Due to the many unique factors that affect adolescent development, teens may become suddenly interested in engaging in risky or dangerous activities, such as drug use or casual sex. Potential reasons include ongoing brain development, peer pressure, and underlying mental health issues. Regardless of their origin, these behaviors need to be addressed, and it may be time to seek professional help from a therapist or treatment center.
Guardian Recovery provides comprehensive addiction treatment for teens that goes beyond addressing substance misuse. We focus on helping them improve their mental well-being, strengthen their relationships, and achieve academic success to equip them with the tools they need for a healthy and fulfilling future.
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Determining the Shift From Normal to Risky Behavior
Identifying the shift from normal adolescent behavior to that which is risky or impulsive can be challenging. However, it’s first crucial to understand what is “normal.” Moreover, some amount of risk-taking is developmentally appropriate as teens strive for independence and learn about themselves and the world around them.1 This may include minor rule-breaking, such as occasional curfew violations, testing social boundaries, engaging in some thrill-seeking activities, and experimentation with different identities and interests. So, what are some warning signs of “risky” behavior? Look for notable adverse changes in academic performance, such as dropping grades, increased school absences, and less interest in schoolwork. Also, your teen may be associating with friends who engage in risk-taking behaviors themselves, or becoming increasingly isolated or withdrawn. They may be exhibiting extreme emotional and behavioral changes, such as increased aggressiveness, mood swings, increased anxiety or depression, and other mental health issues. Finally, physical evidence such as unexplained injuries, sudden weight loss or gain, and signs of substance use may be present.Potential Sources of the Behavioral Change
There are several potential factors that can affect the behavioral changes that accompany the teenage years, including emotional pain, identity-related challenges, the desire for attention-seeking or escape, and hopes to improve social status.Emotional Pain
Many adolescents struggle with some amount of emotional pain or distress. This may be born of past trauma, such as neglect, abuse, or being present during a catastrophic event. These experiences can have a profound and long-lasting impact on their well-being. Additionally, loss and grief, such as from the loss of a loved one, an important relationship, or a cherished possession, can be associated with intense inner pain and lead to emotional withdrawal, anger, or impulsivity. Finally, chronic stress related to financial, legal, relationship, or academic issues can trigger emotional responses that sometimes manifest themselves in risky or dangerous activities. Behaviors involving substance use and thrill-seeking can serve as a means of escape from internal turmoil.Attention-Seeking
Attention-seeking behaviors often occur due to unmet needs for love, validation, or recognition. Similarly, those with low self-esteem may resort to these behaviors in an effort to compensate for feelings of inadequacy, while others use them as ways to exert control or manipulate others or situations. Furthermore, some mental health conditions, such as borderline personality disorder or histrionic personality disorder, tend to involve a significant amount of attention-seeking.Identity Struggles
When teens are uncertain about their identity, they may turn to risky or dangerous behaviors to feel a sense of power, control, or excitement. They may participate in these to fuel excitement, gain approval, or cultivate a sense of belonging, even if it’s within a specific subculture. While it’s natural for teens to engage in some forms of rebellion, this desire may be amplified for those who struggle with their identity. Sometimes these individuals have low self-worth, feel constrained by societal norms, or feel as if they don’t fit in, and their rebellion may simply be a challenge to the status quo, even if it’s self-destructive.Social Status
For many individuals and most teens, social status is important, and those with a strong desire for external validation may find their needs met by engaging in risky or daring acts that garner admiration from peers. Moreover, these behaviors can be seen as a way to exhibit strength and courage. There can be a lot of bravado associated with participating in certain activities, such as fighting, driving recklessly, and performing death-defying stunts. Due in large part to ongoing brain development, young people may be particularly susceptible to believing that these behaviors are necessary to help them obtain or maintain their self-worth or place on the social hierarchy.Complimentary Insurance Check
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The Mental Health Component
Mental health is a crucial factor in addressing dangerous activities in teens. For example, teens with depression may engage in risky behaviors in the form of self-harm, to escape from emotional pain, or to dull negative feelings. Also, anxiety-related conditions can lead to impulsive actions as a misguided means to cope.
Other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder and ADD/ADHD can directly increase the likelihood of impulsive and risky behaviors. Because substance use can cause or exacerbate mental health issues, it can indirectly increase the likelihood of engaging in risky activities.
For all these reasons, comprehensive treatment that may include medications and therapy can be vital for addressing both mental health concerns and dangerous behaviors.
