Free Mind for Parents and Caregivers

Open and honest conversations matter

As a parent or caregiver, it’s important to understand your teens’ risks for substance use and mental health challenges. But your involvement can make all the difference. Get tips to create a connection that helps keep them safe, and keep reading to learn more about the link between mental health and substance use.

There’s a connection between teen substance use and mental health challenges

The connection between substance use and mental health has not always been well understood. But recent research shows that these issues can go hand in hand.

Teens may use alcohol and other substances to help them cope with mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression. Over time, ongoing use can lead to a substance use disorder (SUD). ^{1, 2}

Substance use disorder (SUD): The frequent use of alcohol and/or drugs that causes problems in daily life.²

Using substances can also affect teens’ mental health and contribute to the development of some mental health conditions.²

Learn more about teen substance use and its connection with mental health challenges. [PDF – 7 MB]

By the numbers

The number of teens reporting poor mental health has increased over the past decade.¹ In 2023, 40% of high school students stopped regular activities because of persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.¹

The same study¹ found that, among high school students, in the last 30 days:

Real parents on the power of real connection

What parents and caregivers can do

Learning about and proactively supporting protective factors—like positive relationships, strong sense of self, and community involvement—can help teens stay healthy.³ At the end of the day, it all starts with connection.

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  Educate yourself about substance use and mental health issues.
  Having a strong knowledge base will help you handle tough questions. It can also help you find a list of reliable resources to share with your teen. Start with learning about the kinds of substances teens may use.

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  Have honest conversations with your teen.
  Talking with your teen about their mental health can help create a real connection and even help prevent substance use. Real talk makes a real difference.

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  Lead with compassion.
  Fostering open communication can make teens feel more comfortable coming to you when they have questions or need support. You don’t have to be “with it” to get it.

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  Create a judgement-free zone.
  By checking in with your teen regularly, you can keep the conversation going and help protect them against the pressure to use or misuse drugs and alcohol.

It’s never too early to act

Seek early treatment for your teen if they are experiencing a substance use disorder or mental health condition. Early treatment can make all the difference. Treatment for substance use disorders and mental health conditions can include counseling, rehabilitation and treatment programs, medications, and support groups for both teens and their families.⁴ Read more about how to find support for treatment.