TikTok and Teen Drug Use: How Viral Trends Shape Perception

TikTok has exploded in popularity among young people. But along with dance memes and comedy skits, the social media platform is rife with videos depicting drug use among teens in a surprisingly casual light. Scrolling through the “For You” page, it’s easy to find clips of teens experimenting with alcoholic beverages, misusing medicines, or showing off vaping tricks.

Viral Content as the “New Normal”

TikTok’s algorithm delivers content based on user behavior. A teen who engages with videos about cannabis or alcohol might quickly find their feed full of similar posts. Repetition desensitizes in real time. Content that once seemed shocking soon feels normal, especially when portrayed as humorous or relatable.

These videos rarely show outcomes like hangovers, arrests, or overdoses. Instead, they promote a filtered, upbeat version of reality that minimizes harm, spreading misinformation about prescription drugs, alcoholic beverages, and even illegal drugs.

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Viral Trends That Normalize Substance Use

Here are a few troubling TikTok trends that have circulated widely:

The Benadryl Challenge

One of the most dangerous trends encourages teens to take excessive amounts of Benadryl to hallucinate. In 2023, a 13-year-old boy in Ohio died after attempting this challenge. The videos that inspired him made it look like a thrill, not a medical emergency.

DIY Highs

The “Nutmeg Challenge” encouraged teens to consume large amounts of the spice for a psychedelic effect. Nutmeg in high doses is toxic, leading to confusion, heart palpitations, and lasting damage. Yet the challenge gained traction, often presented as a weird experiment rather than a serious risk.

BORGs (Blackout Rage Gallons)

Popular among college students, BORGs involve mixing vodka, water, and flavor enhancers into gallon jugs. Despite claims that these drinks are “safer” because they include electrolytes, they often contain the equivalent of 16+ shots of alcohol. One TikTok-fueled BORG party led to 28 students being hospitalized for alcohol poisoning.

Vaping Videos

Teens frequently post vaping tricks and brand endorsements, portraying vaping as trendy and harmless. The health risks, addiction potential, and legal issues are rarely mentioned.

Hashtags Like #TripTok and #SniffTok

Under these tags, users share experiences and skits related to cannabis, ketamine, or even prescription drug misuse. These videos often present drug use as funny or bonding, downplaying or ignoring risks.

How Misinformation and Peer Pressure Work Online

Many teens know about the dangers of drugs. But TikTok’s content makes those dangers feel distant. When someone scrolls through dozens of upbeat videos about drinking or smoking weed, they start to see it as normal, even expected.

The problem is what’s missing. Teens aren’t seeing detox, withdrawal, or ER visits. They’re not seeing the ramifications of full-blown addiction. This selective portrayal of reality can mislead teens into thinking drugs are safe in moderation—or even that they’re a social necessity.

Negative peer pressure plays a huge role. On TikTok, popularity is measured in views and likes. When risky behavior goes viral, it sends a signal: this is what gets attention. That kind of social validation influences behavior, especially among teens who may already feel isolated, stressed, or insecure.

For teens with existing risk factors like mental health challenges or family trauma, TikTok’s messaging can be especially harmful. A funny video about getting high may reinforce the idea that substances are a solution to deeper problems.

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Real-World Consequences

While not every teen who sees drug-related TikTok videos will try them, these trends have had clear offline impacts:

The content teens consume online contributes to risky decisions offline—and in some cases, tragically fatal ones. Drugs like opioids are a public health crisis

How Parents Can Respond

TikTok isn’t going away. Instead of panic, parents can focus on education, dialogue, and boundaries.

1. Talk Without Judgment

Ask your teen what they’re watching and how they feel about it. Share what you’ve seen, too. Rather than lectures, aim for conversations. The goal is open communication, not control. Tell them they can talk to you about anything, especially if they’re feeling pressured or confused about what they see online.

