Why youth turn to substances

There is no single reason why a young person may use substances. Some experiences or situations may increase a young person’s risk for substance use or mental health challenges, including:

  • Academic pressure

  • Trauma or adverse experiences 

  • Social media comparison traps

  • Social isolation or bullying

  • Friendships and romantic relationships

  • Family responsibilities or tension

  • Future expectations and uncertainties 

  • Exposure to substances through peers and social situations

Some youth may turn to substances like alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, or other drugs as a way to cope with stress, fit in socially, or manage difficult emotions. Sometimes, teens are just bored and looking for ways to, in their words, “have fun.”

While some experimentation or risk-taking behaviors can be part of development, substance use can impact a young person’s brain, emotional health, relationships, academic success, and safety.

Social factors

During adolescence, friendships and social acceptance become increasingly important. Many youth feel pressure to fit in, be accepted, or avoid feeling excluded. Youth report using substances to gain friends or avoid losing friends. 

Peer influence may happen directly, such as being offered substances, or indirectly through:

• Social media

• Friend groups 

• Parties and social settings

• Online trends

• Popular culture

Some youth may believe that “everyone is doing it,” even when that is not true. In fact, substance use among teenagers in the United States has continued to remain at historically low levels since 2021.

How you can help

• Encourage open conversations about peer pressure

• Help youth practice refusal skills

• Build confidence and self-esteem

•Encourage healthy friendships and activities

•Stay involved and connected to your child’s social world

• Help them find health alternatives that take into account their motivations around losing/gaining friends 

Strong relationships with caring adults can help youth make safer decisions and feel more comfortable asking for help.

Developmental Factors

    • Decision-making

    • Impulse control

    • Emotional regulation

    • Long-term thinking

    • Take risks

    • Seek new experiences

    • Act impulsively

    • Focus on short-term rewards

    • Experiment out of curiosity

    • Set clear and consistent expectations

    • Talk openly about risks and safety

    • Encourage healthy coping skills

    • Create opportunities for positive activities and connections

    • Model healthy behaviors

This does not mean risky behavior is inevitable, but it does mean youth benefit from guidance, structure, and support.

Supportive relationships help youth build resilience and make healthier decisions over time.

Mental Health Factors

Some youth may turn to substances as a way to cope with difficult emotions or experiences. Stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional pain can increase the risk of substance use.

    • School and academics

    • Social relationships

    • Family conflict

    • Financial stress

    • Identity and belonging

    • Social media

    • Bullying or discrimination

    • Reduce anxiety

    • Escape emotional pain

    • Feel more confident socially

    • Manage stress

    • Numb difficult emotions

However, substance use can often make mental health challenges worse over time.

    • Persistent sadness or irritability

    • Increased anxiety or worry

    • Withdrawal from friends or activities

    • Changes in sleep or appetite

    • Sudden changes in behavior

    • Difficulty concentrating

    • Expressions of hopelessness

    • Listen calmly and without judgment

    • Validate emotions and experiences

    • Encourage healthy coping strategies

    • Seek professional support when needed

    • Remind youth they are not alone

Early support and connection can have a lasting positive impact on a young person’s mental health and well-being.