TeenThreads mission: Help teens understand risk, protect their future, and get support early — without judgment.

Important: This page is educational and does not replace medical care. If someone is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.
If you’re in the U.S., you can call/text 988 for crisis support or use 911 for emergencies.

Quick Jump

• Why TeenThreads Talks About This
• Addiction Basics (Simple + Real)
• Teen Brain & Dopamine (Why Risk is Higher)
• Vaping & Nicotine (The Truth)
• Alcohol (Drinking, Binge Drinking, Safety)
• Drugs (Common Categories + Risks)
• Prescription Misuse (Big Warning)
• Cannabis/THC (Edibles, Concentrates, Driving)
• Gambling & Gaming-Like Gambling
• Red Flags & When to Get Help
• How to Get Help (Teen-Friendly Steps)
• Helping a Friend (What to Say)
• Parent/Guardian Corner (What Helps)
• Trusted Resources (Gov + Medical)
• Quiz + Answers

Teen addiction and risky use often start quietly: stress, curiosity, pressure, pain, boredom, anxiety, or “everyone does it.”
This hub is here to give you something stronger than pressure: clarity, choices, and a plan.

Addiction is when a behavior or substance starts controlling you — even when it causes problems.

• Use = you tried something (risk still exists)
• Misuse = using in unsafe ways (too much, too often, mixing, using to cope)
• Dependence = your body/brain adapts and expects it
• Addiction = cravings + loss of control + harm continues

TeenThreads truth: You don’t have to “hit rock bottom” to get help. Early support is a power move.

Teens are not “weak.” Teen brains are still developing — especially the parts that handle impulse control, planning, and risk.
Many substances (and gambling) hijack dopamine (the motivation/reward system).

• Big reward signals can make cravings stronger
• Stress + lack of sleep makes self-control harder
• Using to cope can turn into a habit fast

Vaping often looks “clean,” but nicotine is highly addictive and can affect attention, mood, sleep, and brain development.

Trusted info: CDC – E-cigarettes/Vaping
•  Smokefree Teen (NIH)

Alcohol can affect judgment fast. The biggest risks for teens are unsafe decisions, accidents, alcohol poisoning, and mixing alcohol with other substances.

• Binge drinking = drinking a lot in a short time (high danger)
• Mixing alcohol with pills or other drugs can be extremely dangerous
• Never ride with an impaired driver (plan rides ahead)
• Emergency signs include unconsciousness, slow/irregular breathing, repeated vomiting, confusion

Trusted info: CDC – Alcohol
•  NIAAA (NIH) – Alcohol Research

Important: This hub does not teach how to use anything. It teaches how to avoid harm and get help.

Learn: NIDA (NIH) – Drug Facts
•  SAMHSA – Substance Use & Treatment

Taking someone else’s prescription or taking more than directed is not “no big deal.” It can be dangerous, addictive, and unpredictable.

• Pills from friends or online sources can be unsafe or mislabeled
• Mixing pills with alcohol or other substances can be life-threatening
• If you’re using pills to cope with stress or sadness, that’s a sign to get support

Trusted info: MedlinePlus – Prescription Drug Misuse

Cannabis/THC can affect memory, motivation, learning, anxiety, and reaction time — especially in teens.
Driving under the influence is dangerous.

• Edibles can hit later and last longer (which can surprise people)
• High-THC products can increase anxiety for some people
• If it affects school, sleep, or mood, it’s worth getting support

Learn: NIH – Drug Facts for Teens
•  CDC – Marijuana

Gambling is not only casinos. It can show up as sports betting, online betting, “loot box” style spending, and risky dares.
It can hijack dopamine the same way substances do.

