The festive season is a time of joy, celebration and family gatherings, but for many teenagers, it can also be a period of heightened risk.

Dagga, vapes, alcohol and prescription drugs are increasingly part of teens’ social lives, fuelled by peer pressure, social media, TV advertisements and even family behaviours.

With the holidays come parties, sleepovers, late nights and unsupervised gatherings, making experimentation by teens more likely.

Social worker Moses Munkombwe of the Sanca Eastern Gauteng, Boksburg, warns that without awareness and intervention, the consequences can be devastating.

“Teenagers are particularly vulnerable because of how their brains respond to substances. When exposed, dopamine, the brain chemical responsible for pleasure and motivation, is released. This interacts with the cerebral cortex, which controls attention, decision-making, perception and awareness, creating a strong urge to experiment.

“Low self-esteem can make teens more likely to try substances to feel happy or accepted, while even those with high self-esteem can be influenced by social media, where substance use is often glamourised, especially during festive campaigns, holiday parties and viral online trends.”

Myths make experimentation seem harmless. He highlighted several myths teens often believe:
• Just one won’t hurt.
Even small amounts of substances can impair judgement, co-ordination and decision-making in teens and increase the risk of risky behaviour.

• Everyone is doing it, so it must be safe.
Peer pressure exaggerates how common substance use is; most teens do not regularly use drugs or alcohol.

• Prescription drugs are safe because a doctor prescribed them.
Misusing prescription drugs can cause serious health risks, including overdose and dangerous interactions with other substances.

• Mixing substances is fine if I know my limits.
Combining dagga, alcohol, vapes, or prescription drugs can be unpredictable and life-threatening.

• Social media influencers do it, so it’s okay.
Online content often glamorises substance use without showing the risks. Munkombwe said the real danger escalates when teens mix substances.

“Combining dagga, alcohol, vapes, and prescription drugs can cause extreme dizziness, vomiting, heart palpitations, impaired judgment, memory loss, hallucinations, severe anxiety, or even life-threatening overdoses.

“The festive season, with its parties, school holiday freedom, and unsupervised gatherings, can make such experimentation more likely and far more dangerous.

“Parents should watch for warning signs, including mood swings, emotional outbursts, changes in sleep or appetite, secretive behaviour about friends and activities, obsessive attention to social media, or attendance at unsupervised parties and sleepovers.”

He stressed that parents, communities, and schools must work together to curb teenage substance abuse.

“Prevention requires engagement, supervision and open communication. When communities unite, teens are more supported and less likely to fall into risky behaviours, especially during the festive season when celebrations and peer pressure are at their peak.”

Spending time with teens can protect them. “During the festive season, teens naturally have higher dopamine levels because of excitement, social activity and holiday events.

“Parents can channel this energy positively by spending quality time with their children, playing games, participating in sports, doing hobbies, or sharing family experiences. This natural boost of happiness reduces the temptation to seek pleasure through substances.”

Tips to keep teens safe this festive season:
• Communicate openly: Talk honestly about substance risks and encourage teens to share their holiday plans;
• Supervise social activities: Know where your teen is, who they are with, and encourage safe group gatherings;
• Promote healthy holiday activities: Encourage teens to participate in sports, restaurant or mall outings, hobbies, volunteering, or family excursions, activities that boost their dopamine and keep them engaged;
• Monitor online and social media activity: Be aware of trends that glamorise substance use, especially during festive campaigns.
Know when to get help. Contact the SANCA Eastern Gauteng on 072 694 4436 for counselling, guidance and prevention programmes.
He concluded, “This festive season, celebration should not come at the cost of safety. Awareness, guidance and active parental and community involvement are essential to help teens navigate peer pressure, enjoy holiday activities safely, and avoid the dangerous pitfalls of substance use.”