Search Here

New findings provided insights into the prevalence of substance use among U.S. teenagers, particularly those struggling with stress and anxiety. 

Conducted from 2014 to 2022, a new study focused on adolescents aged 13 to 18 undergoing treatment for substance use disorder. Mental health issues emerged as the primary motivator for substance use, with reasons including seeking relaxation, coping with worries or bad memories, and alleviating depression or anxiety. Notably, half of the respondents reported using drugs alone, raising concerns about the risk of fatal overdose, especially with counterfeit prescription drugs containing dangerous substances like fentanyl.

In a report, Seattle Children's Hospital chief academic officer and senior vice president Dr. Leslie Walker-Harding talked about the link between substance use disorder and mental health conditions in young people, urging timely intervention for those exhibiting warning signs. The CDC suggests addressing stress and mental health concerns to curb underage substance use, advocating for education on the dangers of solitary drug use, and overdose recognition.

In a similar study, substance use among adolescents was linked to heightened psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Another study from 2020 revealed that young adults often use drugs for recreation or self-treatment, with motivations differing between genders and influenced by factors like college enrollment.

Impact of underage drinking

The CDC underscored the seriousness of underage drinking, attributing thousands of deaths and significant societal costs to excessive alcohol consumption among minors. Statistics from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System highlighted the prevalence of alcohol use among high school students and associated risks like impaired academic performance, health issues and involvement in legal problems or violence.

Intervention strategies

Experts recommend universal screening for psychiatric symptoms alongside substance use, as mental health issues were consistently elevated across different types of substances. Overall, the findings emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive mental health interventions targeting teenagers to address the complex relationship between substance use and mental well-being.