A recent study conducted by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the University of Minnesota reveals that high school students who reported using alcohol, cannabis, or nicotine are more likely to experience symptoms of mental health disorders, even at low levels of usage.

The study, using data from a survey conducted between 2022-2023 among over 15,000 Massachusetts high school students, discovered a strong correlation between substance use and psychiatric symptoms. These symptoms include suicidal thoughts, depression or anxiety symptoms, psychotic experiences, and ADHD symptoms.

Notably, the researchers also explored the frequency of substance use among adolescents and its association with increased psychiatric symptoms. The findings revealed that students who engaged in daily or near-daily substance use experienced moderate increases in symptoms. Particularly concerning is the fact that students who used substances on a daily or near-daily basis had thoughts of suicide about five times more often than those who abstained.

Even among students with lower levels of substance use, such as those who had ever used substances or used them on a monthly or weekly basis, an increase in psychiatric symptoms was still detected. This finding highlights the significance of addressing substance use and its potential impact on mental health, even at less frequent usage levels.

The senior author of the study, Randi M. Schuster, expressed the remarkable nature of these trends emerging at even low levels of substance use. Schuster, an associate professor of psychology at MGH, emphasized that psychiatric symptoms are already known to be more prevalent among young people who use substances.

However, not all experts agree on the study's conclusions. Dr. Christopher J. Hammond, an associate professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, criticized the study for its failure to consider the effects of multiple substance use on mental health symptoms. He suggested that comparing the effects of different substances requires more detailed analysis.

Dr. Maria H. Rahmandar, co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics clinical report on suicide and suicide risk in adolescents, shared that the study's findings are in line with previous knowledge about the association between substance use, suicide risk, and mental health conditions. Rahmandar emphasized the importance of addressing substance use, particularly in young people with existing mental health concerns.

Parents are advised to start conversations about substance abuse early, particularly when it comes to "gateway drugs" such as alcohol and nicotine. Experts recommend initiating age-appropriate discussions about medication safety, peer pressure, and the risks posed by social media. Furthermore, it is crucial for parents to take any expression of suicidal thoughts from their child seriously, regardless of age. Staying calm, maintaining open communication, and seeking professional help are essential steps in addressing these concerns.

As the study sheds light on the frequency of substance use and its connection to mental health symptoms, it serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing substance use in youth with mental health concerns. The findings highlight the need for ongoing research and proactive interventions to mitigate the risks associated with substance use among high school students.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, immediate help is available. Call emergency services at 911 or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255. You can also text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 for assistance.