Understanding Factors Influencing Adolescent Substance Use

The teenage years are a time of growth and change, but they can also be a time of risk. (See Exploration or Experimentation – Who Says?)During this stage, young people are heavily influenced by the people around them, especially their friends. When peers use drugs or drink alcohol, it can have a big impact on whether a teenager decides to do the same. But why does this happen, and what can make some teens more likely to follow their friends—or more likely to say no? 

Here, we’ll look at the things that increase or reduce the risk of young people trying harmful substances. By understanding these factors, parents, schools, and communities can come together to protect young people and help them make healthier choices.

Why Are Teenagers Influenced by Their Friends?

Teenagers often want to fit in and be accepted, which can make them more likely to copy their friends’ behaviour. At the same time, their brains are still developing, especially the parts responsible for decision-making and self-control. This combination means teens are more vulnerable to peer pressure.

“Social influences are central, powerful factors that promote experimentation or initiation of substance use. Along with exposure to positive attitudes and expectations regarding substance use, the modelling of substance use behaviour by important others (e.g., parents, older siblings, and peers) is a critical negative social influence.” (Source: PMC) (See Thermostat or Thermometer – Who’s calling the shots?)

Research shows that while this influence is strongest between the ages of 12 and 15, it starts to lessen as teenagers get older. This is why it’s so important to help guide young people early on, before they fall into habits that could harm them.

How Family Can Protect Teens

One of the most powerful ways to protect teenagers from trying drugs or alcohol is through strong family relationships. Teens who feel close to their parents and know that their family disapproves of substance use are less likely to try it, even if their friends do.

However, the opposite is also true—if siblings or other family members use substances, it can make teens more likely to follow that example. Families play a major role in setting a good example and creating a home environment free from harmful substances.

The Role of Schools

Schools play a huge part in shaping how young people think and behave. Schools that take a strong stance against drugs and alcohol create a safer environment for students. When teens feel connected to their school and are engaged in activities, they are less likely to follow peers into risky behaviours.

Conversely, teenagers who struggle with schoolwork or who attend poorly managed schools are at a higher risk of being influenced by substance-using peers. Schools need to offer more than lessons—they need to help students feel supported and part of a community with positive values.

Friends and Social Groups Matter

The friendships teens form can be both a risk and a safeguard. Teens with supportive friends who don’t use drugs or alcohol are less likely to try these substances. But for those with friends who do use them, the pressure to fit in can be strong.

Close friendships can sometimes work against teens if substances like alcohol or cannabis are seen as normal in their social circle. Encouraging teens to mix with a variety of peers and to join positive social groups can reduce this risk. (See Beating the toxic contagions and becoming a ‘change agent’)

Community Factors and Their Influence

The neighbourhoods and communities teens live in also have an impact. Living in areas where substance use is common or where there’s visible crime can normalise risky behaviours and make teens more likely to use drugs or alcohol.

However, community-based initiatives, sports clubs, and structured extracurricular activities can shield adolescents, offering alternative pathways for social bonding and self-esteem development. Formal sports participation – as opposed to unstructured or informal gatherings – particularly stands out as a protective factor, creating an environment where effort, teamwork, and discipline are prioritised over substance use.

The Power of Prevention

Prevention is key to protecting teenagers from falling into substance use. “The most effective prevention programs target salient risk and protective factors at the individual, family, and/or community levels and are guided by relevant psychosocial theories regarding the etiology of substance use and abuse.” (Source: PMC) By addressing these factors, prevention efforts can make a meaningful difference in delaying or avoiding substance use altogether. Adolescents benefit most from interventions that involve their families, schools, and wider community, showing that a collaborative approach works best.

Helping Teens Make Healthier Choices

Protecting young people from the risks of drugs and alcohol isn’t just the job of parents or teachers—it’s something that requires everyone’s effort. Families, schools, and communities all need to play a role in creating safe environments and promoting positive behaviours. (See Reward & Rebellion – Making & Breaking Habits)

Here are a few ways to help teens say no to harmful substances:

• Build strong, supportive family relationships.
• Encourage teens to join sports, clubs, or other structured activities.
• Provide clear expectations and consequences around substance use.
• Teach decision-making skills and emotional control to help teens resist peer pressure.

Adolescence is a time when young people are figuring out who they are and what they want in life. By guiding them and giving them the tools to make healthy decisions, we can help them lead substance-free lives and reach their full potential.

When families, schools, and communities work together, we can protect young people and give them the support they need to make better, healthier choices. It’s a responsibility we all share, and the impact can last a lifetime. (Source: Springer Nature Link)