Stress Is Main Factor Driving Teens to Abuse Drugs, Alcohol

American teenagers cite stress as the leading reason they might abuse alcohol or drugs, according to findings published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Sarah Connolly, PhD, MPH, and colleagues examined data on more than 9,500 people aged 13-18, all of whom had a substance use disorder. Teens used multiple substances, including alcohol, marijuana, prescription painkillers (often opioids), prescription stimulants, or prescription sedatives. The most reported motivation for substance use was “to feel mellow, calm, or relaxed” (73%), in addition to other stress-related motivations (“to stop worrying about a problem or to forget bad memories” [44%] and “to help with depression or anxiety” [40%]). Half also reported using substances to have fun or experiment. Substance abuse to ease stress was the reason cited most often for the use of marijuana, prescription pain medications, and sedatives/tranquilizers. “Harm reduction education specifically tailored to adolescents has the potential to discourage using substances while alone and teach how to recognize and respond to an overdose in others,” the researchers wrote.