Addiction in Youth: How to Recognise, Understand, and Help

Signs of Addiction

While addiction may affect every individual child differently and vary depending on the type, there are still common signs to watch for.

– Isolating themselves from friends and families.

– Smelling of alcohol or tobacco.

– Loss of interest in school.

– Harmful or risky behaviour.

– Poor attendance and/or performance in school.

Causes of Addiction in Children

Mental Health Issues

Children facing mental health challenges are at a greater risk of engaging in substance abuse, which raises their likelihood of developing addiction. As mental health issues surge, with 1 in 5 children now affected, this risk is expected to worsen.

Studies suggest that many turn to substances as a way to escape and numb their pain.

Access to Substance

Although it is illegal to sell substance to anyone under 18 years old, children can still access them for free through families and friends or sometimes even by companies. For example, a recent study discovered that 2.1% of children reported that their first vape was given to them by a vape company.

Exposure to Substance

Early exposure to substances can normalise this behaviour for children, leading them to believe it is acceptable to engage in substance use themselves. In 2024, 72% of 11–17-year-olds report they were exposed to some form of vape promotion, the main sources being in shops (55%) and online (29%). Additionally, children often mimic the behaviours they observe, so if their parents are engaging with addictive substances or activities, the child is more likely to follow suit. It’s been estimated that 705,000 children aged between 10 – 17 are to be living with one or two alcohol dependent parents in the UK.

Peer Pressure

It’s natural for children to want to fit in with their peers, but when this involves engaging in illegal substances, it can be harmful and have serious consequences. The early use of drugs increases the lifetime risk of developing a substance use disorder. This suggests that children and teens who face high levels of peer pressure and give in to that pressure may have a higher lifetime risk of addiction.

Children of Addicts

Living with a parent who has an addiction can be incredibly challenging, leaving a child feeling isolated and confused. They may struggle to understand their parent’s behaviour and often miss out on the emotional support they need. This can lead children to turn to substances themselves as a way to cope. According to a recent study, the risk of addiction increases for those who have parents who are alcoholics or drug addicts.

How to treat addiction

Have Open Conversations

Your child may feel embarrassed or ashamed about opening up so it’s good to listen to their feelings without judgment or accusatory. Let your child know that you are concerned about them and you don’t want to see them suffer.

Create a Safe Space

It’s important to create a safe space for your child to open up to you about their addiction. It can be a difficult topic to discuss and you want to make sure your child feels comfortable. When you provide this environment, your child is more likely to trust you and turn to you again for support if more issues occur.

Set Boundaries

You can create clear rules for mobile phone and video game use such as specific times and time limits. This will give them more control over the usage and should help to reduce their addiction. If you’re concerned about a child’s alcohol use, consider keeping any alcohol at home hidden to prevent access and reduce temptation.

Seek Support

If your child is unwilling to open up to you, they may feel more comfortable talking to a professional support service. Young Minds and Childline provide free and anonymous helplines and live chats to support children fighting with addiction. If they prefer to talk to someone in person, Little Lives UK offers free therapy sessions to children in schools across the UK.