Motivations and Patterns of Substance Use Among Adolescents Seeking Treatment
Substance use among adolescents is a growing concern, with many young people experimenting with drugs and alcohol during this critical stage of development. The consequences of substance use in adolescence can be severe, including the risk of fatal overdose and the development of substance use disorders (SUD) in adulthood. To address this issue, it is crucial to understand the motivations behind adolescent substance use and the social context in which it occurs.
A recent report titled “Motivations and Patterns of Substance Use Among Adolescents Seeking Treatment” sheds light on these important factors. The report presents findings from a cross-sectional study conducted in the United States between 2014 and 2022, which examined self-reported motivations for substance use and the persons with whom substances were used among adolescents seeking SUD treatment.
The study found that the most commonly reported motivation for substance use among adolescents was to feel mellow, calm, or relaxed, with 73% of respondents indicating this as a reason for their substance use. Other stress-related motivations were also prevalent, including using substances to stop worrying about a problem or to forget bad memories (44%) and to help with depression or anxiety (40%). Additionally, approximately half of the respondents reported using substances to have fun or experiment.
When it came to the social context of substance use, the majority of adolescents reported using substances with friends (81%). However, it is concerning that approximately half of the respondents who reported misusing prescription drugs in the past 30 days reported using them alone. This poses a significant risk for fatal overdose, especially considering the increasing availability of counterfeit pills containing dangerous substances like fentanyl.
The implications for public health practice are clear. Reducing stress and promoting mental health among adolescents could potentially lessen motivations for substance use. By addressing the underlying issues that drive adolescents to seek solace in substances, we can help prevent the onset of substance use disorders. Educating adolescents on harm reduction practices, such as the risks of using drugs alone and the importance of recognizing and responding to an overdose, is also crucial in preventing fatal overdoses.
The findings of this study highlight the need for targeted interventions aimed at reducing stress and promoting mental well-being among adolescents. By addressing these underlying factors, we can mitigate the motivations for substance use and ultimately reduce the harms associated with adolescent substance use. Additionally, providing education on harm reduction strategies and expanding access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, can save lives and prevent fatal overdoses.
In conclusion, substance use among adolescents is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. By understanding the motivations and patterns of substance use among adolescents seeking treatment, we can develop targeted interventions that address the underlying factors driving substance use. By promoting mental health, educating adolescents on harm reduction strategies, and ensuring access to treatment and support, we can make significant strides in reducing the harms associated with adolescent substance use.
