When ‘Just Once’ Becomes Addiction: What Caregivers Should Know About Young People and Substance Use
September 17, 2025
According to recent data from Gov.UK, around 14,352 people under the age of 18 have been in alcohol and drug treatment between 2023-2024. This is a 16% increase from the previous year (2022-2023), highlighting a growing and urgent concern about addiction among young people. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent real lives.
The teenage years are an important period for brain development, and addiction can impact this brain development. With peer pressure, societal influences, and a growing culture of instant gratification, young people are increasingly vulnerable to the onset of addiction.
This article aims to explore what an addiction is, the different types of addiction, how to recognise the warning signs, and what support is available for those who may be struggling. By understanding the complexities of addiction, caregivers can better navigate the challenges of supporting their young people through addiction.
What is Addiction?
Addiction is a complex and often misunderstood condition. It is when someone does not have control over something they are taking or doing; the individual will often struggle to stop engaging in the behaviour despite it negatively impacting their life.
Whilst addiction is often associated with substances such as drugs, alcohol, or nicotine, almost anything can become an addiction. This includes activities such as video gaming, gambling, excessive working, and social media use. Behavioural addictions, particularly those linked to digital technology, have become more widespread with the rise of smartphones, computers, and the internet. Social media platforms, for instance, are designed to be highly addictive by triggering dopamine release in the brain.
Young people are particularly vulnerable to addiction. The adolescent brain is still developing, especially in areas related to decision-making, risk-taking, and emotional regulation. Peer pressure, environmental stressors, and access to addictive substances or activities further increase this risk.
When a person engages in addictive behaviours, such as drinking alcohol or scrolling social media, the brain releases a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine is associated with pleasure and reinforces the behaviour, making the person want to repeat the action. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on this dopamine. This results in the person needing more of the substance or behaviour to achieve the same pleasurable effect, leading to the escalation of addictive behaviours. This cycle of reinforcement and tolerance is one reason why addiction can be so difficult to overcome.
Addiction rewires the brain’s reward system, making it less responsive to natural rewards, such as healthy socialising. This is why people who are addicted to substances or behaviours may continue despite experiencing negative consequences such as damaged relationships, poor health, or financial struggles.
Types of Addiction
As mentioned, there are many types of addiction. Here are some examples:
Alcohol
Approximately 5% of students aged 11-16 have said they typically drink alcohol at least once a week. Regular alcohol use at a young age can impair brain development and increase the risk of dependency later in life.
Tobacco
3 in 100 15-year-olds smoke more than once a week. Tobacco addiction poses significant health risks, including respiratory problems and cancer.
Vaping
Approximately 9% of 11 to 15-year-olds frequently vape. While often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, vaping can still lead to addiction and long-term health consequences.
Cannabis
Teenagers are more likely to become addicted to cannabis than adults due to their developing brains. Regular use can impair cognitive function and increase mental health risks such as anxiety and depression.
Social media
42% of young people show early signs of social media addiction, characterised by compulsive use and negative impacts on mental well-being, such as anxiety or low self-esteem.
These are just a few examples of the many types of addiction people can face. Education about the different forms of addiction, as well as their long-term consequences, is crucial in preventing substance abuse and behavioural dependencies.
What are the signs of addiction?
Addiction can sometimes be hard to spot, especially when it involves behaviours like gaming or social media use, or when the person appears to be functioning well in their everyday life. However, several signs can indicate a person is struggling with addiction. Here are a few:
- Changes in behaviour
- Mental health struggles, such as an increase in anxiety or depression
- Change in appearance, such as weight loss or bloodshot eyes
- Experiencing euphoria or a “high”
- Decline in academic or work performance
- Increase in family conflict
Risk Factors
Some factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing an addiction. Understanding these risk factors is key to early intervention and prevention. Some common risk factors include:
Poor Mental Health
Those with poor mental health may be more likely to develop an addiction due to seeking substances or behaviours that may offer short-term relief. Unfortunately, this can create a harmful cycle in which the addiction makes the mental health worse and the individual seeks more of the substance or behaviour.
Peer Pressure and Social Influence
Peer pressure and social influence can be powerful, especially for young people. Young people are more likely to drink alcohol if their friends drink alcohol. This may be through a desire to fit in or avoid social rejection, thinking that if their friends are doing it, then it must be fine, or thinking that “one time” won’t hurt.
Family History
If a person has a family history of addiction, they may be more likely to experience addiction themselves. However, this doesn’t mean that the individual will definitely become addicted to a substance or behaviour, as many external and environmental factors can influence susceptibility to addiction.
Trauma or Stress
Trauma and stressful life events may lead to an individual experiencing addiction, as they may be more likely to seek out substances or behaviours for short-term relief, similarly to poor mental health.
What can caregivers do to help their teens with addiction?
Don’t be Judgemental, Provide Support
The first thing to remember is that addiction is a medical condition, not a failure. Be empathetic and supportive, avoid using shame or blame. If you are a person that the young person can trust to be a safe and non-judgmental space, they are more likely to turn to you when they are struggling.
Seek Professional Support
Addiction is a complex topic, and it can be helpful to seek professional support. These professionals can offer guidance and advice, a safe space to talk, and recovery programmes.
Set Clear Boundaries
Whilst you need to be supportive, you also need to be firm and set clear boundaries to support recovery. This may involve limiting access to substances or setting specific rules around behaviour. These boundaries help provide structure and promote recovery.
Support Recovery
Recovery is a long-term process, and it isn’t linear. It is suggested that around 40-60% of those recovering from an addiction will relapse at some point. Remember to support the young person at all stages of recovery, including relapse, and be there for them.
Encourage the young person to attend therapy or support groups, engage in healthy activities, and work on building positive habits. Celebrate all victories and offer continued emotional support.
Final Thoughts
Addiction is a serious and growing issue. Early intervention, education, and access to support systems are key in addressing this complex problem. By understanding addiction and knowing how to recognise the signs, caregivers can take proactive steps to support recovery.
If you are struggling with addiction or just need someone to talk to, Mindsum has trained professionals who offer a free initial consultation.