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Contact us today to learn more about how we help teens and families heal together. Parents should be on the lookout for marijuana use and alcohol use first and foremost. These are the most commonly abused drugs with an impact on mental health and brain development.
Sports Performance Pressure and Mental Health
It’s also important to know the signs of drug use and intervene early to help teens who are at risk for or have already developed substance use disorders. Experimenting with drugs or alcohol is tempting for teenagers because they may not know or understand the dangers of using substances—even just once. Academic pressure, low self-esteem, and peer pressure are just a few factors that increase their risk of substance use. Honestly, the sooner you call, the sooner you will get the information you need. Early intervention could prevent some very difficult situations down the line. After all, teens who misuse drugs or alcohol are more likely to develop other mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.
Suicide Prevention Month: Smashing the Stigma
The presence and marijuana addiction acceptance of substance use within schools can diminish the perceived risks, making it difficult for students to recognize the dangers involved. Many adolescents may feel pressured to conform to peer behaviors, reinforcing the cycle of abuse. For those engaging in substance use, there is an increased risk of developing serious mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Substance abuse can alter brain chemistry, leading to personality disorders and heightened suicidal thoughts among this vulnerable age group.
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Rates of alcohol use initiation and heavy drinking remain high among 25-years-old used drugs and earlier age groups. Teens experiencing stress, trauma, or major life changes may turn to psychoactive substances. Mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression often co-occur with substance use. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse, in a study reported from 2022, around 8% of teens have reported using drugs.
Studies show that 86% of teens know someone who drinks, smokes, or uses drugs during school. This widespread exposure to substance use among peers can normalize these behaviors, making it more likely for students to engage in similar activities themselves. Academically, students who misuse drugs are more likely to experience declines in performance, resulting in lower grades and increased dropout rates.
These recent data continue to document stable and declining trends in the use of most drugs among young people. About 285,000 teens reporting taking prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin while the use of cocaine and meth shot up to 63,000 and 40,000 teen users, respectively, up nearly 58% and 112% from the year before. After weed, opioids ranked the second most commonly misused drug for teens with 574,000 using them in 2023, up from 406,000 the year before. Some examples of Schedule IV drugs are narcotics, muscle relaxants, and commonly prescribed medications for anxiety and depression, such as alprazolam.
- Using inhalants even once can lead to overdose, suffocation, seizures, and death.
- Our teen drug helpline is a resource for anyone who knows a teen struggling with substance use and related problems, and wants help navigating this difficult situation.
- Teenagers in Iowa are 20.50% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen.
- Teens misuse drugs to improve academic or athletic performance, and many are motivated by curiosity or thrill-seeking behavior.
- Medications can be crushed and mixed into the trash (to keep them away from children and pets) or returned to your local pharmacy or community drug take-back program.
The Role of Peer Influence
- Taking CNS depressants with other medicines, such as prescription painkillers, some over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines, or alcohol can slow a person’s heartbeat and breathing — and even kill.
- With the proper support, your teen and family will get the help necessary to triumph over this difficult time.
- “What’s really scary is the opioids, because the consequences of opioid use are immediate and can be fatal.” Levy was not involved with the CDC report.
- Teen drug abuse remains a serious concern, with many adolescents experimenting due to peer pressure, stress, or curiosity.
- According to the Monitoring the Future Survey, approximately 22.1% of 12th graders have tried e-cigarettes containing nicotine and other substances.
- The surroundings and social circle of teens greatly influence the likelihood of a teenager developing a drug abuse problem.
Contact us today to schedule an initial assessment or to learn more about our services. Whether you are seeking intensive outpatient care or simply need guidance on your mental health journey, we are here to help. Educate teens about drugs, drug use, and life skills with activities and lessons from Scholastic. Consider calling even if you just need some one-on-one advice on how to talk to your teen about drugs and alcohol. In many cases, hotlines don’t cost money to call, and you could request to remain anonymous if desired.
Risk Factors of Teen Substance Abuse
Teenagers in Rhode Island are 1.73% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Pennsylvania are 1.86% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Oregon are 14.05% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen.
