The more critical question is, “What causes teens to continue abusing those substances on a long-term basis?” While some adolescents will ultimately discontinue using substances after an initial period of use, many others choose to continue, citing that it helps them “feel good,” “numb out,” and forget their problems. For these teens, it is not uncommon to discover they have a history of trauma.
Research studies reveal a strong correlation between trauma and substance abuse in teens. Unfortunately, traumatic experiences are not uncommon for teens—one study suggests 25 percent of youth report having experienced at least one traumatic event prior to 16 years old.
Re–experiencing the trauma through intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or dreams, or significant distress triggered by reminders of the event;
Persistent avoidance of reminders of the event or of associations to the event;
Hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, agitation, and sleeping problems.
Research suggest PTSD among adolescents is found in almost 4 percent of males and over 6 percent of females nationally, and is a common diagnosis among teens admitted into psychiatric inpatient units.
In addition to PTSD symptoms, exposure to trauma can lead to anxiety and depression. Attempting to avoid the overwhelming negative emotional states that often occur following a traumatic event, adolescents may “self-medicate” by turning to alcohol or drugs in order to reduce anxiety and sadness, and/or to feel numb in response to reminders of the trauma. Over time, such self-medicating creates a vicious cycle of unhealthy and even harmful behaviors.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Cognitive behavior therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
We have found that integrating the above therapies, along with play therapy, art therapy and family therapy, is especially effective.
While parents cannot ultimately control the choices made by their teenage child, parents do have the power to help reduce their child’s risk factors and to bolster protective factors, such as positive self-esteem and supportive and close family relationships.
If a parent is unsure whether their child is experiencing PTSD symptoms in response to trauma, consultation with a child or adolescent mental health specialist is recommended.
By // Gloria Gilbert, Ph.D. and Marcus Earle, Ph.D.