Research has shown a strong correlation between bullying, substance use, and associated behavioral problems in adolescents.1, 2 According to UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, bullying affects 1 in 3 students around the globe every month.3 Sadly, this means that if your teen is involved in bullying, they are not alone.3
Thankfully, there are interventions that can help end the cycle of bullying and help teens who may have turned to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping. At Guardian Recovery, we understand what your teen may be dealing with, and we are here to assist you. If you’re concerned about your child, reach out now for a free, confidential assessment, learn about our teen drug addiction treatment programs, and find out how you can help your teen regain control of their life.
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The Bullying-Substance Use Connection
Bullying, which increasingly includes cyberbullying—or the use of technology-based mediums to send, post, or share negative, false, harmful, or mean content about another person as a way of humiliating, embarrassing, or manipulating them—is a serious problem in the U.S. and around the world.3, 4 Unfortunately, there is an associated bidirectional relationship between bullying and substance use, meaning that being bullied can lead to substance use, but substance use can also increase the risk of engaging in aggressive behaviors, like bullying.5 When a child is the victim of bullying, they may experience a sense of powerlessness, shame, or aggression, and potentially develop mental health consequences, such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation or attempts.2 Teens who suffer from bullying may not know how to cope and could turn to substance use as a way of dealing with these and other consequences.5 However, as mentioned above, it’s also important to note that substance use can affect both victims and perpetrators, as research has found that teens who bully are also up to 3 times more likely to use substances, including cannabis, alcohol, and illict drugs.2, 6Understanding the Cycle
Both victims and bullies can have an increased risk of substance use. While studies in this area are still ongoing, some research has postulated that the perpetrators who display aggressive or violent behavior may be more likely to associate with other teens who display deviant behaviors, like substance use, thereby increasing their risk.5 On the other hand, teens who are victims of bullying are also at risk, especially if they engage in substance use as a way of self-medicating their emotional or psychological pain or symptoms of a co-occurring mental health condition, like trauma, anxiety, or depression.7 Teens who experience certain co-occurring risk factors can also have a higher risk of being involved in the cycle of bullying and substance use.7 These factors include:7- A lack of parental involvement.
- Neglect.
- Little or no parental support.
- A negative family environment.
- Insecure attachment.
- Peers who use substances.
- Feeling disconnected from school and the community.
- A lack of community resources.
- Crime.
- An unsafe environment.
- A tendency to internalize problems that reinforces depression, anxiety, and a lack of self-efficacy.
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High-Risk Warning Signs
It can be hard to tell whether your child is a victim or potential perpetrator of bullying. In either case, if you notice signs that indicate that your teen is involved in bullying behavior, it’s important to have an open and honest discussion about your concerns to address the issue and potentially get your child the help they need. Certain high-risk warning signs, such as suicidal ideation or self-harm, are a cry for help and should be immediately addressed.8 A teen who is potentially contemplating suicide may display the following signs:9- Withdrawal from friends and family.
- A lack of interest in school or activities they used to enjoy.
- Changes in sleep or appetite.
- Running away or acting out.
- Substance use.
- Lack of attention to personal appearance.
- Risk-taking behaviors.
- A preoccupation with death or dying.
- Physical complaints.
- Feeling like they want to die.
- Saying things like “I want to die” or “I wish I didn’t exist.”
Behavioral Changes
Whether they’re the victim or perpetrator, teens who are involved in bullying will often display certain characteristic signs that can be observed by parents or caretakers, teachers, and other involved professionals. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have a discussion with your teen, and consider consulting your child’s school social worker or psychologist, or another qualified mental health professional. Behavioral changes that you may notice in a teen who is bullying others include:10- Getting into frequent physical or verbal fights.
- Associating with peers who bully others.
- Displaying aggressive behaviors.
- Frequent disciplinary action at school.
- Having extra money or items that aren’t theirs.
- Blaming other people for their problems.
- Unexplained injuries or bruises.
- Unexplained loss of personal items or money.
- Frequent unexplained physical ailments, like headaches or stomach aches.
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
- Sudden academic decline.
- Changes in peer group, especially a loss of friends.
- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness.
- Decreased self-esteem.
- Self-destructive behaviors, such as running away or substance use.
- Withdrawing from family and friends.
- Low or no motivation.
- Appearing depressed or frequent low moods.
- Secrecy, lying, or sneaking around.
