Understanding Substance Use: Recognizing the Signs, Causes, and How OMNI Can Help
Substance use involves the regular use or experimentation with addictive substances such as alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, vaping products, prescription pills, or illegal drugs. What may begin as curiosity or peer experimentation can quickly develop into unhealthy patterns that affect mental, emotional, and physical health.
At OMNI, we understand the impact substance use and abuse can have on individuals and their loved ones. Our team is here to provide education, support, and counseling to help teens, young adults, and families recognize the signs early and work toward healthier futures together.
Behavioral Symptoms of Substance Use:
Loss of motivation or failure to complete school, work, or home responsibilities
Skipping classes, frequent absences, or declining grades
Secretiveness, lying, or avoiding family and friends
Risk-taking behaviors or encounters with law enforcement
Dropping hobbies or withdrawing from once-loved activities
What is Substance Use?
Substance use refers to the consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other addictive substances that can impact a person’s physical, emotional, and mental health. This may include experimenting with or regularly using substances such as marijuana, tobacco, vaping products, alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs.
While some people may use substances occasionally without immediate harm, repeated use increases the risk of addiction, health problems, and negative impacts on relationships, school, or work. Substance use can quickly become a coping mechanism for dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma, or peer pressure—especially for teens and young adults.
Common Substances Involved in Substance Use:
Alcohol
Marijuana and cannabis products
Tobacco and vaping products
Prescription drugs (painkillers, sedatives, stimulants)
Illegal drugs (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines)
Recognizing what substance use is and why it happens is the first step toward getting help. Whether it’s occasional use or signs of dependence, early intervention is key to preventing serious long-term consequences.
Who Is at Risk for Substance Use?
Substance use can affect teens, young adults, and adults alike, but certain life factors may increase risk, including:
Academic or social pressure
Major life changes, trauma, or family conflict
Mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression
Curiosity, peer pressure, or the desire to fit in
Easy access to drugs, alcohol, or vaping products
Common Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use
Recognizing the warning signs of substance use is the first step toward getting help. Substance use often causes noticeable changes in behavior, mood, and physical appearance.
Emotional and Social Symptoms of Substance Use:
Increased irritability, mood swings, or anger outbursts
Feelings of lethargy, sadness, or emotional numbness
Hyperactivity or restlessness at unusual times
Isolation from family or changes in social circles
Why Teens Are at Risk for Substance Use:
Peer pressure and desire to fit in
Stress from school, sports, family, or social media
Curiosity and thrill-seeking behavior
Mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, or trauma
Lack of understanding about the risks of drug and alcohol use
Physical Symptoms of Substance Use:
Poor hygiene, unkempt appearance, or drastic weight changes
Bloodshot eyes, frequent nosebleeds, dilated pupils, or body marks
Unusual odors on clothing or breath
Unexplained injuries or frequent complaints of feeling unwell
Common Causes of Substance Use
There’s no single reason why someone turns to substances. Often, substance use is linked to a combination of emotional, environmental, and social factors. Understanding the causes helps guide effective treatment and prevention. Factors That May Contribute to Substance Use:
Mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, or trauma
Peer pressure or social influence, especially among teens
Family conflict, divorce, or strained relationships
Academic stress or pressure to perform
Low self-esteem or feelings of isolation
Curiosity and experimentation
Accessibility of substances like alcohol, drugs, or vaping products
Coping with grief, loss, or major life changes
By identifying the root causes, OMNI’s counselors help individuals understand what’s driving their substance use and work to build healthier coping skills.
Substance Use and Teens: Understanding the Risks and Warning Signs
Teen substance use is a growing concern that can impact health, academic success, and relationships. Adolescence is a time of change, curiosity, and increased exposure to risky behaviors—including experimentation with alcohol, marijuana, vaping, prescription drugs, or other substances.
What might start as casual use or peer pressure can quickly lead to unhealthy patterns of substance misuse, dependency, and addiction. Early recognition and support are critical in preventing long-term consequences.
Signs of Teen Substance Use:
Mood swings, irritability, or secrecy
Changes in friend groups or withdrawing from family
Declining grades or skipping school
Poor hygiene or sudden changes in appearance
Smells of alcohol, marijuana, or other substances
Lying, stealing, or breaking rules more frequently
Taking the First Step Toward Recovery for Your Teen: How OMNI Can Help
At OMNI, we know how overwhelming it can feel when you suspect your teen is struggling with substance use. That’s why we offer a safe, non-judgmental space for teens and their families to receive the support, education, and tools they need to move toward recovery.
The Seven Challenges® Program at OMNI – A Unique Approach to Teen Substance Use Counseling
OMNI proudly offers the Seven Challenges® Program, an evidence-based counseling program designed specifically for adolescents and young adults engaged in substance use. This structured program helps participants take responsibility for their choices, understand the impact of substance use, and develop healthier coping skills.
Learn More about our Seven Challenges Program.
What Teens Gain Through the Seven Challenges® Program:
Learn to evaluate their behavior and decision-making
Address underlying issues contributing to substance use
Explore motivations and set personal goals for change
Strengthen communication skills and family relationships
Build resilience and healthier ways to cope with stress
Our licensed counselors create individualized plans that meet each teen where they are in their journey—whether they’re experimenting or facing serious struggles with drugs or alcohol.
How OMNI Can Help: Counseling for Substance Use, Recovery & More
If you’re worried about substance use in yourself, your child, or a loved one, OMNI is here to help. Our experienced counselors provide education, support, and tools for overcoming substance use, strengthening family connections, and creating lasting change.
Reach out today to learn more about our substance abuse counseling, drug and alcohol prevention services, and support for teens and young adults.
