Why Do Teens Do Drugs & Drink Alcohol?

High school is the time to experiment, to try out different personalities, appearances, friends, passions, and making drugs and alcohol so enticing. The school systems have been doing a great job of educating the students in health class about the dangers of drugs and alcohol so we have seen a decrease in the use of these substances.

In addition to teaching our kids the ’80s slogan of “Just Say No,” I think it’s important for us as parents to recognize why, even with education on the dangers, the use of substances is still an option. I have broken down what I have seen behind their motivation; it is complex and multifaceted. Therefore, we have to educate, offer support, display grace, and love intentionally to help our kids make good decisions.

Here is what I have seen. 

Paige Clingenpeel

A Teen Therapist and Licensed Minister working with families on TV, Radio, Web-Based Media, Blogs, and Print. She is a TEDx speaker, former contributor to iMom.com, host of TBN's Tween show iShine K'Nect, and Hosts the podcast Embracing Your Season: Raising Littles & Understanding Teens. Paige is the Women’s Discipleship Lead at Pine Hills Church and an Adjunct Professor at Indiana Wesleyan’s Graduate Counseling program. Paige is married to Ryan and has two daughters, two sons, and a therapy dog named Bauer! Check out her podcast on all podcast platforms and YouTube!