Red Flags That Demand Action
The CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System identifies six categories of teen risk behaviors most likely to contribute to illness, death, and disability among this vulnerable age group.2 These include:
- Behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence
- Sexual behaviors related to unintended pregnancy and STDs, including HIV
- Alcohol and drug use
- Tobacco use
- Unhealthy dietary behaviors
- Inadequate physical activity
Warning signs that likely warrant immediate intervention depend on the context of your child’s behavior, but in general, here are some striking examples:
- Expressing thoughts or making plans for self-harm or suicide, giving away possessions, and similar actions
- Engaging in actual self-harm, such as cutting or other deliberate acts of injury
- Appearance of injuries, either from self-harm or engaging in risky behaviors like fighting or thrill-seeking
- Issuing threats of harm to others
- Severe, intense, and debilitating anxiety or depression that significantly interferes with their daily life
- Extreme and unpredictable mood swings, possibly ranging from euphoria to deep despair
- Hallucinations or delusions and appearing to experience things that aren’t there
- Severe difficulties in relationships, such as lying, using highly manipulative tactics, and speaking negatively often about oneself and others
- Driving recklessly or while intoxicated
- Engaging in unsafe, risky sexual activities, especially with multiple partners
Signs of substance use include:
- Signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, impaired coordination, dilated or constricted pupils, and shakiness or trembling
- Signs of overdose, such as unresponsiveness, slow, shallow, or stopped breathing, bluish purple or grayish cold, clammy skin, choking sounds, vomiting, slow, erratic, or non-existent pulse3
- Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Dropping old friends for a new group
- Acting aggressive or angry
- Having low energy, sleeping more or less than usual
- Exhibiting physical changes like sudden weight loss or unhealthy or disheveled appearance
If you’re concerned about specific circumstances regarding your teen, it’s crucial to trust your instincts and seek professional help or guidance.
Communicating With Your Teen To Locate Their Motivations
Communicating effectively with your child to understand their motivations can be challenging but also rewarding. Consider the following tips:4
- Choose the right time and place, such as a quiet, comfortable, distraction-free environment.
- Engage in active listening without interrupting them or expressing judgments.
- Acknowledge and validate their feelings, even if you don’t understand their decisions or behaviors, and ensure they know that you understand their perspective.
- Ask open-ended questions that begin with “How” and “What” rather than “Why”, such as “How do you feel about…?” or “What are your greatest challenges right now?”
- Encourage your child’s self-awareness and reflection on their experiences to learn from them.
- Be patient, persistent, and consistent, and don’t give up even if your first attempts at facilitating healthy communication are unsuccessful.
Approaches To Addressing & Reducing Risky Behaviors
Some commonly employed evidence-based approaches to addressing and mitigating risky behaviors include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals identify and alter negative thought patterns and behaviors.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which focuses on emotional regulation, stress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Mindfulness-based interventions, such as meditation, which teaches individuals to become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the present moment.
- Substance use treatment, including detox, that addresses addiction to drugs and alcohol.
- Family therapy, which aims to improve communication and strengthen bonds within the family unit.
At Guardian Recovery, our adolescent treatment program offers the following and more:
- Safe, nurturing environment for adolescents ages 13–17
- Holistic approach to mental health and well-being
- Evidence-based strategies with clinically proven, positive outcomes, such as CBT
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Substance use treatment including medical detox
- Adolescent-specific licensed staff
- Family-centered care to improve relationships
- Academic support and coordination
- Seamless continuum of care from assessment to aftercare
Our Locations
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Changing lives by providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation, empowering individuals to overcome addiction and regain control of their health and well-being.
Boca Raton Adolescent Center
Boca Raton, Florida
Montville Adolescent Center
Towaco, New Jersey
New Pathway Counseling — Pine Brook
Pine Brook, New Jersey
Guardian Virtual
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Finding Mental Health & Substance Use Treatment Near Me
Overcoming behavioral health challenges requires time, patience, and diligence, and taking that first step can be scary. At Guardian Recovery, we offer compassionate guidance and support for your teen and family. Our treatment philosophy focuses on long-term recovery, including relapse prevention strategies and aftercare planning to ensure continued success beyond intensive treatment.
We understand that every family’s situation is unique. That’s why we offer free consultations to answer your questions about insurance coverage, the admissions process, and treatment options. If you are ready to help your child work toward a brighter future, we’re here to provide the expert care they need to achieve lasting health and wellness.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- Raisingchildren.net.au. (2025). Risky behaviour: pre-teens and teenagers.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System.
- SAMHSA. (2024). Overdose – Opioid Overdose.
- Ehmke, R. (2024). Tips for Communicating With Your Teen. Child Mind Institute.
