We’re seeing a troubling shift in what teens are using these days, which are substances that fly under most parents’ radar and don’t even resemble traditional drugs. While overall teen substance use has declined in recent years, certain unexpected substances have gained popularity among adolescents, often because they appear legal, safe, or easily accessible.

These substances are particularly tricky for parents to catch—they dodge conventional warning signs and often don’t trigger the red flags we’ve been taught to watch for. Many are sold legally in gas stations or online, marketed as natural or safe alternatives, and may not show up on standard drug tests. Teens frequently believe these substances are harmless, but the reality is that their effects can be severe and unpredictable due to a lack of regulation and quality control.

The scariest part? These substances hide in plain sight. From hemp-derived products that look like candy to prescription medications shared among friends, these substances can be difficult for parents to identify. Understanding what these new drugs are, how teens access them, and what warning signs to watch for can help families stay informed and protect their adolescents.

At the Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness, we’ve seen firsthand how these emerging substances impact teens and families. Our team specializes in adolescent substance abuse treatment, helping families navigate the evolving landscape of teen substance abuse with evidence-based care and support.

Why Are Teen Substance Use Trends Changing?

Social Media, Peer Influence, and Accessibility

Social media has become ground zero for drug trends. Teens discover new substances through a quick TikTok scroll or a friend’s Snapchat story, not from street dealers. They see viral TikTok challenges that normalize “legal highs.” They also find Reddit communities with detailed discussions about sourcing and effects.

The teenage brain is still developing, particularly in areas that control decision-making and impulse control. When teens experiment with these new drugs, they may not realize the potential for addiction, dangerous interactions, or long-term health consequences that can impact their developing minds and bodies.

How Product Innovation Creates New Risks

The makers of these substances play a constant cat-and-mouse game with regulators. They tweak chemical formulas just enough to stay technically legal, then package everything to look like harmless products you’d find at any convenience store. New substances are designed to avoid current drug laws, creating a moving target for parents and authorities.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the number of novel psychoactive substances has increased by over 50% since 2022. These products create stronger, more unpredictable effects than traditional drugs, and their constantly changing chemical formulas mean users never know exactly what they’re consuming.

What Parents Need to Know Right Now

The “Just Say No” playbook from the past is no longer sufficient. These substances slip past standard drug tests, and teens consistently tell us they believe these alternatives are safer than “real drugs.” Understanding these substances is crucial for early intervention and protecting your teen’s health and future.

1. Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2/Spice) Are Making a Comeback

In our treatment center, we’re seeing a resurgence of synthetic cannabinoids—lab-created chemicals that mimic marijuana’s effects but pack a far more dangerous punch. These substances go by street names like K2, Spice, or fake weed. Unlike natural cannabis, synthetic versions contain unpredictable chemical compounds that can be far more dangerous.

Manufacturers spray these chemicals onto dried plant material to make it look like marijuana. The chemical makeup changes frequently to avoid legal restrictions, meaning each batch can contain different compounds, making effects impossible to predict.

Why Teens Are Using Synthetic Cannabinoids Again

Synthetic cannabinoids have resurged in popularity among adolescents for several practical reasons:

• Easy access: Available at gas stations, convenience stores, and online without age verification
• Lower cost: Cheaper than marijuana or other substances
• Perceived undetectability: Belief that standard drug tests won’t identify use
• Misleading marketing: Packaging suggests legal, safe products
• Peer influence: Friends sharing information about where to buy and how to use

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, emergency department visits related to synthetic cannabinoids increased by approximately 30% among teens between 2023 and 2025. Social media and peer networks spread misinformation about synthetic cannabinoids being “safer” or “legal” alternatives to marijuana.

Unusual Teen Drug Use Signs to Watch For

Parents can identify potential synthetic cannabinoid use through specific behavioral and physical changes. These signs differ from typical teenage mood swings or stress responses.

Behavioral changes often appear suddenly and severely:

• Extreme behavioral changes: Sudden agitation, paranoia, or violent behavior that seems uncharacteristic
• Cardiovascular symptoms: Rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or difficulty breathing
• Neurological effects: Seizures, tremors, or loss of consciousness
• Gastrointestinal distress: Repeated vomiting or severe nausea

Physical evidence includes small foil packets or colorful packaging labeled as “herbal incense” or “potpourri.” These packages often feature cartoon characters or bright designs to appeal to younger users. Unusual purchases or frequent trips to specific gas stations or convenience stores can indicate access to these substances.