2. Promote Critical Thinking

Help your teen understand that not everything online is true. Discuss how videos can be staged, edited, or only show part of a story. Encourage them to ask: “What’s missing here? What might have happened after this video ended?”

3. Monitor and Support Without Spying

Keep tabs on what your teen is exposed to—without invading their privacy. If you’re not already connected on TikTok, ask to see the kinds of accounts they follow. Teens with engaged, supportive parents are less likely to try alcohol and marijuana or experiment with drugs in secret. Staying aware is critical for your family safety as well as growing public health effort to reduce digital exposure to risky behaviors.

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4. Address the Underlying Why

Talk about why teens might want to use substances. Boredom, social anxiety, or emotional pain are all common motivators. If your teen is dealing with mental health challenges, make sure they know there are safer ways to cope.

5. Share Real-Life Consequences

Without fearmongering, talk about the actual risks. Mention overdose deaths tied to fake pills. Bring up the students hospitalized from BORGs. Let them know that what happens online doesn’t always stay there—and that bad decisions can carry real world costs.

6. Encourage Healthier Content

Not all of TikTok is harmful. Some creators promote sobriety, mental wellness, and honest discussions about drug recovery. Help your teen find and follow accounts that reflect positive values.

A Shared Responsibility

TikTok’s influence on young adults isn’t going away. But it doesn’t have to lead to harm. With informed parenting, open communication, and strong critical thinking, teens can learn to question what they see and resist harmful trends.

The key is staying involved. Don’t assume your teen knows better. Talk to them, ask questions, watch a video together, and unpack it. That small investment of time can prevent big problems down the road.

And if your teen is already struggling—or if you suspect substance use is becoming a problem—don’t wait to get help. The risks are too high, and the stakes are too real to go it alone.

Where to Turn for Help

If your teen is already struggling with substance use or mental health challenges, don’t wait. Reach out for help. Professional support can make all the difference in preventing a temporary mistake from becoming a long-term crisis.

More Than Rehab offers evidence-based treatment and resources tailored for teens, young adults, and families facing challenges related to substance use. Visit More Than Rehab to speak with a caring team that understands the pressures today’s youth face—and how to turn things around before it’s too late.

888-249-2191

Adderall Addiction Among College Students: A Growing Concern

College life isn’t easy—late nights, endless deadlines, and the constant pressure to keep up with classes, work, and everything else. For some students, it can feel like there’s just not enough time or energy to handle it all. So, they turn to Adderall to stay focused, get more done, and keep up with the demands of college life.

This explains why Adderall is one of the most abused prescription drugs on college campuses. Recent studies show that about 20% of college students in the US abuse the drug for nonmedical reasons. They call it a study drug, treating it like an academic booster to survive the grind of college life.

The problem is that many students believe that because it’s a prescription medication, it must be safe to use. But the truth is, using Adderall without a prescription can lead to serious consequences. Misuse can quickly escalate into dependency, bring on harmful side effects, and cause long-term damage to both physical and mental health.

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into why Adderall misuse is so common among college students, the dangers it poses, and how you can recognize the signs of substance use disorder. We’ll also explore steps to address the issue and where to find support for students struggling with study drug addiction.

Understanding Adderall Abuse in College

College students are under immense pressure, juggling coursework, extracurriculars, jobs, and internships, all while trying to maintain a social life. In this environment, Adderall becomes appealing because it’s known to help people concentrate for longer periods. It’s no surprise that some students use it without a prescription, believing that it’s just another academic tool.

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However, stimulants like Adderall aren’t harmless study aids. These medications are potent and can alter brain chemistry, especially if used by someone who doesn’t medically require them. Over time, misuse can lead to tolerance—meaning the student needs higher doses to achieve the same effect—and this creates a cycle of dependence that’s increasingly hard to break.

The Link Between ADHD and Misuse

Adderall is composed of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, designed to help those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) manage symptoms like inattention and impulsivity. Because there’s often a misunderstanding about the link between ADHD and “smart performance,” some students assume they can self-diagnose or that everyone can benefit from these drugs. This misconception fuels the nonmedical use of Adderall on campuses across the country, where the pressure to excel can overshadow the very real health concerns.

