Substance Use & Young Men: Understanding the Challenges, Promoting Healthy Choices
During the teen and college years, young men are more susceptible to struggling with substance abuse than at other times in their lives. Many factors can contribute including peer pressure, the fact that their brains are still developing, larger societal problems, and even genetic traits passed down through generations. But drug abuse — or even drug use — isn’t a forgone conclusion. Having a strong supporting cast of positive influences is a great way to prevent young men (or anyone) from succumbing to substance abuse.
It almost sounds too simple but putting someone in young people's lives to help guide them and model healthy, positive choices can be incredibly impactful. Studies also show that people who have “supportive non-parental adults in their lives have been found to have higher levels of academic functioning, better self-esteem, fewer behavioral problems, and lower rates of mental health problems and substance use,” according to the American Psychological Association.
This type of support is incredibly important, helping teens picture themselves down the road. This future-forward thinking encourages them to make better decisions in the short term.
So we can agree that prevention is important, but in order to understand how to help teen boys avoid substance abuse, it’s important to explore different reasons why they might begin using and abusing drugs or alcohol in the first place.
Reasons Teen Boys & Young Men Develop Substance Abuse Issues
The reasons are as varied as the teens themselves, but there are some common denominators when it comes to risk for drug or alcohol abuse. Here are some indicators to be aware of:
Childhood Trauma - Many people, not only young men, turn to substances to cope with past trauma and unwanted feelings. While drugs or alcohol may initially dull the painful emotions they're trying to escape, in the end, they just compound the problem.
Daily Stress - The teen years are a difficult time. Between hormones, school, relationships, and the day-to-day pressures of growing up, it’s not uncommon for kids to turn to substances to try to lower stress.
Biological Factors - Some people are genetically more likely to develop an addiction to drugs or alcohol than others, and a family history of addiction can make someone more predisposed to having a problem himself. Still, this doesn’t mean there’s no hope of staying sober (more on that later).
Unexpected or Traumatic Events - Whether it’s a health scare, trouble at home or school, a breakup or other difficulties, going through tough times can cause a teen to turn to substances as a way to avoid or distract themselves from these issues.
Behavioral Health Issues - Conditions like depression, anxiety, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), especially when undiagnosed, can lead teens to try to self-medicate.
Low Self-esteem, Social Rejection, Feeling “Other” - A sense of community and belonging are especially important during the teen years. If someone feels like they don’t fit in or can’t find their place, it can lead to numbing behaviors like drug or alcohol use.
These are just a few of the ways young men can find themselves in the middle stages of an alcohol or drug problem. And males are generally less willing to show weakness or reach out for help — especially young men and teens. Instead, they try to soldier on alone or choose to ignore their problems altogether. Or they turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms from risky or aggressive behavior to porn use, underachieving in school, or drug and alcohol use.
How to Stop Alcohol or Drug Use Before It Becomes Abuse
Even with how insidious addiction can be, there are ways to get out in front of it. You can you help a teen or young man in your life to address their drug or alcohol use before it spirals into an addiction. It starts by simply showing up, being a positive influence, and creating a healthy environment.
Young men can be especially susceptible to substance use issues for a host of reasons we’ve already mentioned, but really, just being an adolescent boy puts them at risk. The teenage years can be fraught with landmines, so making sure someone is standing on a solid foundation can make a real difference in helping them avoid developing harmful habits.
Here are some ways you can help the young men you care about avoid a substance abuse disorder and thrive as they enter adulthood:
Find Them a Mentor - Introducing a teen to someone they can look up to can influence them in a myriad of positive ways. Kids who don’t have someone to show them positive ways to overcome obstacles and face disappointments are more likely to fall into unhealthy habits like drug or alcohol use. Keep in mind, kids are more likely to pay attention to someone they look up to. If these mentors can model healthy ways to confront problems or deal with issues, it can make a difference.
Talk With Them Openly: By simply talking with your kids or a young man in your life, you can have a major impact on the way they feel. It may seem small, but simple conversation can help them feel more comfortable discussing any problems they face.
Show Emotion and Talk About Feelings: Many young men don’t know how to adequately express how they’re feeling or address their emotions with others. They worry that being vulnerable somehow makes them weak, inadequate, or less “manly.” This is incredibly detrimental to a young man’s healthy development. By not sharing their feelings, they can become angry, stressed, or sad, causing increasing turmoil.
Lead By Example: This can be difficult to do, as sometimes life gets in the way, but any opportunity to set an example is a good thing. Teenagers and young adults are like sponges — they absorb the habits of the people around them, both good and bad. While you can't be there every moment, take advantage of any opportunities to have an impact. These small moments can really add up.
Of course, even with the best intentions and great examples, some teen boys will still experiment with drugs or alcohol, and for some that use can develop in an addiction. But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.
Helping Your Teen Get Back on Track
Like so many things, one of the best ways to help young boys address a substance-abuse issue is through communication. Sitting them down and letting them know you’re there for them no matter what is one of the best ways to start the healing process. Let them know that having an addiction doesn’t make them a bad person or lesser than in any sort of way.
Drop the Judgement -
Many people realize they have a problem but don’t want to admit it when confronted for fear of seeming weak or like they can’t handle their own issues. Another way to help them feel comfortable coming to you for help is to always leave your judgment at the door. Never make them feel like they’re a lesser person because of this addiction. You can let them know they’re doing something wrong, but don’t equate their worth as people to the addiction and how they’re acting as a result of it. This will only make them shy away from wanting to help themselves or be honest with you.
Above all: Listen -
It sounds simple, but hearing them out and attempting to put yourself in their shoes can go a long way. Many young boys fall into these scenarios because they don’t feel like anyone cares to hear what they’re going through. If you show that you’re available and ready to listen, it validates their emotions and can go a long way toward helping them agree to explore other options.
Show that you’re on their team -
This means not only listening to them but also celebrating their wins and picking them up when they stumble. Overcoming a substance abuse problem can be a long and winding road. However, by tuning into the journey with them and letting them know that they have a partner, they can start to feel that they aren’t alone. This goes a long way when dealing with a substance issue and can greatly improve their morale and outlook.
One of the best ways to stay committed to recovery is by concentrating on activities where most people will be sober and free of drugs.
Push your child to find these types of groups and support them any way you can.
The Carpenter Shed Helps Teen Boys Find Purpose, Meaning & Direction. Our passion is helping young boys find greater meaning in life, so they stay away from drugs, alcohol and other cheap dopamine hits that delay growth. We pride ourselves in helping them find a sense of purpose, meaning, and direction so that they can lead more fulfilling lives.
If you know of a young man who could benefit from The Carpenter Shed, please contact us and give us some more information. It’s never too late to get a jump on a better life.
Sources:
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/04-05/teen-social-emotional-support.html
https://www.highfocuscenters.com/2019/02/06/6-common-causes-of-substance-use-in-men/
