Drugs, Teenagers and Parenting in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The teenage years are a time of change, independence, and sometimes risk-taking. For many teens in Grand Rapids and across Michigan, experimenting with alcohol or drugs can be part of that risk-taking behavior. While not every teenager will try substances, and many who do will not develop serious problems, parents in Grand Rapids can play a powerful role in delaying or preventing use and reducing harm.

This guide is designed for Grand Rapids parents and caregivers who want reliable, local, and practical information about teens and drugs.

Teen Drug and Alcohol Use: What Grand Rapids Parents Should Know

Across the United States, alcohol, cannabis (marijuana), and tobacco are the three most commonly used substances among young people. National and Michigan data show:

  • Many teens choose not to drink or use drugs.
  • A smaller group experiment occasionally.
  • An even smaller number develop patterns of regular or risky use.

In Kent County and the Grand Rapids metro area, local health officials have highlighted concerns about:

  • Underage drinking
  • Vaping and nicotine use
  • Cannabis (marijuana) use
  • Prescription drug misuse (for example, pain medications, ADHD medications)

Cold winters and long indoor seasons in West Michigan can sometimes contribute to boredom, isolation, and seasonal depression for teens, which may increase the risk of experimenting with substances.

Why Teenagers in Grand Rapids May Use Drugs or Alcohol

Young people use drugs for many of the same reasons adults do: to feel different, better, or more in control. Common reasons teens in Grand Rapids might experiment include:

  • Socializing with friends or wanting to fit in
  • Peer pressure or fear of being left out
  • Looking for relaxation or fun
  • Boredom, especially during long winter months
  • Curiosity and a desire to take risks
  • Trying to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
  • Escaping from difficult family or school situations
  • Coping with past trauma or bullying

Understanding these reasons can help you respond with empathy instead of judgment.

How Grand Rapids Parents Can Help Prevent or Delay Drug Use

You cannot guarantee your child will never try alcohol or other drugs, but you can significantly reduce the risk and potential harm.

Build a Strong, Trusting Relationship

  • Spend regular one-on-one time with your child.
  • Show interest in their hobbies, friends, and school life.
  • Listen more than you speak; avoid jumping in with criticism.
  • Notice and praise positive behavior, effort, and good decisions.

Be a Positive Role Model

  • If you drink alcohol, do so moderately and responsibly.
  • Avoid using illicit drugs or misusing prescription medications.
  • Do not joke about “needing a drink” to handle stress.
  • Show healthy ways of coping: exercise, hobbies, time outdoors (e.g., walks on the Grand River, hikes at Millennium Park or Frederik Meijer Gardens).

Set Clear Rules and Expectations

  • Talk about your family’s rules around alcohol, cannabis, vaping, and other drugs.
  • Be clear about:
    • No underage drinking
    • No riding in a car with someone who has been drinking or using drugs
    • No sharing or misusing prescription medications
  • Explain the reasons behind the rules: safety, health, and legal consequences in Michigan.

Help Your Teen Build Good Decision-Making Skills

From a young age, allow your child to:

  • Make age-appropriate choices (clothes, activities, time management).
  • Solve small problems on their own, with your guidance.
  • Learn to say “no” and practice what to say if offered alcohol or drugs.

Role-play scenarios, such as:

  • “What would you say if someone at a party offered you a vape?”
  • “How would you get home if your ride has been drinking?”

Talk Openly and Honestly About Drugs and Alcohol

Keep the Conversation Real and Respectful

  • Start early and talk often, not just once.
  • Use everyday situations—news stories, social media posts, or local events—as conversation starters.
  • Ask open-ended questions:
    • “What have you heard about weed or vaping at school?”
    • “How do kids your age feel about drinking?”

Do Not Exaggerate or Make Things Up

Teens are quick to spot scare tactics or misinformation. Stick to facts:

  • Explain real short-term effects (poor judgment, accidents, trouble at school or with the law).
  • Explain long-term risks (addiction, mental health problems, impact on brain development).
  • If you don’t know an answer, say so and look it up together using reliable sources (such as the Kent County Health Department or CDC).

Recognizing Possible Signs of Drug Use

There is no single sign that proves a teenager is using drugs. Changes in behavior can be caused by many things, including stress, mental health concerns, or normal adolescence.

Possible warning signs can include:

  • Sudden mood swings, irritability, or withdrawal
  • Drop in school performance or skipping classes
  • Changing friend groups or hiding social activities
  • Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
  • Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
  • Unexplained money problems or missing items at home
  • Smell of smoke, cannabis, or alcohol on clothes or breath

These signs do not automatically mean your teen is using substances, but they are a signal to check in and offer support.

