Stress is negatively impacting the health of teens. Some common reported sources of stress involve school, finances, and relationships. Teens that do not have healthy coping mechanisms tend to experience overeating and lack of sleep, or turn to alcohol and drug use. Fortunately, resources are available to prevent substance abuse and help teens learn about coping mechanisms like mindfulness. Other practical methods to manage stress are exercise and sleep management. All require the active participation of parents and other adults in the teen’s life.

Key Takeaways:

• Securing drug policies to inhibit teens from using drugs as a means of maladaptively coping with their stress is critical.
• The US Health and Human Services has screening tools and a prevention campaign discouraging adolescents and teens from using and abusing drugs.
• National Drug Control Strategy Goals reported by the executive offices of government reported on the prevalence of drug use among 12- to 17-year-olds.

“The US Health and Human Services has screening tools and a prevention campaign discouraging adolescents and teens from using and abusing drugs.”

http://origin-nyi.thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/healthcare/312726-the-growing-teen-epidemic-stress