by Lauren Goodman | Sep 24, 2025 | Teen Addiction
Why Teen Marijuana Use Is Different Today
As a therapist, I’ve been getting more calls from parents worried about teen marijuana use. Teens have always experimented with marijuana, but something has shifted in the last several years. More teens are saying they can’t quit using. Marijuana has long been thought of as non-addictive, so why are so many teens struggling now?
The answer lies in THC, the chemical responsible for marijuana’s effects. Since the 1990s, THC potency in U.S. marijuana has quadrupled. What may have felt mild in the past is now much stronger, making teen marijuana use more addictive than ever before.
The Impact of Teen Marijuana Use
Teens I work with often share that when they try to stop using marijuana, they feel anxious, can’t sleep, and experience deep discomfort. Beyond the physical symptoms, marijuana becomes woven into their lives—friends, routines, even habits of secrecy. This makes quitting even harder.
Therapy provides a safe space to address these challenges. It’s important for teens to feel understood, especially when others dismiss marijuana as “not addictive.” Therapy also supports parents in learning how to set healthy boundaries and encourage sobriety at home.
Talking to Your Teen
If your teen is smoking or vaping marijuana, it’s important to confront it directly. Don’t brush it off. Teens often insist it’s harmless, but science tells a different story. Marijuana use increases the risk of moving on to more dangerous substances, and it’s often tied to peer groups that encourage risky behavior.
When talking to your teen, stay calm and loving, but also set firm boundaries. Follow through with consequences, whether that’s regular drug testing or requiring counseling. Don’t let their arguments about marijuana being safe sway you—research shows otherwise.
Signs of Teen Marijuana Use
If you suspect your teenager is using marijuana, look for changes such as:
- Increased secrecy or defensiveness
- Bloodshot eyes
- More frequent arguments
- New independence and peer groups
- Money problems or unexplained expenses
- Laziness or lack of motivation
- Sudden increase in appetite, especially for junk food
These signs don’t automatically mean your teen is using, but they are worth paying attention to. And if your teen refuses a drug test, it’s definitely a red flag.
Parenting Through the Hard Conversations
Confronting teen marijuana use takes courage and love. It’s painful to ask the hard questions, and your teen may react with anger. But avoiding the conversation only makes things worse. Parenting is one of the most rewarding roles in life, but it’s also one of the hardest. Facing this issue head-on is part of loving your child well.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Jul 12, 2025 | Teen Addiction
12 Signs Your Teen Might Have a Teen Tech Addiction
Technology is everywhere, and for teens, it can sometimes become too much. This can create a teen tech addiction. If you’re worried your teenager might be addicted to tech, here are 12 signs to watch for:
1. They Can’t Part with Their Phone
At dinner, their phone is always right by their plate. You’ve caught them texting late at night—even at 2 or 3 a.m.—and they won’t hand over their phone when you ask.
2. Missing Sleep for Screens
Teens need 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep, but if your teen stays up late playing games, texting, or scrolling social media, they’re losing sleep for tech.
3. More Online Friends Than Real Ones: A Common Teen Tech Addiction Sign
If your teen mostly talks to friends through Snapchat, Instagram, Xbox Live, or texting—and rarely sees friends in person—that could be a problem.
4. Spending More Than 3 Hours a Day on Screens
Some screen time is necessary for homework, but if your teen is spending hours checking messages, gaming, or scrolling social media beyond that, it’s likely too much and could be a sign of teen tech addiction.
5. Neglecting Other Areas of Life
If your teen’s emotional, social, academic, or physical health is slipping because of screen time, it’s a red flag.
6. Constant Fights About Tech Use
Are you always telling them to put down their device? Are threats to take away electronics the only way to get their attention? That’s a warning sign.
7. Sneaking Around Tech Rules
Even if you turn off the Wi-Fi or set limits, they find ways to get back online, like using mobile data or sneaking the internet back on.
8. Avoiding Family Time for Screens: One Sign of Teen Tech Addiction
When the family wants to hang out, your teen prefers Netflix, gaming, or scrolling instead. When your teen would rather have more screen time than have the occasional family hangout, you need to watch for a teen tech addiction.
