Teen Violence

There is a close relationship between teen violence and the use of drugs and alcohol. Teens who use drugs or alcohol or are violent may need special intervention to stop their risky behaviors. Keep reading for more on drinking, drugs, and violence.

Teens who engage in violent behavior are more likely to use drugs and alcohol than teens who do not. A study reported by the National Youth Violence Prevention Center found that:

• 94% of teens who are violent use alcohol, compared to 80% of all high school seniors who have tried alcohol, and 50% who have used it recently
• 85% of violent teens use marijuana, compared to 49% of high school seniors who have tried it, and 22% who were recent users
• 55% of teens with violence issues use multiple illegal drugs, while about 10% of all teens use drugs other than alcohol or marijuana

Teens who abuse drugs or alcohol are also at increased risk for suicide compared to other teens.

There may be several reasons for the connection between teen substance abuse and violence:

• Substance abuse may bring out violence in some teens or impair their judgment so they engage in violent acts.
• Teens who are using drugs may commit violent acts to get more drugs, or the money for drugs
• Some teens may be more likely to engage in many risky behaviors, including drinking, using drugs, and violence, due to their personalities or environment.
• Underlying mental health problems may make some teens more likely to use drugs and act violently, especially putting them at risk for suicide.

Many of the risk factors and prevention strategies for drug and alcohol abuse and teen violence overlap.

Some of the risk factors are:

• Depression or other mental illnesses
• Lack of parental involvement
• Poor academic achievement
• Lack of self control
• Gang involvement
• Being the victim of abuse
• Peer pressure

Teens who face these risk factors may not use drugs or become violent, but they are at increased risk for these problems.

Some strategies for preventing teen substance abuse and teen violence are:

• Talk to teens to find out what their concerns are and to express your care for them and your reasons for not wanting them to use drugs or alcohol or be involved in gangs or violence
• Set a positive example
• Set fair, consistent rules
• Keep track of your teens’ activities and ask a lot of questions about what they are doing and who they are hanging out with
• Get counseling for teens with mental health issues, aggression, or risky behaviors
• Get academic help for teens who are struggling in school
• Encourage teens in positive activities and goals
• Get to know your teens’ friends. Don't forbid them from seeing certain friends or put down their friends, but talk to them about your concerns if any of their friends worry you.
• Talk to teens about things they may see or hear in the media glorifying violence or drug use.
• Control access to media, including the Internet, by keeping it in a public place. Don’t allow TVs or computers in bedrooms.

These factors, called protective factors, do not guarantee that a teen won't use drugs or engage in violence, but they make it less likely and may make it easier to spot the problem and treat it.

The warning signs of teen violence and teen drug use do not overlap as much as the risk factors do. Violent teens may talk about violence or act aggressively toward others, while those using drugs may experience radical and rapid changes in appearance or behavior. Withdrawal or depression can be signs of substance abuse, violence tendencies, or other problems. Teens with any signs that concern parents should see a doctor or a therapist.

Treatment for teen violence and teen substance abuse also differ, but the same medical and professional personnel may be involved. A doctor can help a teen overcome substance abuse and treat underlying medical disorders, while a therapist can help the teen avoid relapsing into drug use and deal with emotional issues that are prompting his or her violent behavior. Parents, teachers, and other concerned people in a teen's life should not ignore warning signs for substance abuse or for violent behavior.

Sources:

National Youth Violence Prevention Center, "Teen Substance Abuse and Violence Facts" [online]

SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center, "What You Need To Know About Youth Violence Prevention" [online]

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, "Understanding Violent Bheavior in Children and Adolescents" [online]