signs to look out for.

Physical signs of cocaine use in teens may include:

• Lack of sleep.
• Dilated pupils.
• Reduced appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Nosebleeds (if snorting cocaine).
• Residual white powder from snorting cocaine.
• ‘Track marks’ (if injecting cocaine).
• Tangible evidence of drug use, like paraphernalia (e.g., pipes for smoking crack cocaine, small baggies of powder).
• Looking tired or disheveled.
• Muscle twitches.
• Tremors.

In terms of mental health, cognition, and behavior, you might notice:

• Increased or erratic energy, even if they’re sleeping less.
• Changes in social circles (e.g., not seeing old friends, hanging out with other people who use drugs).
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed or significant activities due to drug use.
• Reduced academic performance or cutting school.
• Bizarre, violent, or aggressive behavior.
• Confusion or disorientation.
• Hallucinations or delusions.
• Irritability and agitation.
• Restlessness.
• Impulsivity.
• Talkativeness.
• Euphoria.
• Anxiety.
• Paranoia.

Some signs may depend on factors like how much cocaine someone uses. If a teen uses the drug continuously, they may experience physical or emotional withdrawal symptoms when unable to access cocaine.

People affected by cocaine abuse tend to experience notable highs, followed by crashes. Effects like increased energy can swing back and forth, ending in exhaustion.

What Happens at Substance Abuse Treatment Programs for Teens at Artemis?

Each adolescent at our center gets a personalized treatment plan. This is important, as no two teens are quite alike.

For example, if your child has a co-occurring mental health concern (e.g., depression), a dual-diagnosis approach will be used to promote positive treatment outcomes.

Different types of therapy can help teens with cocaine addiction and mental health. We use the most evidence-based treatments, such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Dialectical behavior therapy.
• Motivational interviewing.
• Psychodynamic therapy.
• Trauma therapy.
• Experiential therapy.
• Family therapy.

Supportive holistic treatments, such as yoga and guided meditation, are used alongside these approaches. Teenagers in our programs and their families collaborate with staff to set and meet personal goals, which can help guide the treatment process.

Inpatient Cocaine Addiction Treatment at Artemis Adolescent Healing Center

Our inpatient cocaine addiction treatment program for teens provides highly structured therapy. It helps teens build healthy habits, routines, and coping skills away from substance abuse triggers. The inpatient programs at Artemis offer:

• Staff on-site 24/7 to ensure client safety.
• A welcoming, home-like environment.
• Family involvement (e.g., participation in family therapy sessions, visitation).
• Upscale amenities, such as a pool and basketball court.
• Activities like exercise and yoga.
• Fresh and delicious food.

Teens and adolescents generally stay in this level of care for around 30-60 days. Participation in outpatient treatment is strongly recommended after inpatient care, as it can help ease the transition back into typical everyday life.

Outpatient Cocaine Addiction Treatment at Artemis Adolescent Healing Center

Some teens start their treatment journey in outpatient treatment. Others step down to it after finishing inpatient substance abuse treatment. Artemis has multiple levels of outpatient care for teens and adolescents overcoming substance use. These include:

• Partial hospitalization programs.
• Intensive outpatient programs.
• Outpatient programs.

Outpatient treatment schedules are customizable to a client’s needs (e.g., school, work commitments). These programs let youth get comprehensive addiction therapy without staying at a treatment center overnight.

Promoting Long-Term Recovery Outcomes for Teens

Artemis Adolescent Healing Center will help your teen and family create an aftercare and relapse prevention plan as treatment comes to an end. This may involve:

• Ongoing therapy.
• A step-down approach.
• Participation in support groups.
• Applying recovery skills learned in treatment.

Family involvement promotes positive recovery outcomes for people with substance use disorders[4]. Alongside evidence-based therapies and aftercare planning for youth, this is an important component of our approach.

Call Artemis for Teen and Adolescent Cocaine Treatment Options

It can be heartbreaking to watch the young person in your life go through substance abuse and the challenges that come with it. Teens can be resistant to treatment at first. Parents often feel scared and uncertain about what will happen next. 

Artemis Adolescent Healing Center is here to support you and your child throughout the entirety of the recovery process, from a potentially difficult day one to aftercare and beyond. With master’s and doctorate-level providers on staff, we prioritize ethical care.

Call our confidential admissions line today to learn more about cocaine abuse treatment for teens and to get supportive options now.

FAQs in Addition to How Many Teens Abuse Cocaine?

Does insurance cover cocaine abuse treatment for teens?

Yes. Your teen’s insurance plan should help cover the cost of cocaine abuse treatment. Artemis accepts most forms of insurance, including Arizona Medicaid plans, to help families access substance use and mental health treatment.

Crisis and Emergency Resources for Youth Mental Health and Substance Use in Arizona and Nationwide

Artemis helps teens and adolescents overcome drug use and mental health concerns. Treatment may prevent the need for future hospitalizations and crisis resources. However, we are not a crisis center.

If you or your teen needs someone to talk to right now or is in an active crisis, the following resources can help.

YouthLine (Nationwide)

YouthLine is a free peer support hotline for youth up to age 24. To get in touch with YouthLine, your teen can:

• Call 1-877-968-8491.
  Text teen2teen to 839863.
• Email teen2teen@linesforlife.org.
• Chat online (Click “Chat” on their website).

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Nationwide)

• Call or text 988.
• Crisis Text Line (Nationwide)
• Text “HOME” to 741741.

The Trevor Project (Nationwide)

The Trevor Project is a resource for LGBTQ youth aged 24 and under.

• Call 1-866-488-7386.
• Text “start” to 678-678.

You can also start a chat on The Trevor Project’s website.

Arizona Statewide Crisis Lifeline (State-specific)

• Call 1-844-534-HOPE (4673).
• Text 4HOPE (44673).

Teen Lifeline (State-specific)

• Call or text 602-248-8336.

Connections Tucson Crisis Response Center (Tucson)

Connections is a walk-in clinic in Tucson, AZ, located at:

• 2802 E District Street
• Tucson, AZ 85714

They are open 24/7/365. The center offers resources for teens and adults, including walk-in mental health urgent care, stabilization, and post-acute services.

References

1. Results from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (n.d). https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt56287/2024-nsduh-annual-national-report.pdf
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Polysubstance use facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/polysubstance-use.html
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Substance use among youth. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/youth-behavior/risk-behaviors/substance-use-among-youth.html
4. Substance abuse and mental health services administration advisory page 1 of 10. (n.d.). https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep20-02-02-016.pdf