Understanding the Connection Between Mental Health and Substance Use
 Life can present challenges for teens and adults alike. Some days, stress is high, confidence feels low, and solutions to problems seem hard to find. For a person living with a mental health condition, these obstacles can be difficult to overcome. What’s more, some teens have co-occurring conditions, which means that they have two or more disorders or illnesses. For example, a teen who is dealing with depression or anxiety might use drugs to try to cope. In fact, science tells us that regular misuse of drugs and alcohol can change the way the brain works, which could in turn contribute to mental health issues.
Getting help early for co-occurring conditions can help prevent more severe, lasting issues as teens grow up. Finding appropriate treatment for their conditions also can give teens the skills to cope with and manage these conditions throughout their life.
If someone you know needs help or is in crisis, or if a teen comes to you for help, here are some things you can do:
- Text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. These lines are confidential and available 24/7/365.
- Seek guidance from a trusted professional, such as a school counselor, principal, or pediatrician, who can help you figure out the next steps for helping a teen.
- Refer to the 5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain:
For more information on how to help someone you know, visit our Have a Drug Problem, Need Help? page. | 
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