Should We Be Concerned When Substance Use Becomes the Solution?
August 21, 2026 Addictions
Parents
Teenagers use substances for many reasons. While some use them out of curiosity, for pleasure, or to fit in with a group, others may turn to them in an attempt to ease discomfort, cope with difficult emotions, or relieve mental stress. In this context, we sometimes refer to “self-medication”, or the use of a psychoactive substance to address a need without a prescription from a healthcare professional.
Although substance use may seem like a short-term solution to alleviate a problem, it can also carry certain risks.
Why do some teenagers turn to self-medication?
There are many reasons why a young person might use substances. In some situations, substance use becomes a way to cope with certain difficulties or to meet a need that cannot be met otherwise.
Among these reasons are:
- Reducing anxiety related to academic pressure or performance
- Managing negative emotions related to complex social relationships, social media, or body image
- Improving sleep
- Increasing concentration
- Having more energy
- For pleasure
Among adolescents and young adults, alcohol and cannabis are the most commonly consumed substances, but other drugs may also be used.
The Risks of Self-Medication
When a young person uses a substance to manage their emotions or difficulties, they may come to believe that the substance is necessary for them to function or feel better. Over time, this can increase the risk of developing a problematic relationship with substance use, such as an addiction.
Substance use during adolescence can also affect brain development and lead to certain long-term consequences. However, many of these effects can improve when use is reduced or stopped.
Beyond the risk of addiction, self-medication carries other dangers, including:
- Possible contamination of the substance being used
- Uncertain dosage
- A lack of information about the effects or risks
- Hiding one’s use out of fear of judgment or shame
Support Rather Than Prohibit
That is why it is important to address substance use with an approach that aims to reduce risks rather than simply prohibit or punish. The goal is not only to prevent substance use, but also to help teenagers better understand the effects and associated risks so they can make more informed and safer choices.
To support them, it is essential to remain open, attentive, and nonjudgmental. If substance use becomes a cause for concern, various resources can also offer support tailored to their needs and pace.
Alternatives for Managing Stress
Preventing substance use among teens isn’t just about prohibiting or controlling behaviors.
It’s also possible to help them develop other strategies for managing their stress, emotions, and daily challenges.
Here are a few approaches to encourage:
- Promote adequate sleep and a healthy lifestyle
- Create pressure-free moments where the young person can simply be themselves
- Focus on effort rather than just results or performance
- Normalize the fact that everyone goes through difficult times and encourage them to ask for help when needed
- Suggest activities that help them relax or take care of themselves, without forcing them
- Several other suggestions are available on the Beluga app!
For some, professional support can also be beneficial, especially when they are experiencing anxiety, symptoms of depression, attention difficulties, or other challenges that affect their daily lives.
How can you help a young person?
The best place to start is often simply to be there for them and keep an open mind! Building a relationship based on trust allows the young person to feel safe enough to talk about their struggles.
To foster positive conversations, it can be helpful to:
- Listen without interrupting
- Avoid panicked reactions or moralizing
- Acknowledge their emotions, even when they’re hard to understand
- Use open-ended questions to encourage discussion, such as “What helps you when you’re not feeling well?” or “What does this behavior do for you right now?”
Self-medication among teenagers is often an attempt to meet a need or alleviate a difficulty using the means available to them. Behind their substance use may lie anxiety, stress, a sense of isolation, or other personal challenges.
If you don’t feel equipped enough to support your teen, don’t hesitate to seek help from specialized resources, such as:
References (In French)
Association des intervenants en dépendance du Québec, L'automédication
Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Les effets du cannabis sur la santé physique, mentale et cognitive et à court et à long terme
