Anxiety in teens is on the rise, and it’s not hard to see why. Many teens feel completely overwhelmed by school stress, social media influence, and personal challenges. Instead of reaching out for help, some self-medicate for anxiety, using alcohol, drugs, or even prescription drugs (theirs or someone else’s) to try and take the edge off.

It might seem like a quick fix in the moment, but self-medicating can actually make things worse, leading to more significant mental health struggles, addiction, and a cycle that’s hard to break.

A lot of the time, there’s more going on beneath the surface. Many teens dealing with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, or even panic attacks don’t always realize they’re struggling with a real mental health condition. And when they don’t have access to the right mental health services, they might feel like they have no other option but to push through on their own.

We’ll break down why teens turn to self-medicating, the potential consequences that come with it, and how mental health challenges like traumatic stress disorder, depression, and social anxiety disorder play a role. We’ll also talk about how parents and loved ones can recognize the warning signs and explore healthier ways to manage anxiety without turning to substance use.

It’s no secret that anxiety in teens is more widespread than ever before. From academic stress to the drama of social media, today’s teens are dealing with challenges that previous generations didn’t face in the same way.

Many struggle with mental disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, which make everyday situations feel overwhelming. On top of that, some teens experience traumatic stress disorder or ongoing stress disorder, whether from personal hardships, family struggles, or even the constant exposure to bad news online. When left untreated, these issues can lead to even more serious mental health concerns, including mood disorders, bipolar disorder, and severe depression.

How anxiety affects teenagers

Anxiety isn’t just about feeling nervous before a test or getting butterflies before a big event. For many teens, it’s a constant battle that affects their sleep, appetite, ability to focus, and even their physical health.

The expectations to succeed in school, maintain a social life, and keep up with unrealistic online standards fuel anxiety symptoms, making it harder for teens to cope in healthy ways. Without access to mental health services and proper treatment, many teens feel stuck and unsure of how to handle their emotions.

Unfortunately, this often leads some to self-medication as a way to numb their feelings instead of seeking help.

Signs of anxiety in teens

Not sure if your teen is struggling with anxiety? Here are some common signs to look out for:

• Constant worrying – Overthinking everything, even small things.
• Irritability or mood swings – Snapping at others, seeming on edge.
• Avoiding social situations – Skipping events, isolating from friends.
• Difficulty sleeping – Trouble falling asleep or waking up a lot.
• Physical symptoms – Headaches, stomach aches, or feeling sick often.
• Panic attacks – Sudden episodes of intense fear or shortness of breath.
• Perfectionism – Putting too much pressure on themselves, fear of failure.
• Declining school performance – Struggling to focus, missing assignments.
• Restlessness or fidgeting – Can’t sit still, constantly feeling uneasy.

When anxiety in teens becomes too much to handle, many look for ways to escape the overwhelming stress and expectations they feel every day.

Whether it’s school demands, social struggles, or personal worries, the constant weight of anxiety can be exhausting. Without access to proper mental health services or support, some teens self-medicate for anxiety, hoping it will help them feel more in control. They might experiment with booze, illegal substances, tobacco, or vaping, thinking this will help them relax, quiet their racing thoughts, or make social situations easier to handle.

For some, self-medicating is about masking the physical symptoms of anxiety—like a pounding heart, shaky hands, or shortness of breath. Others use it to numb their feelings, hoping to escape feelings of fear, sadness, or self-doubt. In the moment, substances may provide a temporary sense of relief or confidence, tricking them into believing they’ve found a solution.

But the truth is, these quick fixes don’t actually treat the root of the problem. Instead, they make anxiety symptoms worse over time, leading to even more stress, dependency, and sometimes addiction. What starts as an attempt to cope can quickly spiral into a much bigger issue that’s harder to overcome without real, professional support.

One of the biggest hazards of self-medicating for anxiety is that it creates a false sense of control. Many teens believe that using liquor, prescribed or unprescribed substances, or nicotine will help them relax, but instead, it sets them up for a cycle of dependence.

Alcohol abuse, for example, can interfere with brain function, worsening mental health conditions like depression, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. The same goes for substance abuse—prescriptions, marijuana, or other substances may seem like an easy fix, but they can quickly lead to addiction.

For some teens, self-medicating isn’t just about taking the edge off—it’s about masking deeper struggles. Teens dealing with panic disorder, social phobia, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may turn to substances to feel more confident or escape reality. Others who struggle with serious mental illness may not even realize they’re making their symptoms worse by self-medicating.

Beyond the mental toll, self-medicating can lead to serious physical complications. Excessive drinking can harm the liver, brain, and nervous system, while pharmaceutical misuse—especially involving prescriptions—can lead to side effects, overdose, or long-term health complications.

The nicotine found in vapes is highly addictive and can interfere with brain development, making it harder to focus, learn, and manage stress. It also increases heart rate and blood pressure, which can intensify symptoms of anxiety.

Beyond that, the chemicals in vape juice aren’t harmless. Many contain toxic substances that can damage the lungs, leading to breathing problems, chronic cough, and even long-term lung disease. Some teens who vape regularly experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or increased fatigue, which can impact everything from sports performance to everyday activities.

Instead of helping teens feel better, these substances actually fuel the very stress and anxiety they were trying to escape in the first place.

The reality is that self-medicating for anxiety is never a true solution. Without addressing the root cause of their mental health challenges, teens can easily fall into a vicious cycle of dependence, worsening symptoms, and serious health issues. That’s why it’s so important to encourage open conversations about mental health, provide access to treatment, and offer safer, healthier ways for teens to cope with their anxiety.

