Substance Abuse

Substance abuse can simply be defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood-altering purposes. There is a clear link between depression and substance abuse. An easy way to identify a substance abuse problem is if you drink enough to get frequent hangovers; use enough drugs that you miss work or school; smoke enough marijuana that you have lost friends; or often drink or use more than you intended to use, your substance use is probably at the abuse level.

It is estimated that about 27.1 million Americans (approximately 1 in every 10 people, are current substance abusers). 70% of youth who try an illegal drug before age 13 develop a substance abuse disorder compared to 27% of youth who try an illegal drug after age 17. The Top Five Reasons that youth engage in Drug Abuse are: 1) Peer pressure and social influence 2)Escape or self-medication 3) Academic or performance pressure 4) Coping with trauma, anxiety, depression or another underlying mental health issue 5) Media influences. Studies show that teens who watch movies that depict smoking or alcohol consumption are more likely to engage in those behaviors themselves.