2. “Gas Station” Drugs (Tianeptine, Phenibut, Kratom)

“Gas station drugs” refer to substances like tianeptine, phenibut, and kratom sold legally in many convenience stores and online. These products exist in a legal gray area and appear alongside legitimate supplements. Teens can purchase them without age verification in most states.

Tianeptine acts on opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects similar to prescription painkillers. The FDA issued warnings about tianeptine in 2023 and 2024 due to reports of dependence, overdoses, and withdrawal symptoms. Phenibut affects GABA receptors and creates sedation or euphoria, while kratom interacts with opioid receptors and produces stimulant or sedative effects depending on the dose.

Why These Over-the-Counter Substances Appeal to Teens

Teens view these substances as safer alternatives to illegal drugs because stores sell them openly. The packaging often includes terms like “natural,” “herbal,” or “dietary supplement,” which creates a false sense of safety. Products sit on shelves next to vitamins and energy drinks, making them appear legitimate.

Key factors that attract teen users:

• Legal status creates perception of safety
• No prescription or age verification required
• Lower cost than illegal substances
• Marketed as natural or herbal products
• Easy online ordering with discreet shipping

Don’t be fooled by the “supplement” label—we’ve treated teens experiencing seizures, severe withdrawal, and psychiatric emergencies from these supposedly “natural” products. Lack of regulation means products vary widely in strength and purity.

Warning Signs

Parents can watch for specific indicators that suggest use of gas station drugs:

• Tianeptine signs: Withdrawal symptoms similar to opioids, including sweating, muscle aches, nausea, and anxiety; frequent trips to specific gas stations; empty packages labeled “Tianaa” or “ZaZa Red”
• Phenibut signs: Excessive drowsiness or sleeping during unusual hours; withdrawal creates severe anxiety, tremors, and insomnia; online packages arriving at home
• Kratom signs: Digestive issues like nausea, constipation, or stomach pain; energy levels fluctuate dramatically; packages of green or brown powder, capsules, or tea products

Withdrawal from these substances can become medically serious. Teens who use tianeptine or phenibut regularly may experience severe symptoms when stopping, including seizures in some cases.

3. Prescription Stimulant Misuse (Beyond ADHD Medication)

Prescription stimulant misuse among teens has expanded beyond traditional ADHD medications like Adderall and Ritalin. Teens now misuse weight-loss drugs, appetite suppressants, and other performance enhancers to manage academic pressure and body image concerns.

The numbers are alarming—SAMHSA’s 2024 survey shows prescription stimulant misuse among teens jumped 20% in just one year, and we’re seeing that reality in our treatment programs every day. The teenage brain is vulnerable to stimulants. This is because the part of the brain for decision-making, the prefrontal cortex, is still developing until age 25.

Emerging Trend: Performance and Weight-Loss Misuse

Teens access prescription stimulants through several channels, including sharing medications with friends, purchasing pills at school, or obtaining them through online sources. Weight-loss medications like phentermine have become increasingly popular among adolescents facing pressure about appearance and academic achievement.

The pressure to excel academically drives many teens toward stimulant misuse as “study drugs.” Students believe these medications will improve concentration, extend study sessions, and boost test performance. Social media platforms amplify this trend by normalizing stimulant use for productivity and weight management.

Signs of Misuse

Physical symptoms of prescription stimulant misuse can appear gradually or suddenly:

• Rapid weight loss: Noticeable changes in body size over weeks or months
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep, staying awake late into the night, or sleeping very little
• Jitteriness: Trembling hands, restlessness, inability to sit still
• Dilated pupils: Eyes appear larger than normal, even in bright light

Behavioral changes frequently accompany stimulant misuse:

• Obsessive studying: Spending unusually long hours on schoolwork, refusing breaks
• Perfectionist tendencies: Extreme concern about grades, appearance, or performance
• Irritability when substances are unavailable: Mood swings, anger, or anxiety when unable to obtain pills
• Secretive about medication: Hiding pills, lying about prescriptions, or refusing to discuss medication use

4. High-Potency THC Products and Designer Edibles

Today’s cannabis products bear little resemblance to what parents might remember from their youth—we’re talking THC concentrations that have skyrocketed from the 5-10% range to products now routinely exceeding 90%. Concentrates, edibles, and vaping cartridges now deliver doses that can overwhelm the developing adolescent brain.

The shift toward high-potency products changes how cannabis affects young people. Traditional marijuana flower typically contained 5-10% THC in past decades, while current concentrates reach 90% or higher. Edibles present additional challenges because effects take 30 minutes to two hours to appear, leading some teens to consume more while waiting to feel something.

