Substance Use Amongst Teens Remains Steady

In 2023, 11.2% or 2.9 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 used illicit substances.¹ This includes nonmedicinal use of drugs, cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin. Teenagers most frequently reported using cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine vaping within the past year, according to The Monitoring the Future survey, a survey conducted each year by University of Michigan researchers and funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Mental Health in Teens 

These last few years have proven that life does throw the proverbial curve balls that we simply aren’t prepared to handle. In the last 5 years, we’ve had COVID, social issues, political division, domestic and foreign terrorism, and fentanyl deaths. And teenagers and adolescents are facing those same curve balls, which impact their mental health.

Mental health is defined as the social, emotional, and psychological well-being of an individual.² It impacts how we act, think, and feel, how we relate to others, and even how we handle stress. Mental health needs to be a focus for adults, children, and adolescents.

How many adolescents could benefit from from counseling and therapy? The answer: All of them could benefit from an unbiased third party with expertise in the adolescent mind and adolescent behaviors.

What’s the Difference Between Mental Health and a Mental Illness?

However, let’s not confuse mental illness with mental health. Mental illness and poor mental health are not the same.² An individual with poor mental health isn’t necessarily diagnosed with a mental illness. Furthermore, an individual diagnosed with a mental illness can experience moments of social, mental, and physical well-being.

Mental health conditions may include:³

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Anxiety.
• Borderline personality disorder.
• Bipolar disorder.
• Dissociative disorders.
• Depression.
• Obsessive compulsive disorder.
• Eating disorders.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Schizophrenia.
• Schizoaffective disorder.
• Psychosis.

Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Mental illness can contribute to substance use disorders and substance use. Research has shown that those with a mental illness may use alcohol or drugs as a form of self-medication.⁴ This can include illnesses such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety. While drugs and alcohol may initially and temporarily relieve the symptoms associated with a mental health condition, substances can exacerbate symptoms over time. Likewise, the use of substances can contribute to the development of mental illnesses. Various substances may trigger alterations in brain function and structure that make an individual more apt to develop a mental illness.

Getting Help for C-Occurring Disorders

If you struggle with a substance use disorder, you’re not alone. American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers inpatient and outpatient programs and co-occurring disorder treatment under the compassionate care of licensed physicians, nurses, therapists, counselors, and more. To learn more about AAC’s treatment centers, scattered across the country, reach out to connect with a knowledgeable admissions navigator, who can answer your questions, explain your options, and help you begin your recovery journey.