Why It Feels So Accessible

Adderall’s availability can also play a role. It’s not uncommon for students with legitimate prescriptions to share or sell their medication, making it easy for others to obtain. Plus, with the ongoing cultural narrative that “everyone’s doing it,” it can seem less risky than street drugs—even though the dangers are very real.

Red Flags for Parents

If you’re worried your child might be misusing Adderall, there are some key indicators to watch out for:

Erratic Sleep Patterns

Extreme Focus Followed by Fatigue

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Mood Swings and Anxiety

Physical Changes

Financial or Academic Red Flags

High-Risk Behavior

The Risks of Long-Term Use

Using Adderall long-term without a prescription harms your child’s health. Physically, it increases blood pressure, disrupts heart rhythms, and raises the risk of cardiac arrest. Mixing it with alcohol worsens the effects and can lead to dangerous outcomes like alcohol poisoning. Many students lose weight rapidly and develop nutritional deficiencies, weakening their bodies.

Mentally, the risks are equally serious. Long-term misuse leads to dependency, with students struggling to quit due to severe withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, depression, and trouble focusing. It worsens anxiety, triggers mood swings, and pushes some toward other drugs. These effects damage emotional and physical health, often lasting far beyond college years.

How You Can Help

As a parent, your support plays a crucial role in helping your child overcome Adderall misuse. Start by opening the conversation calmly and without judgment. Let your child know you care about their health and well-being, not just academic performance. Ask them how they’re feeling and listen without interrupting. This creates a safe space for them to share their struggles.

Educate your child about the risks of Adderall misuse. Many students don’t fully understand the dangers of using stimulant medication without a prescription. Explain how it affects their body and mind over time and why it’s not the solution they think it is.

If you notice signs of misuse or dependency, encourage professional help. Reach out to a behavioral health specialist who can guide your child toward treatment. Therapy options like cognitive behavioral therapy can help them manage stress and develop healthier coping strategies. For those needing more support, programs like outpatient rehab offer structured treatment while allowing them to continue their studies.

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Lastly, support your child in creating a healthier routine. Help them explore better time management, access tutoring, or find campus resources that reduce academic pressure. Remind them that their mental and physical well-being matters far more than grades, and you’re here to guide them every step of the way.

Resources and Support

If your child struggles with Adderall addiction, it’s essential to act quickly and connect them with the proper support. Professional treatment programs, like those offered by More Than Rehab, specialize in addressing stimulant addiction. These programs provide personalized care, including therapy, medical supervision, and strategies to rebuild healthy habits. Options like outpatient rehab allow your child to get the help they need while continuing their education.

Remember, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Resources are available to help both you and your child overcome the challenges of Adderall addiction. Take the first step by contacting a behavioral health professional or a trusted treatment center. Together, you can help your child break free from Adderall addiction and build a healthier, more balanced future. Contact More Than Rehab today to learn how we can support you and your family. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year.

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Colleges and Drugs: What are the Popular Drugs to Look Out for in 2020?

For those who have been lucky enough to attend college, they know that it can be a very exciting experience. For some, the experience is mainly focused around the academic aspect and the desire to further their education. For others, while academia may still be a factor, the experience is more about what college itself has to offer; individual freedom, and the chance to make decisions without constant parental guidance, the opportunity to expand one’s social circle, and it is often a setting where experimentation with drugs or alcohol is common for a variety of different reasons, either for fun, to celebrate, for social reasons, or perhaps even to deal with the stress. Whatever the reason may be, it is no secret that for the majority of college students, college experience tends to be a place for experimentation, especially when it comes to alcohol and drugs.

What kinds of drugs do college students typically use on Texas campuses?