• Red flag: chasing losses (“I just need one win”)
• Red flag: hiding spending or lying about it
• Red flag: feeling restless or angry if you can’t do it
• Protection: spending limits, deleting apps, asking for help early

Learn: MedlinePlus – Gambling Disorder

Get help ASAP if you notice:

• using to cope with sadness, anxiety, anger, or trauma
• needing more to feel the same effect
• withdrawal-like feelings when not using (irritable, shaky, restless)
• grades dropping, skipping school, losing interest in activities
• lying, hiding, stealing, or secretive behavior around money or substances
• unsafe situations (driving impaired, blackouts, risky behavior)
• thoughts of harming yourself or feeling unsafe

If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number.
In the U.S.: 988 Lifeline

1. Pick one safe adult: parent/guardian, school counselor, nurse, coach, trusted relative.
2. Say one true sentence: “I’m worried about my use / my friend’s use. I need help.”
3. Ask for a plan: counseling, clinician visit, treatment resources, support groups.
4. Remove easy access: delete apps, block dealers/contacts, avoid trigger settings when possible.
5. Get support for stress: sleep, routines, coping skills, mental health support.

Find treatment (U.S.): FindTreatment.gov
•  National Helpline: SAMHSA Helpline

Keep it simple. Keep it kind. Keep it real.

• “I care about you. I’ve noticed you seem different lately.”
• “I’m not judging you. I’m worried. Can we talk to someone together?”
• “You don’t have to handle this alone.”
• If danger is immediate: tell an adult right away. Safety comes first.

• Stay calm: fear is normal, but yelling can shut honesty down
• Ask curious questions, not courtroom questions
• Focus on support + safety plans (not shame)
• Get professional guidance early (pediatrician, counselor, treatment programs)

• NIH – Drug Facts for Teens
• NIDA (NIH) – Drug Research & Facts
• SAMHSA – Substance Use & Mental Health
• FindTreatment.gov (U.S.)
• 988 Lifeline (U.S.)
• CDC – Vaping/E-cigarettes
• Smokefree Teen (NIH)
• CDC – Alcohol
• MedlinePlus – Substance Use Problems
• MedlinePlus – Gambling Disorder
• Mayo Clinic – Drug Addiction
• Cleveland Clinic – Addiction

How to use: Answer honestly. Then check the answers to learn fast.

1. Q: Addiction is mainly about “bad character.”
   A: False. Addiction involves brain/behavior changes and needs support.
2. Q: Vaping nicotine can be addictive.
   A: True.
3. Q: If you don’t feel symptoms, you’re safe using something.
   A: False. Harm can happen without obvious symptoms.
4. Q: Mixing alcohol with pills can be dangerous.
   A: True.
5. Q: “Chasing losses” is a gambling red flag.
   A: True.
6. Q: Teen brains are still developing, which can increase risk-taking.
   A: True.
7. Q: Prescription drugs are always safe if they’re from a friend.
   A: False. Only safe when prescribed to you and taken as directed.
8. Q: A person must “hit rock bottom” before getting help.
   A: False. Early help is better.
9. Q: Gambling problems can affect mood and school life.
   A: True.
10. Q: Peer pressure is not a real reason people start using.
    A: False. Peer pressure is common.
11. Q: Stress and anxiety can be triggers for substance use.
    A: True.
12. Q: If a friend is in immediate danger, you should keep it secret to protect them.
    A: False. Safety first—tell a trusted adult.
13. Q: Cravings can be part of addiction.
    A: True.
14. Q: Quitting is easier with support than alone.
    A: True.
15. Q: “Free trials” can become money traps if you forget them.
    A: True (and can lead to stress and hiding behavior).
16. Q: Using substances can never impact sleep.
    A: False. Many substances affect sleep strongly.
17. Q: A strong plan includes avoiding triggers when possible.
    A: True.
18. Q: It’s normal to ask a counselor or doctor for help.
    A: True.
19. Q: The 988 Lifeline is only for adults.
    A: False. It’s for anyone in crisis (U.S.).
20. Q: The safest move if you’re overwhelmed is to reach out today.
    A: True.

TeenThreads Final Word: You deserve a future you’re proud of.
If something is pulling you off track, that’s not “weakness.” That’s a signal to get support – now.