Teens turn to drugs due to stress, new study reveals

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NEW YORK, Feb 10: A recent study conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that supporting and enhancing mental health could play a crucial role in addressing substance use among adolescents in the United States.

The study, which collected responses from approximately 9,500 teens undergoing assessment for substance use disorder treatment between 2014 and 2022, revealed significant insights into the motivations behind teen drug and alcohol use.

According to the findings, the most common reason cited by teens for using drugs and alcohol was to achieve a sense of calmness or relaxation, with nearly three-quarters of respondents indicating this as their primary motivation. Additionally, a substantial portion of teens reported using substances as a means to cope with stress, alleviate depression or anxiety, or even aid in sleep.

The report underscores the critical role of adolescence as a period where substance use often begins, posing risks for fatal overdose and long-term substance use disorders in adulthood. Moreover, substance use during this developmental stage can negatively impact brain development, further highlighting the importance of early intervention and support.

Concerns surrounding the mental health of children and adolescents have escalated in recent years, with leaders in youth health declaring a national state of emergency in child and adolescent mental health. US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has identified youth mental health as a key priority, acknowledging the unprecedented challenges faced by today’s generation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While there have been some signs of improvement in the mental health of children and adolescents, such as a decrease in emergency department visits for mental health-related issues, the problem persists, particularly among teen girls. According to a recent analysis, a significant portion of adolescents report symptoms of anxiety or depression, yet many do not receive the necessary treatment.

Of particular concern is the trend of teens using substances alone, especially considering the proliferation of counterfeit pills containing potent substances like fentanyl, which poses a significant risk of fatal overdose. The CDC emphasizes the importance of educating adolescents on harm reduction practices and promoting mental health to mitigate motivations for substance use and prevent tragic outcomes.

As the CDC continues to explore the complex interplay between mental health and substance use among teens, efforts to prioritize mental health support and intervention are crucial in safeguarding the well-being of future generations.

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