After a stay at an adolescent drug rehab, teens need to be aware of all possible triggers that could threaten their sobriety, including spending time on social media. Research shows that 97% of teens use a social media platform such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, or YouTube [1]. Within these platforms are plenty of images glorifying the use of drugs and alcohol. As you can imagine, these can have adverse effects on a teen trying to stay away from substances. But not all online activity has to be negative. Being online can also be beneficial for teens as they recover. As we explore both sides of the coin, we’ll also provide some ways your teen can avoid triggers they may encounter on social media.
Teens and Social Media Use
Keeping teens away from social media is practically impossible because it has become embedded in their everyday lives. Consider these statistics from the Pew Research Center [2]:
- 9 in 10 teens say they use YouTube, making it the most widely used platform
- 63% of 13–17-year-olds use TikTok
- 60% of 13–17-year-olds use Snapchat
- 59% of 13–17-year-olds are on Instagram
- For those ages 15 to 17, the number of teens using these platforms is about seven in ten.
Not only are a large percentage of teens using these platforms, but they also spend a good portion of their days online. Research shows that teens spend an average of nearly 5 hours daily on social media [3]. With so much time spent online, the cause for concern of how it can impact teens in recovery is undoubtedly valid.
Negative Effects of Social Media Use After Adolescent Drug Rehab
If your teen is recovering from a substance abuse disorder, it’s essential to recognize the negative effects social media can have on their recovery.
Social Media Glamorizes Substance Use
It’s no secret that many celebrities regularly post pictures of themselves drinking alcohol or using drugs without showing the impact this activity can have. Many teens who see this during their recovery may be tempted to use again, especially if they see someone who they like continually posting about their substance use.
Prompts a Negative Self-Image
People rarely post the downsides of their lives on social media. They tend to post all of the positives, from parties to vacations and more. Repeatedly seeing these images can leave teens feeling inadequate and envious. They may wonder why their lives differ from what they see online. This can lead to a negative self-image. When teens start to feel bad about themselves, they may be tempted to start using drugs or alcohol again to make them feel better.
Depressing Content
While your teen is on social media, they will come across harmful or depressing content. Repeatedly seeing these images can make remaining positive and focused on recovery difficult.
Sleep Deprivation
Spending too much time on social media, especially at night, forcing a later bedtime, can impact a teen’s recovery. The body needs sleep to repair itself. When it does not get enough sleep, the brain and body can not heal itself as well. This can force some young adults to revert to their old habits of using drugs or alcohol.
Positive Effects of Social Media Use After Adolescent Drug Rehab
While much attention is placed on the adverse effects social media can have on a teen following adolescent drug rehab, it can also positively impact their lives.
Connect with Family and Friends
Social media can help teens stay connected with family and friends, especially those far away. As long as these friends and family are a positive influence, maintaining these connections can help teens have even more support during their recovery.
Access to Online Recovery Groups After Adolescent Drug Rehab
Social media allows teens to access recovery groups they cannot use in person. They can interact with people with the same experiences and even see success stories to help their recovery. Teens can form friendships with people trying to take back their lives. They can provide each other with the additional support they need during recovery.
Anonymity of Sharing Stories
Some teens feel more comfortable communicating with others by writing their thoughts rather than expressing them verbally. Social media can provide them with this opportunity and the anonymity that goes along with it. Many online groups offer some anonymity to help teens share their stories and confide in others. Although, you want to be sure that the people they are communicating with provide a positive environment and are legitimate sources of support.
How to Avoid Social Media Triggers
There are some things your teen can do to avoid triggers they encounter on social media:
Keep a Motivational Picture or Quote as the Phone Background
This way, something positive will be waiting once your teen leaves social media.
Unfollow Negative Influences
If certain accounts consistently portray triggering images, ask your teen to unfollow them. The fewer negative images they see, the better it will be for their recovery.
Limit Screen Time
While this may be difficult, you can limit your teen’s time on social media apps. Look for parental control apps that can help to make the process easier.
Find New Hobbies
Your teen can spend less time online if they have other activities to keep them busy. Encourage them to find new hobbies and meet new people who support their recovery.
Are You Looking for an Adolescent Drug Rehab Center? Call Ember Recovery Today!
If your teen needs treatment for a substance use disorder, Ember Recovery is here to help. We offer a wide variety of programs to help your teen live a sober life. Contact us today to learn more.
Sources:
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437# [2] https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/12/11/teens-social-media-and-technology-2023/ [3] https://news.gallup.com/poll/512576/teens-spend-average-hours-social-media-per-day.aspx
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.