Teenagers who are being treated for substance abuse cited relief from stress, anxiety, and depression as the top reasons for using drugs and alcohol, a study released Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed.

The study relied on self-assessments from 15,963 youth aged 13-18 from Jan. 1, 2014, through Sept. 28, 2022, through the National Addictions Vigilance Intervention and Prevention Program's Comprehensive Health Assessment for Teens (CHAT). The questions were phrased as "select all that apply."

Of those surveyed, 9,557 (60%) indicated they used alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs in the past 30 days. Of that group, 73% said they were motivated to use the substances to feel mellow, calm, or relaxed; 50% said to have fun or experiment; and 41% said to stop worrying about a problem or forget bad memories.

Teenagers mostly used substances with friends (81%), a boyfriend or girlfriend (24%), anyone who has drugs (23%), someone else (17%), or a parent or parents (4%); but 50% reported using alone.

"Reducing stress and promoting mental health among adolescents might lessen motivations for substance use," the report said. "Educating adolescents on harm reduction practices, including the risks of using drugs alone and ensuring they are able to recognize and respond to overdose (for example, administering naloxone), could prevent fatal overdoses.

"Public health action ensuring that youths have access to treatment and support for mental health concerns and stress could reduce some of the reported motivations for substance use. These interventions could be implemented on a broad or local scale to improve adolescent well-being and reduce harms related to substance use."

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