Neurological Balance and Medical Disorders

Guide

Substance Use Disorders in Youth: Effects, Signs & Therapy Support

Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team

Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board – Doctor of Therapy Rehab Division

Last updated: June 2025

All medical content on this page has been reviewed and approved by licensed Doctors on the DrSensory Clinical Review Board. Our reviewers follow strict editorial standards and ensure alignment with current APTA guidelines, evidence-based practice, and orthopedic rehabilitation protocols.

14 min read

Understanding Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) in Children and Adolescents

Substance Use Disorders: What Parents Need to Know

What Is a Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?

A Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a medical condition characterized by the uncontrolled use of substances such as alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, prescription medications, or illicit drugs—despite harmful consequences.

SUDs can affect adolescents directly and young children indirectly (e.g., via prenatal exposure or caregiver use), leading to developmental, cognitive, behavioral, and physical health challenges.

While treatment typically involves mental health and addiction professionals, pediatric therapists such as OTs, PTs, and SLPs often play an important role in developmental support and functional recovery.

Who Can Be Affected by Substance Use Disorders?

Adolescents and Teens

  • Direct substance use due to peer pressure, trauma, or co-occurring mental health conditions
  • Often presents with behavioral changes, declining academic performance, or physical symptoms

Children with Prenatal Substance Exposure (PSE)

  • Exposure to drugs or alcohol in utero can result in:
  • Delayed motor and cognitive development
  • Speech and language disorders
  • Sensory integration issues
    Behavioral regulation challenges

Children of Parents with SUDs

  • May experience neglect, inconsistent caregiving, or trauma
  • At risk for delays in communication, social skills, motor development, and emotional regulation

Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorders in Youth

Signs vary by age and exposure type but may include:

  • Behavioral Changes: Mood swings, isolation, impulsivity
  • Academic Decline: Sudden drop in grades or attendance
  • Physical Signs: Fatigue, red eyes, tremors
  • Developmental Delays: In speech, gross and fine motor skills
  • Emotional Dysregulation: Anxiety, anger, or difficulty coping

Early identification is essential for effective intervention and long-term outcomes.

Developmental and Functional Effects of Substance Exposure

Substance use (or prenatal exposure) can interfere with brain development, resulting in:

  • Motor planning and coordination deficits
  • Speech and language disorders
  • Feeding and swallowing difficulties
  • Executive function challenges (e.g., memory, attention)
  • Poor sensory modulation (over- or under-sensitivity)

These areas are directly addressable by occupational, speech, and physical therapists working as part of a broader care team.

Therapy Options for Children Affected by Substance Use Disorders

While DrSensory does not list mental health professionals, many children and adolescents with SUD-related challenges benefit from:

Occupational Therapy

  • Improve daily living skills (e.g., dressing, hygiene)
  • Regulate sensory and emotional responses
  • Build executive functioning and routines
  • Support trauma-informed interventions

Speech-Language Therapy

  • Address delays in expressive/receptive language
  • Treat social communication deficits
  • Support cognitive-communication for memory and problem-solving

Physical Therapy

  • Enhance balance, strength, and motor coordination
  • Address low muscle tone or postural control
  • Treat mobility issues caused by developmental delays

DrSensory’s therapist directory helps parents find professionals trained to work with developmentally impacted children and teens, even if the root cause involves substance exposure.

How DrSensory Supports Families and Therapists

At DrSensory, we connect families with trusted pediatric therapists who specialize in developmental challenges associated with substance exposure or behavioral health risks. Our platform features:

  • Verified Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapists
  • Search by location, therapy type, or area of concern
  • Filter for telehealth or in-person services
  • Detailed therapist and clinic profiles

📍 [Search Pediatric Therapists Near Me →]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can occupational therapy help teens with a history of substance use?

Yes. OTs help adolescents with daily routines, coping strategies, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. While they don’t treat addiction directly, they support independence and life skills essential to recovery.

What are the effects of prenatal drug or alcohol exposure on children?

Children exposed to substances in utero may experience:

  • Speech delays
  • Fine/gross motor challenges
  • Behavioral dysregulation
  • Feeding/swallowing difficulties

    These children often benefit from early intervention therapies such as OT, PT, and SLP.

Is substance use only a concern for teenagers?

No. While teens are at risk for initiating substance use, infants and children can be affected by prenatal exposure or caregiver substance use, leading to delays in development and social-emotional skills.

Does DrSensory provide mental health or addiction treatment?

No. DrSensory does not provide mental health counseling or addiction treatment. We specialize in connecting families with pediatric therapists for developmental, physical, and speech-related needs. For addiction support, contact a licensed addiction specialist or your primary care provider.

How can I find a therapist for my child with developmental delays related to substance exposure?

Use DrSensory’s Therapist Directory to search by location, therapy type (OT, PT, SLP), and relevant keywords. Many therapists have experience with children who have experienced trauma or prenatal exposure to substances.

This page provides general educational content and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed provider for diagnosis and treatment.

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