A recent study found that nearly 23 percent of college students reported using an illicit drug sometime within the past 30 days and more than 75 percent say it is very easy to buy drugs on campus. While this has always been an issue, it may be of even more concern today. In the year of 2020, as the coronavirus, the pandemic  also commonly known as covid-19, has caused a shift in the way college campuses are currently being operated. With classes being shut down and having been moved to only online, students are finding themselves with more free time than ever. However, it is unclear how this may impact data as far as drug use among college students is concerned, but young adults will likely continue to seek-out and use drugs.

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Here are some of the most popular drugs on college campuses to look out for in the United States during the year of 2020:

Alcohol

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that alcohol is the substance that most people abuse in college, with 4 out of 5 college students drinking alcohol. To make matters worse, the majority of the college population are between the ages of 18 to 22, where 21 is the legal drinking age. More so, around half of the college students who drink also participate in binge drinking, which is where they consume four or more alcoholic beverages per hour.

Cocaine

Although the use of cocaine peaked around the mid 1980’s, it is still commonly found on college campuses. Cocaine is a highly addictive and illegal stimulant. College students reportedly use the drug at parties and clubs. While it is sometimes used by itself, the majority of college students say they combine it with other drugs like alcohol and marijuana at social gatherings. One study showed that 69 percent of users reported abusing the drug after entry into college.

Adderall and Ritalin

Adderall and Ritalin are both prescription medications often used for the treatment of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). They have become the “study drug” of choice as both are known to have stimulating properties. College students are twice as likely to abuse prescription stimulants due to related workload stress. According to the 2017 results from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, around 60% of young adults used prescription stimulants obtained from friends for non-medical purposes.

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Marijuana or Synthetic Marijuana

Some other commonly abused drugs by college students are marijuana and synthetic marijuana. Many students report using these substances in order to relieve the stress associated with college life. It is often abused at parties or other social events. It is estimated that nearly 38 percent of college students use marijuana, according to Monitoring the Future, a survey that is used to measure adolescent drug and alcohol activity. Synthetic marijuana is also a commonly used substance among college students who want to achieve the same effects as marijuana without the legal risk, as synthetic marijuana strains are made in order to circumvent detection from law enforcement agencies.

 

Xanax & Benzodiazepines

Xanax, also known as alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety. Since it is widely prescribed and widely used, it has become easily obtainable through illicit channels. College students are more likely to abuse anti-anxiety medications to deal with stress from college life. It is also commonly combined with other substances such as alcohol, or barbiturates and has been known to cause blackouts, leading to its us as a date-rape drug on college campuses as well.

 

Psychedelics

Psychedelics, such as mushrooms, ketamine, LSD, or acid, are another group of substances that are commonly abused by people attending college. Psychedelics are hallucinogens, and can cause extreme hallucinations, leading people to lose their sense of reality. The effects of psychedelics are often unpredictable, and can last anywhere from 2-48 hours. This combination can cause people to act erratically, resulting in things like paranoia and psychosis. Use among college students is popular as the report trying to escape from their everyday life, which can oftentimes be stressful.

 

Ecstasy

Along with the rise of raves and EDM culture, is the use of ecstasy, or “molly” among college kids. In part due to the increased popularity of the rave culture is the increased use of ecstasy, or other MDMA related drugs, among college students. Many report using the drug where alcohol is common, such as at parties, bars, music festivals, and raves. The euphoric feeling often associated with the substance is what leads students to using it in social settings. However, it can result in things like paranoia, dehydration, and it can even turn fatal in certain situations.

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Drug use among college students is not a new problem.

These are just a few of the most commonly abused drugs by college students in Texas. Due to things like social experimentation, peer pressure, stress and childhood trauma, many college students turn to drugs or alcohol. If you or someone you know may be struggling with a substance use disorder, please do not hesitate to reach out for help! Many have been where you are before and they have gotten the help necessary to get back on track. College is a very rewarding experience, but we also know that it can be very stressful. There is no shame in asking for help! Call us anytime. We are here to help you.

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