Self medicating – using drugs to cope
When facing challenges that are stressful or cause anxiety, some people may self medicate (ie. use drugs without a prescription or expert advice), turning to substance use as a way to manage their uncomfortable feelings.
Drinking alcohol, smoking weed or taking a sedative to cope with stress or anxiety may help in the short term, but as time goes on, regular use of these substances can aggravate things, especially for young people.
Youth aged 15-24 are more likely to experience both mental health issues and/or substance use disorders than any other age group. Recent studies are highlighting a concerning trend: an increasing number of young people are reporting feelings of stress, anxiety and depression – correlating with higher reported rates of substance use as a way to cope.
- Approximately 40% of youth who use substances such as cannabis and alcohol use them to cope or manage their stress.1
- 10% of people age 16+ say they use cannabis for medical purposes, but 82% did not report doing so with documentation from a health professional. 2
- Close to one high school student in five in Ontario ( 22%) reported the non-medical use of prescription opioid pain relievers (such as Percocet, Percodan, Tylenol #3, Demerol, Dilaudid, OxyNeo, codeine) – a significant increase from 12.7% in 2021. 3
Some young people may be facing individual challenges like anxiety, school performance, peer pressure or social isolation, or there may be one or a number of additional risk factors in a youth’s life, like living in a vulnerable environment – any of these challenges can contribute to a young person’s choice to use substances.
If a young person has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder such as ADHD, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, or Schizophrenia, for example, it is even more important that they not use substances to cope, in order to prevent a potential substance use disorder or addiction.
Learn more about Risk and Protective Factors
How do parents help kids who are facing stress, anxiety, or depression and prevent them from using substances to cope ?
One way is to have open and honest conversations about drugs, even if a parent doesn’t know everything about a particular drug. Just talking openly and on a regular basis with kids helps promote and strengthen a sense of connectedness and builds supportive family relationships that can reduce the risk factors associated with early substance use and build protective factors.
Explore with them some of the healthier things they could do to cope with any stress and anxiety they might be feeling – like doing sports, hanging out with friends, playing music or doing something creative, taking a walk or bike ride, reading a book or writing in a journal. A child who has strong family support and is involved in activities they enjoy may be less likely to use substances because they feel valued and have healthy ways to handle stress.
Learn more about Coping Mechanisms here
Forging strong ties with kids through the years with age-appropriate conversations
Parents play a pivotal role in promoting their children’s holistic well-being. By understanding the unique challenges faced by children and teenagers at different developmental stages, and prioritizing conversations that reflect a child’s age, parents can tailor their support strategies effectively.
Middle School: Pre-teens – Ages 9-12
Middle schoolers are navigating newfound independence amidst emotional vulnerability. They may experience peer pressure, body consciousness, and fluctuating self-esteem. Parents can foster open communication by discussing substances like smoking and vaping, alcohol, and cannabis. It’s crucial to maintain a supportive tone, encouraging discussions rather than lectures. Building trust through understanding and setting clear, consistent boundaries can help guide their decision-making positively.
High School: Teens – Ages 13-18
Teenagers in high school are asserting their independence while exploring personal interests and passions. They may face increased exposure to substances like alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis, which can be exacerbated by peer influences and social pressures. Parents can engage in meaningful conversations that emphasize mutual respect and honesty. For a teen, understanding the risks associated with substance use, including the dangers of opioids, high potency THC, and the prevalence of vaping, is important. Establishing open communication channels and fostering a supportive environment can empower teens to make informed choices.
College and University: Young Adults Ages 19-24
For young adults entering college or university, the transition marks a significant step towards independence. Most students will encounter alcohol, cannabis, and prescription drugs in campus environments. It’s essential for parents to maintain open communication while respecting their child’s autonomy. Discussions should include responsible alcohol and cannabis use, emphasizing personal safety and avoiding impaired driving. Given the link between stress, anxiety, and substance use among young adults, encourage them to be aware of their mental health and to find activities and behaviors that support their overall wellness instead of using substances to cope.
It’s important to know that most young people will not develop a substance use issue, even if they are going through challenges. Having drug safety conversations with kids that are tailored to their age can strengthen the protective factor of strong connections. Kids who report feeling connected to their parents, families, or communities have less incidence of developing a substance use disorder.
By building open, trusting relationships with kids and leveraging available resources on youth and substance use, parents can guide their children towards informed and healthier choices for themselves.
Some final tips for parents:
- Maintain regular check-ins and discussions about stress levels and well-being.
- Foster a supportive home environment that encourages open communication.
- Stay informed about current trends and risks associated with substance use.
- Seek professional guidance or support if needed, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and proactive parenting.
- The Parent Support Hub offers immediate 24 / 7 assistance and access to counselling to parents with questions about their child’s substance use. It’s a free service on the website.
Additional Resources:
- Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
- Mental Health Disorders and Teen Substance Use. Child Mind Institute
- Mental Health Disorders World Health Organization
- High Risk Substance Use among Youth – CDC – US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
Footnotes
- Government of Canada, 2023. CPADS, 2021-2022
- Canadian Cannabis Survey, 2023
- OSDUHS 2023, CAMH