What Is The Number One Drug Used by Teens?

Looking Into the Substances Most Commonly Used by Teenagers

Across Arizona and the country, teen drug abuse is rapidly increasing, and as parents, many of us are at a loss for how to help adolescents who are struggling. It can be hard to know what drugs to look for, what the common symptoms are, and to understand the realities of what substances of abuse can do to the adolescent brain.

If you suspect that your child has a substance use disorder, this question is likely top of mind: What is the number one drug used by teens?

Parents should be on the lookout for marijuana use and alcohol use first and foremost. These are the most commonly abused drugs with an impact on mental health and brain development. However, teens might also abuse prescription medication, cough syrup (DXM), and nicotine vaping.

Artemis Adolescent Healing Center can help families get to the bottom of teen drug abuse and offers hope and healing for substance use disorders of all kinds. From residential care to intensive outpatient programs, Artemis offers the right level of help for every situation.

Keep reading to learn more about the most common drugs that teens may use to self-medicate.

What are the Most Common Drugs for Abuse Among Teens?

Many young adults reported using illegal drugs in the past thirty days and beyond. Of course, this drug use is also tied to mental health issues that may impact their development.

While overdose deaths from some of these drugs are uncommon, their use is serious and warrants a closer look.

Here are the most common drug use substances that can lead to addiction and abuse.

Marijuana Use Among Teens: Are Illicit Drugs Impacting the Adolescent Brain?

When it comes to drug abuse, it isn’t prescription medication that tops the charts for teens. Marijuana, a substance that is legal in some states, is actually the most prevalent teen drug. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 84 percent of teens surveyed tried marijuana in the last thirty days.

The problem is that marijuana, while occasionally legal, can have serious impacts on brain development. This substance use disorder causes damage to the prefrontal cortex, a developing aspect of the brain in teens. This can impact judgment and decision-making as they age.

Unfortunately, these side effects of using marijuana daily may be irreversible once the damage is done.

Parents should also be aware of synthetic marijuana, known under many names, including spice. These drugs are often readily available at gas stations and convenience stores, though crackdowns in recent years have had a positive impact on drug abuse. Spice isn’t as commonly used as regular marijuana, but it may be more readily available.

Do Teens Report More Alcohol Use than Other Drugs?

Teen drug abuse might conjure up images of cough syrup and prescription pain medications, but the most frequently cited drug is actually more common than you think. As with people of all ages, it isn’t drugs but alcohol use that tops the charts.

After marijuana use, alcohol abuse is the second most common drug for teens. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts estimates at around 49 percent of teens who may have abused alcohol in the past thirty days.

This is especially important for those who have a family history of drinking, which can sometimes be hereditary. Parents and society in general tend to view drinking as socially acceptable compared to other substances, which makes this much more likely to be abused.

Parents should be aware of their own drinking and keep alcohol away from teenagers. Keep the liquor cabinet locked when not in use so that teens cannot pilfer from your supply.

What About Teens and Prescription Drug Abuse?

Of course, it would be remiss not to note that prescription drug misuse is also quite common. These drugs can range from prescription opioids that help them feel more relaxed to stimulants that aid in academic work. Whether they turn to study drugs or painkillers, these can all lead to overdose.

Many times, these drugs are obtained legally and are used among young people. OxyContin seems to be the most popular illicit drug used in this age group.

However, it is important to keep in mind that prescription drug misuse is often used in conjunction with other substances. Teens often mix them with alcohol or marijuana use to compound their effects.

How Common are Other Drugs like Cough Syrup and Nicotine Vaping Among Teens?

Cough syrup is another commonly abused drug that teens have easy access to. Sometimes referred to as DXM, cough syrup can produce a high that parents can’t detect on a drug test. This leaves them as free as possible to continue abusing the drug without detection.

The impact of cough syrup on mental health issues is serious, though. While legal, it can produce some frightening side effects like hallucinations and paranoia that could land your child in the hospital. The number of cases of teens who have abused cough syrup has increased tenfold in recent years.

Other substances to consider include nicotine. These newer nicotine vaping devices, which are called e-cigarettes, are used by around 5.9 percent of teens. That means 1.63 million teens are using them. This number also encapsulates that middle schoolers are abusing the drug.

What Impact Does Drug and Alcohol Abuse Have on Teen Mental Health?

Parents who suspect teen drug use many want to consider the long-term and far-reaching effects of these drugs. Even those that are legal for adults have a serious impact on mental health concerns for young adults. Teen substance use alters brain development and creates more risk factors for mental health problems.

For example, most teen substance use impacts the ability to use good judgment and make decisions. When substance abuse is prolonged, it can damage the prefrontal cortex permanently. Even if the drug use stops, the damage may already be done.

Teens taking drugs are at serious risk of experiencing depression, anxiety, and more. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse also notes that mental health concerns can be a leading cause for these types of substance use disorders in the first place.

For those who used drugs, it was often an attempt to feel better rather than a direct result of peer pressure from the wrong crowd. Teens report wanting to feel calm and happy, something that might elude many adolescents dealing with past trauma and mental health issues.

Getting Help for Teen Drug Use Today at Artemis

If you suspect that your teen has been turning to drug abuse this past year, it might be time to talk to them about the dangers of substance use. Artemis Adolescent Healing Center is here to help open the door to these difficult talks and to offer support when needed.

Our programs offer individualized treatment plans tailored to each child’s unique developmental stage. Clinicians and medical experts will meet them right where they are so that they can get help for their alcohol and drug use as quickly as possible.

At our JCAHO-accredited facility, parents can rest easy knowing that teens are in capable hands. We’ll keep the entire family involved every step of the way, whether you choose inpatient or outpatient care.

Reach out to our enrollment team today to ask questions, verify your insurance benefits, and reserve a spot in our highly-rated program now!

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, February 8). Characteristics of alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use among persons aged 13–18 years being assessed for substance use disorder treatment – United States, 2014–2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Edenberg, H. J., & Foroud, T. (2013). Genetics and alcoholism. Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology, 10(8), 487–494.
• Bryner, J. K., Wang, U. K., Hui, J. W., Bedodo, M., MacDougall, C., & Anderson, I. B. (2006). Dextromethorphan abuse in adolescence: an increasing trend: 1999-2004. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 160(12), 1217–1222.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). E-cigarette use among youth. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Winters, K. C., & Arria, A. (2011). Adolescent Brain Development and Drugs. The prevention researcher, 18(2), 21–24.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2025, January 17). Mental health. National Institutes of Health.