New CDC Report Says More Teens Are Using Drugs to Deal with Stress and Anxiety

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new findings on why teens might experiment with drugs and alcohol. The study, the first of its kind, expands on limited research previously done on why teens use drugs. CDC researchers surveyed teens who were receiving treatment for substance abuse. While many participants said they turned to substances to feel calm or relaxed, nearly half said they used drugs or alcohol to stop worrying about their problems, forget bad memories, or to help with depression or anxiety. This aligns with previous reports that teens are currently experiencing unprecedented levels of hopelessness, anxiety, and depression.
The study also found that half of the teens said they frequently used substances by themselves, without others present. Researchers noted that using drugs or alcohol while alone significantly increases the risk of overdose, especially with the rise of counterfeit pills that contain illegal substances but are designed to look like prescription medications. With no one else around, an overdose can easily become fatal.



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