9. Skilled at Gaming, Not Life Skills
If your teen is great at video games but struggles with cooking, chores, or homework, it shows tech may be taking over.
10. Only Wants Tech Gifts
Their birthday and holiday wish lists are filled with gadgets, games, or new devices—never clothes, books, or experiences.
11. Motivated Only by Electronics
They only do chores or homework if bribed with tech, or respond only when you threaten to take their gadgets away.
12. Chooses Screens Over Hygiene
Skipping showers or personal care because they’re glued to screens? That’s a sign tech is interfering with daily life.
What Causes Teen Tech Addiction
Technology is amazing but can become addictive, especially for teens. Unlike when we were growing up with one corded phone and limited internet, today’s teens have constant access to games, social media, and entertainment. This instant connection and fun can quickly turn into an addiction.
When to Find Help for Teen Tech Addiction
When tech takes over, it causes tension and battles at home, which can be overwhelming for parents. If you notice these signs in your teen, getting help is important to bring balance back and support everyone’s well-being.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Jun 11, 2025 | Teen Addiction
What Teen Video Game Addictions Looks Like
Are you struggling with how to manage how much time your teen spends playing video games? You’re not alone. Many teens completely lose track of time while playing video games that are intense, competitive, and seriously addictive. Before you know it, they’re skipping sleep, avoiding exercise, socializing only through a headset, and their grades are tanking. So, what do you do about a teen video game addiction?
What To Do About Teen Video Game Addiction
You might be feeling frustrated, disconnected, and even helpless. You miss spending time with your kid, and now it feels like all they care about is getting back to their Xbox, PlayStation, or computer. It’s driving you up the wall, and it’s also pretty scary.
Possible Consequences of Teen Video Game Addiction
Teen video game addiction isn’t just about too much screen time. It can lead to emotional disconnection, physical health problems, and stunted development. These are serious issues, and the more aware you are of the risks, the more motivated you’ll be to set strong boundaries.
Step 1: Remember That You’re Still the Parent
Before making changes, remind yourself: you’re the parent. You don’t need to yell or be harsh, but you do get to set the rules in your house. You’re paying for the internet, electricity, and even the Xbox, and it’s your right to set limits. Once you embrace that, you’ll feel more confident taking the tough but important steps ahead.
Step 2: Reflect on How You’ve Set Loving Limits in the Past
Sit down and think about times you set boundaries out of love. When they were little, maybe you made them hold your hand while crossing the street. Maybe you didn’t allow them to swim in the pool without an adult watching them. These were all moments where you protected and guided them, even if they didn’t like it. It’s the same now. Write down 10 examples of times you set limits to keep them safe. These reminders will help you stay grounded when things get tough.
Step 3: Understand Teen Video Game Addiction Is a Big Deal
Now it’s time to think about the real consequences of teen video game addiction. If your teen plays for 5 hours a day, they’ll miss out on learning important social skills. Write down the risks to remind yourself why limits are necessary. You don’t have to share them with your teen. However, sometimes sharing your reasons is better. It helps them understand why you’re setting gaming limits. Use your best judgment based on your situation.
Step 4: Set Clear Limits and Consequences
Sit down and decide on what limits you want to set. Consider these questions:
- How much screen time is okay each day or week?
- What happens if your teen breaks the rules?
- Are you going to have a “dry-out” period with no video games at all?
If you believe your teen truly has an addiction, it might be time for a complete break from gaming for at least six months. That may sound intense, but just like any addiction, they need space to reset and detox from the habit.
Step 5: Hold the Line
When you’re ready, present the plan to your teen. Expect pushback. You may get anger, tears, or even insults. Stay calm. Be kind, but firm. Show empathy—after all, they’re losing their favorite activity and their way to talk to online friends. But don’t waver. This is not a negotiation. This is a safety intervention. You’re the parent, and this is your house.
Don’t Give Up
This process isn’t easy. Addressing teen video game addiction can be tough, especially when your teen looks fine sitting at home. But the risks—like social isolation, inactivity, and emotional stagnation—are very real. Stay strong. Be consistent and loving. Most teens eventually see what they were missing and appreciate your support. Parenting with love means doing what’s best, even if you’re not always liked.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | May 10, 2025 | Teen Addiction
Healing Family Relationships After Addiction
For teens who have had parents addicted to drugs or alcohol, life has been tough. Excessive drug and alcohol use make it hard for a parent to be fully present and available to their child. Addicted parents usually have good intentions; they love their teens and want to help their teens grow. Sadly, addiction gets in the way. For parents who have recently recovered from drug or alcohol dependence, family relationships after addiction can be tough. However, healing your relationship with your teen is not impossible.
