Why Teens Use Drugs Teenagers use drugs for many reasons. But their first notions about it may come from the behavior of their own family. To help prevent them from abusing drugs, parents need to provide teens with plenty of love, good communication and calm and consistent standards about drug and alcohol use. Even then, teens feel a need to fit in with their peers. They may be influenced by ads and news stories which imply that everyone drinks or takes other drugs.
Adolescence is a confusing time at best.
Some teens use drugs in order to escape from unpleasant emotions or feel more confident-particularly if they often feel shy or insecure about how they look and act. Isolation, secrecy and less involvement in family activities. New interests or friends- especially older friends. Bad grades or poor school attendance. Hyperactivity, drowsiness or forgetfulness.