FOR FAMILIES & SCHOOL PARTNERS
Understanding adolescent substance use and recognizing when more support may be needed.
Substance use is rarely just about breaking rules.
For some young people, substance use becomes a way of coping with stress, fitting in, escaping difficult emotions, or managing challenges they may not yet know how to communicate.
Stress & Emotional Distress
Stress, anxiety, sadness, family conflict, trauma, or overwhelming emotions can feel difficult to manage alone.
Peer Influence & Belonging
The desire to fit in, feel accepted, or avoid feeling different can strongly shape adolescent decisions.
WHAT SCHOOLS MAY BEGIN TO NOTICE
Changes in daily functioning deserve attention.
Academic Changes
Declining grades, attendance concerns, tardiness, skipping class, or disengagement from school.
Behavior & Relationships
Increased discipline concerns, withdrawal from teachers or peers, and changes in social functioning.
Wellbeing & Safety
Difficulty regulating emotions, repeated substance-related incidents, or concerns that continue despite support.
01 — Notice Early
Recognize patterns affecting school, home, behavior, family functioning, or safety.
02 — Connect Supports
Engage caregivers, school teams, and community supports as appropriate.
03 — Refer for Review
A clinical assessment can help determine whether ASAM Level 2.5 care is appropriate.
WHY STRUCTURED TREATMENT CAN HELP
More support when weekly counseling isn’t enough.
Journey Forward’s adolescent ASAM 2.5 program provides intensive, structured support while helping clinically appropriate youth stay connected to family, school, and community.
• Understand substance use patterns
• Build healthier coping skills
• Improve decision-making
• Develop relapse-prevention strategies
• Restore daily structure
• Strengthen family support
WHY EARLY SUPPORT MATTERS
2 MILLION
U.S. youth ages 12–17 had a substance use disorder in 2025—7.8% of youth nationwide.
ONLY 1 IN 6
Just 16.3% of youth ages 12–17 with a substance use disorder received substance use treatment.
3.5× GREATER RISK
People who begin drinking before age 15 are 3.5 times more likely to report alcohol use disorder later in adulthood.
15.8%
Nearly 1 in 6 Virginia high school students reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days; among students ages 16–17, that rose to 19.9%.
FOR FAMILIES & SCHOOLS
Start with curiosity, connection, and support.
Changes in mood, relationships, attendance, or engagement can be a signal to open a conversation. Early support can help a young person feel understood before challenges become more serious.
FOR REFERRAL PARTNERS
A clear next step when more structure is needed.
When substance use is affecting school, home, family functioning, or safety, our team can complete an individualized clinical assessment and level-of-care review to guide next steps.
A referral does not automatically mean admission. Our team completes an individualized clinical assessment and level-of-care review to determine the best next step.
Refer a Youth