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Teen Substance Use and Mental Health Challenges are Often Linked
Teen Substance Use and Mental Health Challenges are Often Linked
As a parent or caregiver, it is important to understand how substance use and mental health issues can affect teens and how closely connected they often are. Teens may use substances to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression, which can make their mental health worse over time. Recognizing the signs and offering support early can make a big difference.
As a parent or caregiver, it is important to understand how substance use and mental health issues can affect teens and how closely connected they often are. Teens may use substances to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression, which can make their mental health worse over time. Recognizing the signs and offering support early can make a big difference.
Over the past decade, more teens have reported experiencing poor mental health. In 2023, a national study found that, among high school students, during the past 30 days:
Over the past decade, more teens have reported experiencing poor mental health. In 2023, a national study found that, among high school students, during the past 30 days:
reported experiencing poor mental health.
drank alcohol.
used marijuana.
misused prescription opioids.
What Parents and Caregivers Can Do
What Parents and Caregivers Can Do
Supporting your teen starts with understanding the protective factors that help them thrive—like strong relationships, a healthy sense of self, and staying involved in their community. At the core of all of this is connection.
Learn about teen substance use and mental health challenges.
Building your knowledge can help you answer tough questions and guide your teen toward reliable resources.
Talk openly with your teen.
Open, honest conversations about mental health and substance use build trust and connection—and can help prevent risky behavior. Real talk makes a real difference.
Be supportive and understanding.
When teens feel heard and accepted, they’re more likely to come to you with their struggles. You don’t have to be an expert—just being there matters.
Keep communication open and supportive.
Check in regularly and make space for your teen to share without fear of judgment. Feeling safe at home can help protect them from outside pressure to use substances.
If you're concerned about your teen's mental health or substance use, you don't have to navigate it alone. As a parent or caregiver, you can reach out to your teen’s primary care provider, school counselor, or school social worker for support and guidance.
For more support, tools, and resources, visit the CDC’s Free Your Mind campaign at CDC.gov/FreeYourMind
For more support, tools, and resources, visit the CDC’s Free Your Mind campaign at CDC.gov/FreeYourMind
Need Help or More Information?
Need Help or More Information?
Connect with local experts and organizations who support parents and caregivers in preventing teen substance use.
For Assistance in Ulster County
For Assistance in Ulster County
For Assistance in Greene and Columbia County
For Assistance in Greene and Columbia County
428 W. Main Street Catskill, NY
350 Power Ave. Hudson, NY
(518) 943-2036 Ext. 3311
For Assistance in Sullivan County
For Assistance in Sullivan County
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