Why Potency Matters More Than Ever

THC concentration in cannabis products has increased dramatically over the past decade. Concentrates like wax, shatter, and oil now contain THC levels between 60-90%, compared to 15-25% in high-grade flower. Vaping devices deliver these concentrated doses efficiently, creating stronger effects than smoking traditional marijuana.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 1 in 6 teens who start using marijuana as adolescents can develop addiction. Stronger products increase the likelihood of dependence, anxiety, and cognitive effects. The CDC reports a 40% increase in THC-related emergency room visits among teens since 2022, with many cases involving edibles or concentrates.

What Parents Can Look For

Vaping devices for THC concentrates often resemble USB drives or pens. Cartridges may have unclear labeling or come in unmarked packaging. Some devices are disposable and easily hidden in backpacks or pockets.

Physical signs of high-potency THC use include:

• Vaping devices: Small, USB-like devices, cartridges with unclear labeling, sweet or skunky odors on clothing
• Edible products: Gummies, chocolates, beverages that mimic legitimate brands, professional-looking packages with high THC percentages
• Concentrates: Wax-like substances, dab rigs, torch lighters, small glass or silicone containers

Behavioral changes may accompany the use of high-potency products. Red eyes, increased appetite, slowed reactions, and difficulty with memory or concentration can indicate recent use.

5. OTC “DIY Highs”: Cough Syrups, Motion-Sickness Pills, and Sleep Aids

Over-the-counter medications sit in most family medicine cabinets, making them one of the most accessible substances teens misuse. Products containing dextromethorphan (DXM), diphenhydramine, or dimenhydrinate can produce intoxicating effects when taken in large doses.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 3% of teens have misused cough and cold medicines containing DXM in the past year. Parents often overlook these products as potential risks, which allows teens to experiment without immediate detection.

Why Teens Are Turning to Household Products

Why are teens turning to cough syrup and motion sickness pills? It’s simple: they’re everywhere. Your medicine cabinet, the corner store, and Amazon Prime—all accessible without ID or much cash.

Key factors driving OTC medication misuse:

• No purchase barriers: Most stores don’t restrict sales of cough syrup or sleep aids to minors
• Parental blind spots: Adults rarely track quantities of common household medications
• Online information: Detailed misuse guides appear on social media and forums
• Perceived safety: Legal status creates false assumptions about risk

Recent data shows a 25% increase in DXM abuse among adolescents over the past three years. This rise coincides with increased online content about “robotripping” (DXM intoxication) and other OTC medication misuse trends.

Signs of Misuse

Physical symptoms of OTC medication misuse vary depending on the substance and dose:

• Missing medications: Empty cough syrup bottles, depleted sleep aids, or motion sickness pills disappearing faster than normal use explains
• Unusual purchases: Multiple bottles of single medications, especially products containing DXM or diphenhydramine
• Physical symptoms: Drowsiness during daytime hours, confusion, nausea, dilated pupils, or unsteady movements
• Behavioral changes: Slurred speech, loss of coordination, hallucinations, agitation, or extreme drowsiness

DXM misuse at high doses can cause dangerous increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Some teens experience seizures, loss of consciousness, or breathing problems requiring emergency medical attention.

Parents who discover evidence of OTC medication misuse can start conversations using the approaches outlined in our blog, How to Talk to Your Kids About Drugs. Creating space for honest dialogue helps teens feel safe discussing their experiences without fear of immediate punishment.

How Parents Can Spot the Warning Signs Early

As treatment providers, we’ve found that catching substance use early means watching for subtle shifts in your teen’s world—not just obvious red flags. The sooner you notice these changes, the better chance we have at effective intervention.

Behavioral Red Flags

• Academic changes: Sudden grade drops, skipping classes, loss of interest in activities
• Social changes: New friend groups, secretive behavior, avoiding family time
• Responsibility changes: Missing curfews, lying about whereabouts, neglecting obligations

Physical & Emotional Red Flags

• Physical appearance: Bloodshot eyes, unusual odors, changes in appetite or sleep
• Emotional state: Mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety
• Energy levels: Unusual hyperactivity or lethargy, inconsistent energy patterns

Hidden Clues in Daily Routines

• Technology use: Increased privacy, new apps, unusual online purchases
• Money patterns: Unexplained expenses, missing cash, selling belongings
• Daily habits: Changed eating patterns, unusual bathroom visits, altered sleep schedule

What to Do If You Suspect Teen Drug Use

When you suspect your teen is using, resist the urge to lead with an accusation, because that conversation will end before it begins. Instead, share what you’ve noticed: ‘I’ve seen you seem more withdrawn lately, and I’m concerned.’ You might say, “I’ve noticed some changes, and I’m worried about you. Can we talk about what’s going on?”

