Understanding Teen Substance Use — and the Role of Trauma in Healing

by Viviana Triana, MDiv., LCSW Supervisor, EMDRIA Approved Trainer and Consultant

Substance use among teens is a growing concern — and it often goes much deeper than curiosity or peer pressure. For many young people, alcohol or drug use starts as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or painful experiences they don’t yet have the tools to manage.

Why Teens Turn to Substances

Adolescence is a time of huge change — physically, emotionally, and socially. It’s also a time when the brain is still developing, making teens more likely to take risks and be influenced by peers. When a young person experiences trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or the loss of a loved one, those vulnerabilities can deepen. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 1 in 7 adolescents will develop a substance use disorder by age 18. Teens who have experienced trauma are three to four times more likely to develop a substance use disorder than their peers. These numbers remind us that substance use is often a symptom of something deeper — an attempt to manage pain, not just a “bad choice.”

Looking Beneath the Surface

At Youth180, we know lasting recovery begins when we look beneath the surface. Instead of focusing only on stopping substance use, we help teens understand why they turn to substances in the first place — and help them find healthier ways to cope. One tool we use in this process is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, an evidence-based approach that helps people process and heal from trauma. For many teens, EMDR can reduce the emotional weight of painful memories, allowing them to feel calmer, more present, and more in control. When the underlying trauma begins to heal, the need to self-medicate often fades too.

Healing Takes a Village

Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation — it takes support, patience, and connection. Families play a powerful role in helping teens heal. Parents and caregivers often carry their own emotional stress or guilt, which can affect communication at home. That’s why we involve families in the healing process through support groups and family-focused sessions. When families learn how trauma impacts behavior — and when they have a space to work through their own feelings — they’re better able to support their teen’s recovery and rebuild trust together.

Meeting Teens Where They Are

Not every young person is ready to stop using substances right away, and that’s okay. Recovery isn’t a straight line. We meet teens where they are, helping them make small, meaningful steps — like reducing use, learning emotional regulation skills, or identifying triggers. Approaches like EMDR can help even when a teen is still using substances, as long as the focus is on safety and stabilization first. This compassionate, harm-reduction approach creates space for healing without shame or pressure.

Building Resilience and Hope

Recovery is about more than giving something up — it’s about gaining new ways to live. We help teens discover the strengths they already have, like perseverance, creativity, or compassion. One simple exercise is identifying “moments of strength” — times they handled something hard or felt a sense of control. Over time, recognizing these moments builds confidence and resilience, which are key ingredients in long-term recovery.

A Path Forward

There’s no single roadmap to recovery, but there is always hope. With the right support, teens can learn to manage their emotions, rebuild relationships, and create healthier lives. At Youth180, we believe in treating the whole person — addressing both trauma and substance use through prevention, intervention, and clinical care. Because when we help young people heal what’s underneath, we don’t just stop the cycle of substance use — we help them find a future filled with strength, stability, and possibility.

If your teen or someone you know is struggling, we’re here to help. Visit youth180tx.org/gethelp or call 214-942-5166 to learn more about Youth180’s programs for youth and families.