What Now?
If you’re a parent who has struggled with addiction but is now recovering, you might wonder how your teen is supposed to heal too. Addiction never affects just one person—even though it can feel like one of the loneliest struggles in the world. You know addiction has affected your children. So, what comes next?
How to Heal Family Relationships After Addiction
There are four important steps involved in healing family relationships after addiction.
1. Make Sure You’re Committed
First, make sure you’re serious about staying sober. Also, make sure you are not replacing one form of coping with another. For example, don’t stop drinking just to start taking Xanax every night to get to sleep. For healing family relationships after addiction to work, you have to be completely honest with your family about your journey to recovery.
2. Be Patient
Even if a parent has really turned their life around, their teen might not trust them right away. After years of covering for missed events or doing things like driving a parent home from a party, these teens have learned to rely on themselves. They’ve taken on adult roles too early, and that kind of self-protection doesn’t disappear right away. It takes time to heal family relationships after addiction, but it will happen.
3. Be Understanding
Third, I’ve seen that with honesty and consistency, most teens who’ve experienced this do let their parents back in. It takes time, and it isn’t easy. However, deep down, they’ve always wanted you to be their safe place. Unfortunately, now that you can be, they’re cautious. Be patient and kind. Own your past mistakes, don’t be afraid to apologize, and ask how they’re feeling. But make sure you don’t tell them how you think they should feel. When working on healing family relationships after addiction, you can’t tell your teen how to feel. Instead, try to understand their feelings and thoughts.
4. Expect Some Rebellious Behavior
There will be times when it feels like your teen is trying to recreate a chaotic relationship—maybe they’re acting out or even using substances. Likely, they’ll be rude, condescending, and rebellious. That’s because they’re used to crisis; it’s what feels normal. It takes time to unlearn that. Give them a structured life that makes chaos harder to create, but expect them to test the limits for a while. This doesn’t mean this behavior is okay; you still have to discipline your teen for acting like this. Just be prepared in case it happens. Besides, once they stop acting like this, they’ll actually be glad to stop having so much conflict.
Healing Family Relationships After Addiction with Love
Most of all, remember your child loves you, and you love them too. Express this often, and stay humble. With time and loving care from you, your relationships will heal.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Mar 26, 2025 | Teen Addiction
What Parents Need to Know About Teens and Alcohol
Every parent worries about it—your teen says they’re going one place, but they actually go to at a party. And sometimes, you don’t find out what’s really going on until you get a call from the hospital saying your teen drank way too much and is receiving medical help. As a therapist for teens, I see a lot of kids dealing with alcohol-related problems. It’s important for parents to be aware of these issues. Here are some of the biggest ones:
1. Lying About Drinking
Most teens won’t tell you the full truth about their drinking. They might downplay it or leave out key details to avoid getting in trouble. They might not tell you they’ve been drinking at all.
2. Higher Risk of Sexual Assault
I’ve worked with countless teens who have been sexually assaulted, and alcohol is involved in almost every case. While most victims are female, it happens to males too. Drinking lowers their ability to recognize unsafe situations, making it easier for someone (usually drunk as well) to take advantage of them.
3. Teens Stealing Alcohol
Since teens can’t legally buy alcohol, they often steal it—usually from their parents’ liquor cabinet or fridge. Some even take it from stores.
4. Teen Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
You’ve probably told your teen never to drink and drive. Maybe they promised to call you for a ride if they ever needed one. But in reality, teens often end up riding with someone who’s been drinking. Sometimes, they’re the one driving. Some even think it’s safe if the driver “only smoked weed.”
5. Trying Other Drugs
Alcohol lowers inhibitions, making it easier for teens to say yes to other substances. A few drinks in, and they may experiment with drugs they’d normally avoid.
