A recent survey-based study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital found that high school students who reported using cannabis, alcohol, or nicotine were more likely to have suicidal thoughts, feel depressed or anxious, have unusual experiences, and exhibit inattention or hyperactivity.
This is a result from more than 15,000 high school students across Massachusetts and an additional independent sample of 17,000 high school students across the United States.
Suicidal thoughts was around five times more common among high school students who used substances on a daily or near-daily basis than those who did not. Even among teenagers who used drugs not often, there were increases in psychiatric symptoms.
Please check on your teenagers and speak with them. I understand that sometimes they can be tough to have conversations with. You really just have to try. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
Reference: Tervo-Clemmens BGilman JMEvins AE, et al. Substance Use, Suicidal Thoughts, and Psychiatric Comorbidities Among High School Students. JAMA Pediatr. Published online January 29, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.6263
