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:

Teens have been hospitalized after following challenges.
Emergency room visits and overdoses tied to social media–influenced behavior are on the rise.
Platforms like TikTok are increasingly used to access or buy prescription drugs that may be laced with fentanyl, leading to unintentional overdoses.
Peer influence has led some teens to drink alcohol, or smoke electronic cigarette (vape) to feel included in viral culture.

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

What to look for: If your child is frequently staying awake for extended periods and then crashing for long hours, it may signal stimulant misuse. Complaints of difficulty sleeping or needing less sleep than usual can also be a red flag.
Why it matters: Adderall misuse disrupts natural sleep cycles, leading to severe exhaustion and long-term health consequences.

Extreme Focus Followed by Fatigue

What to look for: Periods of hyper-productivity—such as knocking out multiple assignments in record time—followed by noticeable crashes or periods of lethargy.
Why it matters: This cycle of intense focus and burnout is common in those misusing stimulants, as the body cannot sustain the artificial energy levels Adderall provides.

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Mood Swings and Anxiety

What to look for: Sudden irritability, heightened restlessness, or unexplained mood swings. Increased signs of anxiety, nervousness, or even social withdrawal may also be present.
Why it matters: Adderall can alter brain chemistry, leading to emotional instability and worsening mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.

Physical Changes

What to look for: Rapid weight loss, reduced appetite, or complaints of headaches, nausea, or chest pain. You might also notice physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or increased blood pressure.
Why it matters: These physical signs indicate the toll stimulant misuse takes on the body, including cardiovascular strain and reduced overall health.

Financial or Academic Red Flags

What to look for: Unexplained expenses, frequent requests for money, or difficulty managing finances. On the academic side, you might see sudden improvements in grades paired with erratic or unsustainable work habits.
Why it matters: Buying Adderall without a prescription often involves additional costs. Academic over-performance followed by burnout can also indicate reliance on the drug.

High-Risk Behavior

What to look for: If you discover your child has tried to snort Adderall or if they are mixing it with alcohol or other substances, this is a serious red flag. Reports of risky social behavior or increased partying may also hint at misuse.
Why it matters: Combining Adderall with alcohol raises the risk of severe outcomes, including alcohol poisoning, while snorting the drug increases its potency and dangers, leading to faster dependency.

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.

888-249-2191

Binge Drinking in the State of Texas: When Does It Become Too Much?

Binge drinking alcohol literally affects every cell in your body. Over the course of long-term binges on liquor, beer, wine and other spirits, your brain can become permanently damaged as a result of cellular nutritional deficiencies. Thiamine or vitamin B1, is an important nutrient that is depleted from the body when alcohol abuse has taken over your life. When someone drinks a lot, over a long period of time, thiamine in the body is depleted, while the body’s ability to absorb it in the digestive tract is reduced. Cells are also inhibited in utilizing thiamine from chronic alcohol consumption. For teens and young college students who may be new to experimenting with alcohol, it can seem like it’s all just fun and games in the beginning. Over time however, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can cause a lot of damage to our minds and our bodies. No one thinks they will develop alcohol-related dementia, or “wet brain” syndrome but sadly, it does happen.

College binge-drinking remains a problem for students in Texas.

At colleges and universities across the United States, the culture of partying and binge drinking is pervasive. When drinking to excess starts to cause a lot of problems in academic areas like grades, attendance and extra curricular activities, maybe it is time to start thinking about your regular consumption of alcoholic beverages. We have all seen this party culture at institutions of higher learning be glorified and glamorized in popular movies, television shows and music. Some say it’s kind of like a rite of passage for young adults. We all know that students want to have a good time while they’re young, but excessive drinking can lead to disastrous, life-altering consequences.

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Underage drinking is a problem that affects the residents of Texas, much like the rest of the country. The phenomenon of underage drinking leads to hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries each year in the United States. Underage drinkers have an unfortunate tendency to participate in binge drinking, much more than the adult population does. Teens and young adults who experiment with drinking to excess are more prone to experience troubling consequences as a result. Accidents, injuries, arrests, and jail time are much more likely when alcohol is present. Plus, rates of sexual assault, rape and other types of physical assaults are all much more likely to occur when underage drinking is at play.

Alcohol abuse and binge-drinking affects public health as a whole in Texas communities.

In April of 2018, Houston, Texas police made 36 felony alcohol arrests of drivers in the area. Felony DUI or DWI culprits in Texas can face up to $10,000 in fines, have their license suspended and they could serve anywhere between 2-10 years in a Texas state prison. Most of these arrests were the result of the subject’s third DWI, some were intoxicated even while having a child in the car with them. Two of the arrests were for vehicular manslaughter incidents involving alcohol. Cracking down on drunk driving is a supreme necessity, as more and more needless deaths occur on our streets. In 2017 alone, 1,468 people died in Texas as a result of automobile accidents where at least one driver was under the influence of alcohol. These accidents comprised nearly 40% of all traffic fatalities in Texas in 2016.

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Excessive alcohol consumption and binge-drinking comes with considerable negative health consequences.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), excessive alcohol consumption will increase a person’s risk of developing serious health problems, in addition to the other risky behaviors that are commonly associated with being drunk. According to the Harvard Medical School, liver disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, cancer, dementia and even suicide rates all go up for people who consume alcohol in excessive amounts over time.

Depression, stress, insecurity and anxiety are common emotional and mental health issues which people list as reasons that they started drinking. Yet alcohol abuse actually makes these problems worse over time, as you end up just masking these symptoms by getting drunk. Binge drinking can be exceptionally detrimental for college students who suffer from any kind of mental, or behavioral health disorder. Excessive drinking will only make these problems worse, as this can easily lead to a downward spiral of more and more drinking and experimentation with other types of drugs.

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Alcohol is the number one gateway drug, well ahead of marijuana.

According to research completed by teams at Texas A&M and the University of Florida, 54% of young people reported using alcohol as their first drug of use, before they moved on to trying other drugs. This was a lot more than what was reported for marijuana, where only 14% of respondents claimed it as the first drug they used.

How early people began using substances also serves as an important indicator of future decisions and risky behaviors that people may take with drugs and alcohol. The same study also looked at how early kids began using and found that the earlier they initiated use, the more likely they were to use harder drugs later in life.

While drinking alcohol may become a problem for many people in the Houston, Texas area, there are resources available to help you, a family member or loved one who is struggling with alcoholism or an addiction to other drugs. More Than Rehab offers one of the most successful drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs in the state of Texas. Give us a call and see if our addiction treatment program is right for you.