Youth and Substance Use: Understanding the Connection

When we think of adolescence, we often envision a time of discovery, growth, and challenge. Yet, this pivotal period is also marred by the specter of substance use. With nearly half of American adolescents reporting illicit drug use at some point in their lives, the connection between youth and substance experimentation is undeniable and concerning. #YouthSubstanceAwareness Substance Use: Beyond Just Experimentation  Substance use among teenagers is not just about occasional experimentation. For many, it becomes a coping mechanism to manage stress, societal pressures, and sometimes, underlying mental health conditions. The Spiral of Use and Mental Health  Causation vs. Correlation: Does