The Link Between Substance Use and Suicide
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The Link Between Substance Use and Suicide
September marks two national observances USRA takes seriously: Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month.
The American Psychiatric Association’s newest research found that adolescents who use cannabis or nicotine showed a “disproportionately large increase” in suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to peers who don’t.
The 2026 SAMHSA data confirms it. Among teens ages 12 to 17 who used multiple substances in the past month:
- 40% had a major depressive episode in the past year
- 34% had a moderate or severe anxiety disorder
- 36% had serious thoughts of suicide
Substance use reshapes teen brain chemistry, deepens depression, disrupts sleep, and makes the darkest moments feel more permanent than they are.
The reverse is also true. Teens who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma often turn to substances to cope.
That’s why the CDC’s Free Mind campaign frames prevention as a mental health issue first.
QUICK TIPS
5 Dangerous Teen Trends Taking Over Right Now
- Dusting. Inhaling household aerosols like keyboard cleaner, hairspray, or dust remover to get high, leading to cardiac arrest.
- Digital self-harm. Creating fake accounts to send themselves hate messages, then posting the screenshots for sympathy.
- Sadfishing. Posting emotionally-loaded content for attention that can normalize suicidal language and hide real crisis.
- Teen takeovers. Flash-mob-style teen gatherings organized on Snapchat, TikTok, or group chats. Some have escalated into fights, vandalism, and arrests.
- Chromebook challenge. Inserting metal objects into laptop charging ports to create sparks and smoke.
PODCAST
TUNE INTO THE LATEST EPISODE:
Student Activist Melissa Reifman on Drug Prevention and Awareness
Melissa Reifman is a Northern Highlands Regional High School student, a member of the National Honor Society, co-editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, and a member of Senior Class Council. She’s also a community activist raising awareness for the opioid crisis and anti-bullying efforts.
In this episode, Melissa sits down with USRA to talk about what prevention looks like from a student’s perspective, what her generation wants adults to understand, and how young people are stepping up to lead the conversation on drugs and mental health.
IN THE NEWS
988 Is Working
A new JAMA study found that suicide rates among young people dropped 11% after the US launched the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in 2022. Researchers compared the actual quarterly rate of suicide deaths among people ages 15 to 34 against projected rates. The states that saw the biggest increases in answered calls also saw the largest declines in youth suicide rates.
988 is free, confidential, and available 24/7 by call, text, or chat. Save it in your teen’s phone.
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