High Schoolers Who Use Marijuana Or Alcohol Have More Suicidal Thoughts
Suicidal Thoughts Higher Among Students Who Use Drugs
A recent study found that high school students who smoke, drink, or use marijuana are more likely to suffer from suicidal thoughts, feel depressed, have psychotic episodes, and exhibit inattention or hyperactivity. Researchers also found that increases in psychiatric symptoms occurred even among teens with relatively low levels of use.
The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, consisted of nearly 15,000 high school students across the state of Massachusetts.
“We sought to determine whether substance use was dose-dependently associated with various psychiatric symptoms in a large sample of high school students, and whether these associations differed depending on the type of substance used,” says senior author Randi M. Schuster, PhD, an associate professor of psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at MGH and the director of School-Based Research and Program Development within MGH’s Center for Addiction Medicine.
Teen Substance Abuse And The Brain
Teens are at a particularly unique risk when it comes to substance use. Teens are not only more likely to use substances, but they are also at higher risk for adverse side effects and addiction. Both of these risks are due to teens’ developing brains.
During adolescence, the brain undergoes some of the most dramatic changes. As teens reach high school age, the prefrontal cortex is still developing. This leaves them prone to impulsive reactions and difficulty with long-term reasoning. This, paired with outside influences like peer pressure or the desire to fit in, can lead many teens to experiment with drugs or alcohol.
The introduction of substances can result in the brain developing strong memories of pleasure and reward around substance use, which can increase the likelihood of ongoing substance use and the potential for addiction.
Teen substance abuse also poses many other risks, particularly the risk of serious mental health concerns.
Teen Substance Abuse And Mental Health Conditions
As researchers from the study noted, teens who use substances like alcohol, nicotine, or marijuana are at a higher risk for negative mental health symptoms like suicidal ideation and anxiety. Along with these symptoms, teens who use substances are also at a higher risk for several mental health conditions.
Some of the most common mental health conditions observed among teens who abuse substances include:
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
As a parent, bringing up serious topics with your children may be uncomfortable, especially when they are concerned about drugs or alcohol. Parents often say they feel “unprepared” or “lack expertise” on the subject, and many opt out of having the conversation altogether.
Studies show that parents have the ability to play a major role in their child’s tendency to experiment with drugs or alcohol. Children who have conversations about substance abuse with their parents are not only less likely to use substances; they are also less likely to use them in ways that are harmful if they do.
The study’s authors agree that early intervention and expanded policy efforts are needed to ensure teens and parents alike are aware of the dangers that substance abuse poses to young people.
“Our study’s results highlight the prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidities among young people who use substances, and they lend strong support for the notion that screening, prevention, intervention and policy efforts need to comprehensively address targets beyond substance use alone,” says lead author Brenden Tervo-Clemmens, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School. “Also, these efforts may not need to necessarily be specific to a given substance, but rather reflect the multifaceted mental health needs of all adolescents who use substances.”
Find Help For Your Teen Today
If you’re concerned that your teen may be abusing drugs or alcohol, the time to seek help is now. The developing brain is sensitive, and the sooner a teen can recover from the harmful effects of substance abuse, the less likely they are to develop serious, potentially life-altering physical or mental health conditions.
Teens and drugs
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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