In our group conversations, Appalachian Youth to Youth members feel the number one reason youth turn to substance use is to deal with stress/anxiety. This is important because during these times of COVID 19, all youth are under increased stress and are at a greater risk of substance use. Even those who no one ever suspected would use may turn to substances during these times.
We all need to find healthier ways of dealing with stress. It may be taking a walk, doing yoga, playing a video game (for a limited amount of time), picking up the phone and calling a friend instead of texting, or using a mindfulness video on Youtube. Find what works for you!
What are other reasons that may cause youth to use substances? What can youth do instead
of using substances to better manage this reason?
This is great! The correlation between stress management and substance use was the main focus of our community event plan for Empowering Youth and Families Program that we just wrapped up. We’re planning an online event that educates the community on stress management techniques!
I love that the group was able to realize how important stress management is!
I agree. Virtual school and not really seeing friends because of COVID is stressful.
Finding healthy ways of dealing with stress will be a tool you will use all your life so invest time in finding out what works for you. I like listening to music while I take my dog for a walk.