The Connection Between Mental Health and Substance Use

Many teens struggle with mental health. 

In the 2024 Missouri Student Survey, nearly half of middle and high school students felt that they didn’t handle stress in a healthy way. For more than 10 percent of students, that may be due to diagnosable depression. For over three percent of students, it may be due to an anxiety disorder. Mental health disorders and substance use have repeatedly been found to be connected, with each making the other more likely. Nearly half of teens with a mental health disorder also develop a substance use disorder, and around two-thirds of students with a substance use disorder also have a mental health disorder. 

So how are these two types of disorders connected? 

Those who struggle with depression may use alcohol to cope and relieve symptoms. Others report drinking or using substances before joining a social event to ease anxiety. Although alcohol and other substances may help lessen symptoms temporarily, it makes symptoms worse over time. Teens may also be at risk of suicidal ideation when they drink. Alcohol affects teens differently than adults, making them more likely to make impulsive decisions. They can also get addicted more easily and over less time than adults, making them more vulnerable to substance use disorders. 

It’s important to support struggling teens. 

Substance use can make teens less likely to go to therapy and limit the effectiveness of medication. To recover healthily, teens need social support. Adults can help by starting a conversation and asking teens to think through what they risk losing from substance use. For a more receptive response, try asking questions and suggesting healthy coping alternatives. Rather than simply telling a teen not to use substances, talk through their struggles and goals. Help them understand how substances can get in the way of the future they’re seeking for themselves and brainstorm solutions to emotional distress. When teens have healthy alternatives, social support, and professional help, they will show resilience, recover from substance use, and successfully manage mental health disorders. 

If you are worried your child is struggling or in danger due to mental health or substance use, you can call or text the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. 

To learn more about recognizing the signs of mental health and substance use disorders, please continue exploring our free resources. You can make a difference in your child’s life and others.