6. Risky Sexual Choices
Not all situations are assault—sometimes, teens just make choices they wouldn’t if they were sober. Drinking makes them more likely to hook up with people they barely know, leading to regret later.
7. Bad Judgment About Safety
When drinking, teens may get into cars with strangers, go to unfamiliar places, or trust people they shouldn’t. When teens drink alcohol, their ability to assess risk is lowered.
8. Ignoring Serious Problems
This problem is one of the scariest of all the issues too much drinking causes. Teens tell me things like, “My friend was super wasted. She wasn’t moving much, but I took care of her. It was fine.” This is definitely not fine. This friend likely had alcohol poisoning, but no one wanted to call for help because they were afraid of getting in trouble. People may not have even realized there was a problem. Like I said, too much alcohol fogs judgement.
9. Fear of Getting in Trouble
Teens won’t always ask for help in dangerous situations because they’re scared of the consequences. They don’t want their parents, teachers, or coaches to find out they were drinking—even if they really need some help.
10. Fights and Aggression When Teens Have too Much Alcohol
Alcohol raises testosterone levels in males, making them more aggressive. Drunken fights happen way more often than you’d think, and they can lead to serious injuries—or worse.
How You Can Help as a Parent
Your teen may not tell you everything, but they’re always watching your actions. Set a good example with alcohol, talk to them openly, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries. If you know they’ve been partying and you need more advice, give me a call. They might roll their eyes or get angry, but they need your guidance.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Mar 5, 2025 | Teen Addiction
Why This Topic
This is something that’s come up recently, so I feel like it’s time to talk about it. For anyone reading this, please don’t take it the wrong way. This is an uncomfortable topic, but it’s one that needs to be discussed. This may be surprising, but if your teen is using, you may have something to do with it. Let’s explore how parents influence teen drug use.
Take a Look at Your Own Behavior
If your teen is dealing with substance use, it’s important to examine your own actions and habits. How parents can influence drug use in teens is often bigger than we realize. It’s hard to admit, I know. However, if you’re drinking a little too much, smoking marijuana, using painkillers every day, relying on sleep aids to get some rest, or even leaning on meds like Xanax to manage anxiety, it’s worth thinking about how that could be affecting your teen.
The Justifications We Make and How They Influence Teen Drug Use
If you do any of these things, you might be brushing this off by saying, “It’s prescribed,” “I’ve got it under control,” or “I just have one glass of wine to relax.” Or maybe you don’t drink a lot, but when you do, you end up getting buzzed or drunk. There are ways to justify pretty much anything, right?
How This Influences Teen Drug Use
The reality is that all of these habits are pretty unhealthy, even if they don’t seem like a big deal to you. Your teenager could be using them to justify their own behavior. And trust me, I hear it all the time in my office. I’ve worked with teens who drink heavily on weekends. So, I ask their parents to keep a dry house (meaning no alcohol in the house). Some parents agree without a second thought. But others might say something like, “I can’t have people over and not serve wine or beer. That’s unheard of.” This is usually because the parents enjoy alcohol a little to much to let it go. And guess what? The teen assumes it’s okay for them to drink because their parents do even if they’re heavily addicted and their parents aren’t. This is exactly how parents influence teen drug use.
Setting an Example
I’m not saying that having a “vice” or unwinding with a drink or two makes you addicted to drugs or alcohol. But if your teenager is struggling with substances, be honest with yourself. Could you stop smoking a joint if asked? Could you ask your doctor to help you get off your sleep aid or Xanax? Sometimes, just seeing you quit something could be enough to help your teen take their own struggles seriously. If you keep using, though, and tell them they need to stop, they’re going to see you as a hypocrite. This will make you lose credibility with them.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
At this point, your actions speak louder than anything you say. When your kids were younger, they took everything you said at face value. Now? They question everything and are watching you closely. And if you’re sneaking beer or smoking after they go to bed, trust me—they know. They’re more perceptive than we think. This is another way how parents’ behavior influences teen drug use.
A Call for Reflection on How Parents Influence Teen Drug Use
If this post is hitting home for you, please don’t see it as a criticism. Think of it as a nudge to really reflect on how your behavior might be affecting your teen. You can make a huge difference in their life by quitting your own bad habits. Besides, ending those habits will actually help you feel better too.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
