Improving Mental Health Could Reduce Substance Use Among US Teens, CDC Study Finds
A new study conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shed light on the relationship between mental health and substance use among teenagers in the United States. The findings suggest that supporting and improving mental health could have a direct impact on reducing substance use among this vulnerable population.
The study involved collecting responses from approximately 9,500 teenagers who were being assessed for treatment for substance use disorder between 2014 and 2022. These teenagers were asked to identify their motivations for using drugs and alcohol, providing valuable insights into the underlying reasons behind their substance use.
The results revealed that the most common reason cited by teens for turning to drugs and alcohol was to feel mellow, calm, or relaxed. Nearly three-quarters of the respondents mentioned this as their primary motivation. Additionally, a significant number of teenagers reported using substances as a means to cope with stress. Approximately 44% said they used drugs and alcohol to stop worrying about problems or forget bad memories, while 40% said they relied on substances to help with depression or anxiety.
Interestingly, about half of the teens surveyed also admitted to using substances for recreational purposes or experimentation. Furthermore, more than two in five teenagers said they used drugs and alcohol to aid sleep or fall asleep.
The CDC report highlights the fact that substance use often begins during adolescence, putting young individuals at risk of developing fatal overdose and substance use disorders in adulthood. Moreover, it can have detrimental effects on brain development, making it crucial to address this issue early on.
In recent years, the mental health of children in the US has become a growing concern. In 2021, leaders in youth health declared a national state of emergency in child and adolescent mental health. US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has also emphasized the importance of prioritizing youth mental health.
Dr. Murthy expressed his concerns in a 2021 advisory, stating, “The challenges today’s generation of young people face are unprecedented and uniquely hard to navigate. And the effect these challenges have had on their mental health is devastating.” He further highlighted the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which exacerbated the existing stresses faced by young people.
Although a CDC report from May indicated some improvement in the mental health of children and adolescents, with a decrease in emergency department visits for mental health-related reasons, the issue still persists. Teenage girls, in particular, continue to face significant mental health challenges.
A recent analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found that one in five adolescents reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. Alarmingly, many of them are not receiving the necessary treatment. In 2021 and 2022, only 20% of adolescents reported receiving mental health therapy, and even fewer (14%) reported taking prescription medication.
The study also revealed an alarming trend among teenagers who use substances alone. While it is common for teens to use drugs and alcohol with friends, approximately half of the respondents admitted to using substances in solitude. This poses a significant risk, especially for those who use prescription drugs. The report highlighted the proliferation of counterfeit pills containing highly-potent fentanyl, which increases the chances of fatal overdose.
To address these issues, the CDC report emphasizes the importance of educating adolescents on harm reduction practices. This includes raising awareness about the risks of using drugs alone and ensuring that teenagers are equipped to recognize and respond to overdose situations, such as administering naloxone. Additionally, reducing stress and promoting mental health among adolescents could potentially lessen their motivations for substance use.
The findings of this study underscore the urgent need to prioritize mental health support for teenagers in the United States. By addressing their mental well-being, we can potentially reduce substance use and its associated risks among this vulnerable population. It is crucial for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities to come together and implement comprehensive strategies that prioritize mental health and provide the necessary resources and support to teenagers in need.