Social media is a huge part of teen life, but it’s also a major source of stress. The need to fit in, to look perfect, stay relevant, and keep up with unrealistic standards can seriously fuel anxiety in teens. Scrolling through endless highlight reels can make them feel like they’re not good enough, leading to social anxiety, panic attacks, and overwhelming stress.

Instead of reaching out for real help, some teens turn to self-medication for their anxiety, thinking booze, illegal substances, or prescription meds will help them feel more in control.

The problem gets even worse with the spread of misinformation. Social media is full of posts that glorify self-medicating. Teens are constantly exposed to influencers or even peers who make drinking, vaping, or substance use seem like a normal way to deal with stress. When they see others doing it, they might feel tempted to try it themselves, believing it’s an easy fix.

Teens who turn to self-medication for anxiety often don’t realize the long-term consequences. What begins as an attempt to manage stress can quickly spiral into something far more harmful. Substances like recreational substances, vapes, or unprescribed medications might seem to offer temporary relief, but they often make anxiety worse over time.

Rather than calming the mind, substance misuse can heighten anxiety symptoms, leading to mood swings, disrupted sleep, and increased stress. What feels like a quick fix can trap teens in a cycle of dependence that’s difficult to break.

The long-term consequences are even more serious. Self-medicating doesn’t just cover up internal struggles—it can lead to addiction, severe mental health challenges, and lasting harm to physical health.

Over time, the body builds a tolerance, meaning teens need more of the substance to achieve the same effect. This can lead to dependency and an increased likelihood of turning to stronger substances. What may start as casual experimentation can quickly turn into a pattern of misuse that’s hard to reverse.

Beyond addiction, repeated substance use can interfere with brain development, weaken the immune system, and raise the risk of depression. Using substances to mask mental health issues doesn’t solve the problem—it only delays healing and makes it harder to treat later on.

Instead of finding lasting solutions, teens who self-medicate may find themselves overwhelmed with even more emotional and mental health challenges. That’s why early intervention and promoting healthier ways to cope with anxiety are so critical—to prevent short-term choices from becoming lifelong consequences.

Instead of turning to unprescribed prescriptions for anxiety, teens need healthy ways to cope with stress and overwhelming experiences. The good news? There are plenty of effective techniques that can help manage anxiety without relying on substances.

Simple habits like meditation, journaling, and exercise can make a huge difference. Meditation helps calm racing thoughts, journaling offers an outlet for reflection, and regular physical activity releases endorphins that naturally ease tension. While these strategies might not provide instant relief like illicit substances or drinking, they offer long-term benefits that support mental well-being.

Another key to helping teens avoid masking their struggles is ensuring they have access to support. Many schools offer counselors, therapy programs, and peer support groups that give teens a safe place to open up about what they’re going through.

Having outlets to express themselves—whether it’s through one-on-one therapy, group conversations, or talking with a trusted adult—can prevent teens from feeling isolated or overwhelmed. Encouraging open dialogue about mental health at home and in schools also helps reduce the stigma around anxiety and getting help.

It’s also important to start early. Younger children who learn healthy coping tools are less likely to turn to self-medicating as they grow older.

Teaching kids how to navigate stress, communicate what’s on their minds, and find calming strategies can lay the foundation for lifelong mental wellness. Simple practices like breathing exercises, naming what they’re feeling, and talking through worries help build resilience. Most importantly, teens need to know they don’t have to face anxiety alone.

How parents can talk to teens about anxiety

While teens often try to hide their struggles, having open, non-judgmental conversations at home can make a big difference. Many teens don’t reach out simply because they don’t know how to talk about what they’re feeling—or they’re afraid of getting in trouble. Parents and caregivers play a key role in creating a safe space where teens feel seen, heard, and supported.

Start by asking open-ended questions like, “What’s been stressing you out lately?” or “What do you do when you’re feeling overwhelmed?” Avoid jumping straight into problem-solving mode; sometimes, teens just need to talk things through. Listen without judgment, validate their feelings, and reassure them that they’re not alone.

It also helps to share your own experiences with stress or anxiety in age-appropriate ways. When teens see that adults struggle too—and find healthy ways to cope—they’re more likely to follow that example. Remind them that needing help is not a sign of weakness, and seeking support is actually a sign of strength.

If you’re concerned your teen may already be self-medicating, approach the topic gently. Focus on their well-being rather than punishment. Say something like, “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed really stressed lately—how can I support you?” From there, you can work together on finding healthy coping strategies or connecting with a mental health professional.

If a teen is struggling with anxiety to the point where it’s affecting their daily life—whether through constant stress, panic attacks, or difficulty functioning—it’s important to seek help. Turning to unhealthy coping methods like substance use can lead to dependence, intensify mental health challenges, and result in long-term consequences that are much harder to reverse.

That’s why professional guidance is so important. Mental health professionals can help teens find real solutions tailored to their needs, whether through behavioral therapy, medicating depression, or structured therapy programs. Unlike substances, these approaches address the root of the problem rather than just masking the symptoms. Therapy can also provide teens with healthier coping mechanisms, helping them build resilience and manage their anxiety in a sustainable way.

If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, don’t wait to get help. Pacific Health Group offers teen therapy and family therapy, ensuring treatment is tailored to each teen’s unique needs. Our team provides a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities to help teens navigate anxiety in a healthy, productive way. We also offer flexible telehealth appointments. Call 1-877-811-1217 or visit www.mypacifichealth.com to learn more about getting the right support. Anxiety is tough, but no one has to face it alone—real help is available.