Adolescent Substance Use Prevention

Adolescent Substance Use Prevention

Schools are an important potential point of screening and intervention for students who are at risk of drug or alcohol use. In 2016, Massachusetts became the first state to mandate verbal substance use screenings in all middle and high schools. This was a result of the work of the Children’s Mental Health Campaign through its Addiction Free Futures Project. This effort combines cost-effective screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment with the power of consumer-led advocacy. Read more about Substance Use Treatment, Education and Prevention Act (STEP Act).

Listen to the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds podcast highlighting CMHC’s work in the Addiction Free Futures Project.

Adolescent Substance Use

2020 research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that a significant percentage of youth use alcohol and drugs: 34.5% of 12th graders used nicotine vapes with 11.6% reporting daily use. 35.2% of 12th graders and almost 12% of 8th graders have reported using marijuana in the past year. Misuse of amphetamines, inhalants, and cough medicine have trended upwards with 6.1% of 8th graders reporting misuse of inhalants, 5.3% reporting misuse of amphetamines, and 4.6% reporting misuse of cough medicine, up from 3.5%, 3.8%. and 1.6% in 2015, respectively.

People are using at higher rates, and they’re starting at an earlier age. The younger an individual is the first time they use alcohol or drugs, the more likely they are to struggle with addiction later in life.

Studies show that between 40-50% of teens who start drinking before the age of 15 will struggle with alcohol or other significant drug problems later in life.

The Approach: Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT)

Through Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT), we can begin to have frank, sensitive discussions with adolescents at a time when they may be more receptive and amenable to change. And, when we’re able to have honest conversations with young people about alcohol and drugs, we can help them stay on the path to a bright future—or get back on track if they need help.

From childhood into young adulthood, screening and counseling are well-established best practices for helping young people choose healthy paths.

• Screening through questionnaire is a key step in preventing young people from misusing drugs and alcohol. Studies show simply asking young people about drugs and alcohol can lead to positive behavior changes.
• In young people, brief interventions reduce alcohol misuse. Young people respond to brief counseling by drinking less often and reducing the number of drinks consumed at one time. Brief interventions also ease alcohol-related consequences, like skipping school or fighting with friends or family because of alcohol.
• Brief interventions can help curb drug use among young people. Recent studies show brief interventions delivered in a primary care office, emergency department, or a school setting, reduce marijuana use among adolescents.

The Power of Prevention: Using SBIRT with Young People

Community Catalyst Video companion: Frequently Asked Questions

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