(Atlanta, GA) — Drugs and alcohol are being used by teenagers with suspected substance abuse problems to de-stress. That’s according to research from the CDC.
The findings follow reports of rising anxiety and depression among American teens, along with higher levels of hopelessness. Lead author of the new report Sarah Connolly said that because those conditions are often related to substance use in teenagers, “it might make sense that teens are looking for ways to reduce stress and anxiety.”
Nearly three in four teens surveyed said they used drugs to “feel mellow, calm or relaxed.”
The report says most reported using substances with friends; however, approximately one half of respondents who reported past–30-day prescription drug misuse reported using alone.