- Abrupt changes in friends or peer group.
- Missing school or work regularly.
- Frequently violating curfew.
- Increased arguments with family members.
- Poor personal hygiene, such as skipping showers or not changing clothes.
- Detectable odors of alcohol or smoke.
- Presence of drug paraphernalia, like pipes or rolling papers.
- Sudden weight fluctuations.
- Visible track marks on arms or legs (or wearing long sleeves or pants in warm weather to conceal them).
- Unexplained nosebleeds that are not related to allergies or a cold.
- Persistent fatigue or lethargy.
Coping Through Substances
As mentioned above, some adolescents who are involved in bullying may attempt to cope with their problems and feelings by using drugs or alcohol, a behavior that is sometimes referred to as self-medication.5 Unfortunately, this can lead to a downward spiral that can ultimately result in addiction, or substance use disorder, and associated behavioral concerns.Self-Medication Patterns
Teens who try to cope with bullying via self-medication may sometimes experience temporary relief, but this is a dangerous cycle that can increase the risk of many detrimental physical and mental health consequences. This is why early identification and treatment is crucial. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most adults with substance use disorders report that they started using drugs or alcohol in their teens.12Our Locations
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Breaking the Pattern
Prompt intervention is necessary to address the negative physical and emotional patterns associated with substance use and bullying. Parents, schools, and communities must work together to promote awareness and end the needless cycle of suffering that affects countless teens. In addition, seeking professional treatment is one way to help your teen break the pattern and re-establish a healthier sense of self-esteem and self-efficacy. Guardian Recovery’s teen rehab programs don’t just address the substance use, we also examine the underlying factors, including the effects of bullying and mental health conditions, in order to help teens achieve lasting change.Intervention Strategies
Schools and communities can address bullying with a variety of intervention strategies, such as establishing anti-bullying policies, educating parents and teachers on bullying, rewarding prosocial behaviors, and holding bullying prevention workshops.13 While these strategies are important, if your teen is already involved in bullying and you suspect that they’re also using substances, prevention isn’t enough, and your teen may require professional support and treatment. Our expert teen rehab programs offer a full continuum of care, combining evidence-based therapies, academic interventions, and professional support. We can help your teen recover from the effects of bullying and substance use so they can re-engage in their lives and fulfill their true potential. Please call us at 1-888-483-1517 to learn more about how we can support your teen on their path to recovery and improved well-being.SELF-ASSESSMENT:
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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.
- Luk JW, Wang J, Simons-Morton BG. Bullying victimization and substance use among U.S. adolescents: mediation by depression. Prev Sci. 2010;11(4):355-359. doi:10.1007/s11121-010-0179-0
- Pichel R, Feijóo S, Isorna M, Varela J, Rial A. Analysis of the relationship between school bullying, cyberbullying, and substance use. Child Youth Serv Rev. 2022;134:106369. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106369
- UNESCO. (2024). Safe learning environments: Preventing and addressing violence in and around school.
- StopBullying.gov. (2024). What Is Cyberbullying.
- Gaete J, Tornero B, Valenzuela D, et al. Substance Use among Adolescents Involved in Bullying: A Cross-Sectional Multilevel Study. Front Psychol. 2017;8:1056. Published 2017 Jun 28. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01056
- Vrijen C, Wiertsema M, Ackermans MA, van der Ploeg R, Kretschmer T. Childhood and Adolescent Bullying Perpetration and Later Substance Use: A Meta-analysis. Pediatrics. 2021;147(3):e2020034751. doi:10.1542/peds.2020-034751
- Hong JS, Davis JP, Sterzing PR, Yoon J, Choi S, Smith DC. A conceptual framework for understanding the association between school bullying victimization and substance misuse. Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2014;84(6):696-710. doi:10.1037/ort0000036
- Schonfeld A, McNiel D, Toyoshima T, Binder R. Cyberbullying and Adolescent Suicide. J Am Acad Psychiatry Law. 2023;51(1):112-119. doi:10.29158/JAAPL.220078-22
- Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Teen Suicide.
- StopBullying.gov. (2021). Warning Signs for Bullying.
- Partnership to End Addiction. (2024). Signs of Drug Use in Teens.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). High-Risk Substance Use Among Youth.
- Stand for the Silent. (n.d.). Bullying Intervention Strategies For Educators & School Administrators.