If You Suspect Your Teen Is Using Drugs

Pause Before You React

  • Try not to respond in anger or panic.
  • Give yourself time to calm down and think about what you want to say.
  • Avoid searching your child’s room or belongings unless there is a serious and immediate safety concern—this can damage trust.

Learn the Facts

  • Research the substances you’re concerned about, including:
    • Cannabis (marijuana), including vaping and edibles
    • Alcohol
    • Tobacco and nicotine vapes
    • Prescription medications (opioids, stimulants)
  • Use credible sources like:
    • Kent County Health Department
    • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
    • Grand Rapids Public Health resources
    • Local hospital education pages (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)

Talk When You’re Both Calm

  • Choose a quiet time when neither of you is rushed or upset.
  • Use “I” statements:
    • “I’ve noticed you seem more withdrawn, and I’m worried about you.”
    • “I care about your health and safety, and I want to understand what’s going on.”
  • Listen to their side without interrupting.
  • Avoid ultimatums like “If you ever do this again, you’re out of the house.” These can shut down communication.

Focus on Safety and Support

If your teen has used or is using drugs:

  • Acknowledge their honesty if they tell you the truth.
  • Talk about the health, legal, and school-related consequences in Michigan.
  • Discuss strategies to stay safe:
    • Never mixing substances
    • Never driving or riding with someone who is impaired
    • Knowing who to call if they feel unsafe

Let them know you are on their side and want to help them make safer choices.

Encouraging a Healthy Lifestyle in Grand Rapids

A healthy, balanced life can reduce the risk of substance use. In West Michigan, there are many ways to support your teen’s wellbeing:

  • Nutrition: Encourage regular, balanced meals.
  • Exercise: Take advantage of local resources:
    • Biking or walking on Grand Rapids trails
    • Sports teams through school or community centers
    • Indoor activities during winter (YMCA, rock climbing gyms, indoor sports)
  • Sleep: Help your teen maintain a regular sleep schedule.
  • Mental Health: Watch for signs of depression or anxiety, which can be more common during long, dark winter months. Seek professional help if needed.

When to Seek Professional Help in Grand Rapids

If you’re worried that your teen’s substance use is becoming more frequent, risky, or linked to mental health struggles, professional support can help.

Local Medical and Mental Health Resources

You can start with:

  • Your child’s primary care provider or pediatrician
    • Many family doctors and pediatricians in Grand Rapids (including those affiliated with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health) can screen for substance use and refer to specialists.
  • School counselors or social workers
    • Grand Rapids area schools often have counseling staff who can provide support and referrals.
  • Local mental health providers
    • Psychologists, social workers, and counselors experienced in working with teenagers and substance use.

If there is an immediate risk of harm (overdose, suicidal thoughts, or violent behavior):

  • Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department (e.g., Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids ER).

Online and Phone Support (General)

While some services listed below are national rather than Grand Rapids–specific, they can still be very helpful:

  • SAMHSA National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
    Free, confidential treatment referral and information, 24/7.
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988
    For emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or mental health crises.
  • Your health plan’s nurse line – Many Michigan insurance plans offer 24/7 nurse advice lines.

For local, up-to-date Grand Rapids and Kent County substance use resources, check:

  • Kent County Health Department website
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) substance use services page

How to Talk to Your Teen About Risks and Consequences

When you talk about drugs and alcohol, focus on:

  • Health risks: Brain development, memory, concentration, mood, and long-term addiction risk.
  • Safety risks: Car accidents, injuries (especially in winter driving conditions), unsafe sexual behavior, and violence.
  • Legal consequences in Michigan:
    • Minor in Possession (MIP) laws for alcohol
    • Laws related to cannabis use and driving under the influence
    • School and sports team policies

Explain how substance use can affect:

  • Grades and college opportunities
  • Sports and extracurricular participation
  • Job prospects and driving privileges

Keep the tone caring, not threatening. Emphasize that your rules and concerns come from wanting them to be safe and healthy.

Key Points for Grand Rapids Parents

  • Alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco/vaping are the most commonly used substances among teens.
  • Many teens in Grand Rapids choose not to use substances, and your influence as a parent matters.
  • Teens often use drugs or alcohol to feel better, cope with stress, fit in, or handle boredom.
  • You can reduce risk by:
    • Building a close, trusting relationship
    • Modeling healthy behavior
    • Setting clear, consistent rules
    • Having open, honest, and fact-based conversations
  • If you suspect use, stay calm, gather information, talk when relaxed, and seek professional help if needed.
  • Local resources in Grand Rapids and Kent County, including primary care providers, school counselors, and public health services, can support you and your teen.

If you are concerned about your teenager’s substance use, reaching out early—to a trusted doctor, counselor, or local health service—can make a significant difference in their health, safety, and future.