Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder in Teens and Young Adults
Substance use disorders frequently occur alongside other serious mental health issues. Understanding the root of SUDs is key to recovery.
What is substance use disorder?
Substance use disorder is a complex but curable condition defined by uncontrolled drug or alcohol use. Previously referred to as addiction or drug abuse, substance use disorder (SUD) can have harmful consequences for teens and young adults—affecting brain development, contributing to chronic health issues, and paving the path for other risky behaviors.
Some of the most common substance use disorders in the U.S. involve alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and cannabis. Research shows that alcohol is the most frequently abused substance among U.S. youth—with 1.19 million 12-17-year-olds and 11.72 million 18-25-year-olds reporting binge drinking in a given month. That’s not the only substance that teens are using; the data also show that drug use among 8th graders increased by 61 percent between 2016 and 2020.
Types of substance use disorder in young adults and teens
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM 5), there are 10 classes of drugs that are linked to substance use disorders. It's possible to be addicted to just one substance, or to have something called polysubstance dependence where you use multiple substances.
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Cannabis
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- Opioids
- Sedatives
- Stimulants
- Hypnotics and anxiolytics
- Tobacco
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SUD and other mental health disorders
Substance abuse problems can affect anyone and they often co-occur with other mental health conditions. In fact, approximately half of people who struggle with a substance use disorder will also experience a co-occurring mental disorder, including:
- Major depressive disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Research also shows a strong link between suicide attempts and the risk of a substance use disorder—specifically for females. A recent study found that approximately one in five females who attempted suicide eventually developed a SUD, and females with one attempt were nearly six times more likely to develop SUD than females with no suicide attempts.
Signs of substance use disorder
LIke other mental health conditions, there are often telltale signs that someone is struggling with a SUD if you know what to look for. So how do you know if your consumption signifies a substance abuse problem? Below are several common signs of SUD.
- Changing friend groups to spend more time with those who drink or do drugs
- Missing class or skipping school
- Losing interest in activities you typically enjoy
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Changes in personal appearances, such as a lack of personal hygiene
- Growing disconnected from family and friends
- Engaging in suspicious and secretive behaviors
- Asking for money
- Mood swings or irritability
Four stages of SUD
There are multiple factors that predispose a teen or young adult to developing a substance use disorder, but most experts agree that addiction tends to follow a pattern. More specifically, there are four stages of substance use disorder:
1. Experimentation
The experimentation phase is when a person first tries a drug but doesn’t yet experience any of the consequences. For example, maybe you decide to try marijuana at a party on the weekend, or you start a new job and drinking is part of the culture. Research shows that teens, in particular, are likely to first try drugs due to curiosity, peer pressure, or for social acceptance.
2. Regular use
Stage two is a pivotal point in a teen or young adult's journey with addiction. While many people can continue to have a beer at a party or happy hour without developing a dependence, it’s at this point that others face an increased risk of addiction. Regardless of why a person first started using a substance, it’s at this point that use turns from recreational to regular.
3. High-risk use
At this point, young people may become so consumed using a substance that they start to neglect their life outside of their addiction. The biological and psychological cravings set a person up for the next stage: dependency.
4. Addiction
Once a person becomes addicted, it will seem impossible for them to live life without the substance. At this point, a person will spend most of their time getting high or figuring out how to obtain the next high.
Risk factors for substance use disorder
Addiction can affect anyone, but there are several risk factors that may increase a person's chance of developing a substance use disorder.
- Having a blood relative, like a parent or sibling, with alcohol or drug addiction
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Exposure to trauma
- Peer pressure to try drugs or alcohol
- Ability to easily access substances
Consequences of substance use disorder
Regardless of what drug a person uses or how they got hooked, substance use disorder can have some serious consequences for teens and young adults. Like other untreated mental health disorders, substance use disorder can lead to:
- Problems at school or work
- Accidents, such as drunk and impaired driving
- Family conflict
- Violence
- Worsening mental health
- Suicide
If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, please know that help is always available. For immediate support, visit your local emergency department or crisis center, or call one of the following resources: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or The Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741).
Treating substance use disorder
Substance use disorders are often considered to be serious mental health disorders, but they are highly treatable with a combination of talk therapy, medication management, and support groups..
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in particular, is considered to be an effective treatment for substance use disorders and their co-occurring mental health conditions—such as major depression and anxiety disorders.
Research shows that online mental health treatment can be another effective treatment option for substance use disorders and addiction, especially if your treatment calls for more than traditional once-a-week therapy sessions.
Social support can also help to heal and reduce loneliness, while combating the shame surrounding substance abuse. Group therapy and family therapy facilitate open communication and help nurture healthy relationships, while support groups offer a chance to meet other people facing the same challenges. Some examples of support groups include:
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP (4357))
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (1-800-950-6264 or text "HelpLine" to 62640)
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Breaking free from addiction takes courage and a strong support system. Charlie Health is here to listen to your needs, answer your questions, and match you with an appropriate treatment plan. Learn more today.
