My Teen is Dabbing: What Do I Do

Adolescence is a time of exploration, risk-taking, and identity formation—and unfortunately, some teens experiment with substances that can be harmful, like dabbing. As cannabis concentrates become more accessible, many teens are experimenting with high-potency substances that pose serious physical and mental health risks. The discreet nature of teen dabbing makes it difficult for parents to detect, often allowing harmful behaviors to continue unnoticed. Understanding how dabbing affects teens and recognizing the signs early can make a critical difference in getting them the help they need. 

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What is Dabbing?

Dabbing refers to inhaling a concentrated form of cannabis—often called THC concentrates or hash oil—by heating it to create vapor and then inhaling it. These concentrates are much more potent than traditional marijuana flower, often containing extremely high levels of THC, the chemical responsible for the drug’s psychoactive effects. Users typically dab using specialized devices such as dab rigs, e-rigs, or vaporizers made for concentrates, which deliver rapid and intense effects. Because these extracts are so strong and minimally filtered, dabbing can result in significantly higher THC exposure compared to more traditional forms of cannabis use.

Dangers of Dabbing

Dabbing comes with significant risks—especially for teens. Concentrates used for dabbing can contain extremely high levels of THC, far exceeding those found in traditional cannabis flower. This high potency increases the likelihood of intense psychological effects such as anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, or even acute psychosis in vulnerable individuals. The process of heating these concentrates can also create harmful byproducts that irritate the lungs and, in some cases, lead to serious respiratory issues. Additionally, because many concentrates are produced in unregulated environments, they may contain contaminants like residual solvents, heavy metals, or pesticides that pose further health risks to teens.

The mental health impacts of dabbing can be particularly concerning for adolescents. Heavy or prolonged THC use may interfere with brain development, impair memory, and contribute to mood disorders or other psychiatric symptoms. The intensity of dabbing can also lead to rapid tolerance, making users more likely to increase their dosage or frequency of use, which in turn raises the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms. When someone stops using high-potency concentrates, they may experience strong cravings, irritability, sleep disturbances, and emotional instability. Overall, dabbing significantly magnifies the dangers already associated with cannabis use, making it a particularly risky behavior for teens.

Is My Teen Dabbing?

Unfortunately, it is possible for teens to engage in dabbing without their parents realizing it. The devices used are often small and discreet, resembling everyday items like vape pens or USB drives, making them easy to conceal. Many teens see dabbing as a cleaner or more advanced way to use cannabis and may alternate between dabbing, vaping flower, or using cartridges to manage potency or avoid detection. The combination of subtle tools, quick effects, and high THC concentration makes dabbing especially difficult for parents to spot early on.

Signs of Dabbing 

It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of teen dabbing so that you can get your son or daughter the help they need. Listed below are several behavioral, physical, and environmental signs to watch for:

• Secrecy
• Mood swings
• Isolation
• Declining school performance
• Red eyes
• Frequent coughing
• Nosebleeds
• Extreme fatigue
• Paraphernalia like vape pens, dab rigs, metal tools, silicone containers, or strong chemical odors
• Environmental clues such as sticky residue on surfaces, unfamiliar electronics, or parts for vaping devices

How to Help My Teen Stop Dabbing

Finding out your teen might be dabbing can feel frightening, but your approach matters greatly. Here are steps you can take as a caring parent:

• Open a compassionate conversation: Start with curiosity, not accusation. Let your teen know you care, you are concerned, and you want to understand—not punish. Listen without judgment. A defensive or hostile approach may push them further away.
  
• Educate and share information: Many teens underestimate the risks of concentrates. Present factual information—like the high potency, lung injury risks, and mental health links—so they understand the stakes.
  
• Set clear boundaries with support: Work together to establish healthy rules (e.g. no vaping/dabbing in the home, no secretive behavior) but couple boundaries with support—therapy, monitoring, check-ins, and accountability.
  
• Seek professional counseling or teen substance-use support: A therapist with adolescent experience or a specialist in substance use can help your teen address underlying issues (stress, trauma, peer pressure) that drive use. Therapy also equips them with healthier coping strategies.
  
• Encourage healthy alternatives: Help your teen engage in activities that support well-being: physical exercise, arts, nature, social interests, mindfulness, structured routines. Sometimes emptier hours contribute to substance use.
  
• Involve your support network: Family therapy, support groups, or trusted adults can provide accountability, communication skills, and shared understanding.
  
• Plan for small goals and setbacks: Recovery or reduction is rarely linear. Celebrate small wins, such as days without use or therapy attendance, and remain patient through relapses or stumbles.
  
• Stay involved and observant: Monitor your teen’s mood, behavior, friendships, academic performance, and environment. Maintain open lines of communication and respond early if signs resurface.

Find Adolescent Treatment in Malibu, CA

Beachside Teen offers specialized treatment tailored to help adolescents break free from dabbing and its effects, providing the care and support needed for lasting recovery. Our programs combine clinical care, trauma-informed therapy, mental health support, and family involvement in a safe, age-appropriate environment. With services like individual and group therapy, holistic wellness, and parent counseling, we help teens heal from substance use while building the skills they need for long-term recovery. If your teen is struggling, don’t wait—give us a call or visit our admissions page today.