Substance use has increased during the pandemic. According to the CDC in August of 2020, 13.3% of adult respondents to a survey started or increased use of substances including drugs and alcohol. 

 

Another survey from The Recovery Village in September of 2020 found 55% of respondents had an increase in alcohol consumption in the past month with 18% reporting a significant increase. They found increased use was a coping mechanism for stress, boredom, and mental health symptoms like anxiety or depression.

 

This might all seem concerning but unrelated to students. The reality is substance use has increased for all age groups, including youth. The frequency of alcohol and cannabis use increased among teens in the first three weeks of lockdown in their communities. Teens and adolescents are scared of the unknown, looking for escape, and want something to make them feel good because socialization is no longer a big part of their lives.

 

The earlier a child begins using substances, the higher likelihood they have of developing substance-related problems and addiction later in life. The rates of drug and alcohol use in preteens are alarmingly high. According to the CDC, 6.8% of students say they tried marijuana before they turned 13 years old. The percentage of 8th-grade students who say they drank alcohol in the past month is nearly 1 in 12 students. Prevention is crucial to students’ long-term health. 

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Parents have the biggest impact in preventing substance use in children. The increased time at home due to the pandemic gives you a great opportunity to have an open dialogue with your children about alcohol and drug use and the dangers.