Substance Use

Welcome to a compassionate online space dedicated to resilience-building and providing essential mental health resources for both teenagers and adults navigating the complex landscape of youth substance use. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by young individuals, our web page aims to offer a supportive environment that fosters understanding and empowers effective coping strategies. Substance use can impact the lives of youth and their families significantly, and we are committed to providing a comprehensive array of resources tailored for both teens and parents.

Guide to Youth Substance Use – Understanding, Prevention & Support

understanding youth substance use

Youth substance use refers to the misuse of drugs or alcohol by individuals who are under the legal drinking age or engaging in illegal drug use. It is a serious public health issue that can have far-reaching consequences on physical and mental health, academic performance, relationships, and future opportunities.

risk factors

Several factors contribute to the risk of youth substance use, including:

Peer Pressure: Influence from friends or social circles to experiment with drugs or alcohol.

Mental Health Conditions: Conditions like anxiety, depression, or ADHD can increase vulnerability to substance use.

Family History: A family history of substance use can elevate the risk for young individuals.

Traumatic Experiences: Youth may turn to substances as a coping mechanism for trauma or stress.

commonly used substances

Understanding the substances that youth commonly use is essential for early detection and intervention. Commonly used substances include:

Alcohol: The most frequently used substance among young people due to its availability.

Marijuana: Its increasing legalization may increase access or exposure to marijuana, or normalize its use, which may in turn lead to higher rates of use in youth.

Prescription Drugs: Young individuals may misuse prescription medications to get high or cope with stress. Many youth have their first experience with prescription medications in their own homes.

Illicit Drugs: This includes substances like cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and synthetic drugs.

impact of youth substance use

Youth substance use can have severe consequences, including:

Health Issues: Substance use can lead to addiction, impaired brain development, and physical health problems.

Academic Problems: Substance use may negatively impact school performance and attendance.

Mental Health: Co-occurring mental health disorders often accompany substance use.

Risky Behaviors: Impaired judgment under the influence can lead to risky behaviors like unprotected sex or driving under the influence.

prevention and support

Prevention and early intervention are crucial in addressing youth substance use. Here are some strategies:

Education: Provide age-appropriate substance use education to young individuals, parents, and educators.

Healthy Coping Skills: Promote healthy ways to cope with stress and emotions, such as sports, arts, or mindfulness practices.

Parental Involvement: Encourage open communication between parents and their children, fostering trust and support.

Community Programs: Support local initiatives that provide positive recreational activities and safe spaces for youth.

For additional information on youth substance use see our video links. 

Source: Youth Substance Abuse — St. Augustine Youth Services (sayskids.org)

Source: Community Mental Health Resources — St. Augustine Youth Services (sayskids.org)

Videos

other resources

Substance Abuse – Mental Health and Wellness Portal (stjohns.k12.fl.us)

EPIC Behavioral Healthcare Programs

Resources for Adults