‘My drug use began even before I turned 12,’: Prateik Babbar on battling addiction; factors leading to early-onset substance use in adolescents

This early exposure to substances, he said, stemmed from a challenging upbringing and family complexities rather than fame or industry pressures. He mentioned, “And yes, it did affect me, and still does, especially in relationships. Drugs are associated with trauma, you understand. As long as that trauma isn’t released, it will continue to impact relationships and other areas of life. But there comes a time when you have to work to make things better, which I’ve been doing for many years. My fiancée has been helping me improve in many ways. We’re helping each other grow, though she doesn’t need any improvement — she’s perfect! That’s life, you know; you have to move on.”

Understanding the factors that contribute to teenage addiction and identifying effective prevention strategies is essential, as early intervention can help mitigate long-term impacts on health and relationships. 

Common factors that contribute to early-onset substance use in adolescents

Dr Sunil, director and facilitator at Cadabam’s Anunitha De-addiction Center, tells indianexpress.com that from a neurobiological perspective, the adolescent brain is still developing. “During adolescence, the brain’s reward system, primarily mediated by dopamine, becomes highly active, while the regions responsible for judgement lag in development. This combination makes teens more inclined to seek novel and intense experiences, including substance use,” he says. 

Environmental and genetic factors also play a significant role. Dr Sunil mentions, “Research suggests that individuals with a family history of substance use disorders may have genetic predispositions that affect their brain’s response to substances, increasing their risk of early-onset addiction.” Additionally, adolescents exposed to environments with low parental supervision, high stress, or a lack of positive role models are more likely to experiment with drugs as a form of escape or peer acceptance.

When early substance use coincides with trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) like neglect or family instability, the impact intensifies. (Source: Freepik)

Impact on a young person’s emotional and psychological development

Early exposure to drugs can disrupt the brain’s natural reward and stress response systems, leading to significant emotional and psychological consequences. In the brain, substances like nicotine, alcohol, and drugs stimulate the release of dopamine, creating a powerful sensation of pleasure or euphoria. “Repeated use, especially during adolescence, leads to a “rewiring” of neural circuits, where the brain increasingly associates substance use with reward. Over time, the brain’s natural production of dopamine decreases, and individuals become dependent on substances to feel normal, a process known as neuroadaptation,” says Dr Sunil.

He adds that when early substance use coincides with trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) like neglect or family instability, the impact intensifies. Additionally, early drug exposure can hinder emotional growth, making it harder for adolescents to form healthy relationships and manage emotions — often leading to long-term dependency and mental health challenges.

Effective intervention strategies for helping teenagers struggling with addiction

Dr Sunil highlights, “Intervention strategies for teenage addiction require a multi-pronged approach that addresses both the biological and psychosocial dimensions of addiction. Evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), have shown substantial efficacy in treating adolescent addiction.”

These approaches, he continues, when combined with educational programs and consistent parental involvement, can prevent long-term dependency and promote a healthy transition into adulthood.

Families and communities can spot early warning signs of substance use by observing behavioural changes, such as sudden withdrawal from family and friends, declining academic performance, or secrecy around daily activities. “Recognising these signs early and fostering open, non-judgmental communication about the dangers of substance use can be critical in preventing progression to dependency,” concludes Dr Sunil. 

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