Active listening techniques create safety during these conversations. Put away phones and other distractions to give full attention. Reflect back what your teen says to confirm understanding. Open-ended questions work better than yes-or-no questions because they encourage real conversation.

When to Seek Professional Help

Professional intervention becomes important when substance use continues despite conversations or when you notice signs of dependency. Signs that indicate a need for professional help include substance use interfering with school performance, relationships deteriorating, physical withdrawal symptoms appearing, or your teen struggling to stop using despite wanting to.

Specialized adolescent addiction treatment addresses the unique needs of developing brains. Treatment programs designed for adolescents account for these developmental factors and often include family involvement as a key component.

Why Quick Action Matters

Your teen’s brain is still under construction until their mid-20s—especially the parts handling judgment and impulse control. When substances interfere with this development, we often see the effects ripple through their entire life trajectory. These changes can become more difficult to reverse the longer substance use continues.

According to research, teens who receive help early have a 60% higher treatment success rate compared to those who delay intervention. Quick action reduces the risk of progression from substances like synthetic cannabinoids or prescription stimulants to more dangerous options.

How the Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness Supports Families Navigating Teen Substance Use

Teen-Focused Programs and Support

Treatment programs at the Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness use evidence-based therapies proven effective for adolescent substance use. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps teens identify thought patterns that contribute to substance use, while Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches skills for managing emotions and stress without turning to drugs.

Programs include both day treatment and outpatient options, allowing families to choose the level of care that fits their teen’s needs. Each treatment plan is tailored to address the specific substances a teen is using, whether that’s synthetic cannabinoids, prescription stimulants, or other emerging drugs.

Family Support and Education

Family involvement forms a core component of every treatment plan at Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness. Parents and guardians participate in family therapy sessions that address communication patterns and help everyone understand addiction as a medical condition.

Parent support groups connect families with others navigating similar challenges. Education sessions help families understand how substances affect the developing brain. Communication skills development draws from research showing that teens whose parents talk regularly with them about drugs are 50% less likely to use substances.

Next Steps for Concerned Families

Families can access services at the Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness by reaching out for an initial consultation. The first step includes a confidential assessment that evaluates substance use patterns, mental health concerns, and family dynamics.

Treatment options include partial hospitalization programs (PHP) for intensive support and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) that work around school schedules. Aftercare planning ensures teens have ongoing support as they transition back to daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Substances Teens Are Using

How can I tell if my teen is using synthetic drugs that don’t show up on standard drug tests?

Behavioral and physical changes provide more reliable indicators than drug tests when identifying synthetic drug use, as standard screening methods often miss newer substances like synthetic cannabinoids or novel psychoactive substances.

What should I do if I find unfamiliar substances or paraphernalia in my teen’s belongings?

Stay calm and approach your teen with observations rather than accusations, saying something like “I found something in your room that concerns me. Can you help me understand what’s going on?”

Are these new substances more dangerous than traditional drugs like marijuana or alcohol?

Many emerging substances carry higher risks due to unknown chemical compositions, unpredictable potency, and lack of regulation or quality control, making them potentially more dangerous than traditional drugs.

How do I talk to my teen about drugs they can legally purchase?

Focus on the difference between legal availability and safety, explaining that legal status doesn’t guarantee safety for developing brains, and use calm, clear language about actual risks rather than exaggerated warnings.

When should I consider professional treatment for my teen’s substance use?

Consider professional help if substance use continues despite conversations, interferes with school or relationships, or if you notice signs of withdrawal or dependency that persist over time.

Awareness Is the First Line of Protection

If you’re worried about the new substances teens are using or struggling to understand the latest trends in teen substance abuse, you’re not alone. The Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness is here to help, offering expert mental health and addiction treatment for teens across Massachusetts.

Knowledge is your best defense in this constantly shifting landscape. The more you understand what’s out there, the better equipped you’ll be to have honest conversations with your teen before problems develop. The landscape of teen substance use continues to shift toward unexpected substances like synthetic cannabinoids, gas station drugs, prescription stimulants, high-potency THC products, and OTC medications. These substances often appear safer to teens because of legal loopholes, easy accessibility, or social media influence.

Open communication remains one of the most effective tools families have. Starting conversations about new drugs creates opportunities to share facts, set boundaries, and build trust.

Recovery becomes possible when families combine awareness, communication, and appropriate professional care. MCAW provides specialized care for teens struggling with substance use, offering evidence-based therapies and family-centered approaches that support long-term wellness and recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your family.

References:

https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators

https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/monitoring-future

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db491.htm

https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts