National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week: March 16 – March 22

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW), observed March 16 – March 22, brings communities together to talk openly about substance use and prevention.

Adolescence is a critical stage of development. During these years, the brain is still growing, decision-making skills are forming, and emotional health is evolving. Substance use during this time can affect brain development, academic performance, relationships, and long-term well-being.

Understanding the facts helps us respond with compassion, clarity, and support.

The Most Common Substances Teens Use

In 2023, the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reported that nearly two million adolescents ages 12 – 17 reported using drugs in the past month. The same report found that teens in Illinois are 13.56% more likely to report past-month drug use than teens nationwide.

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among teens. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that while adolescents may drink less frequently than adults, they are more likely to binge drink when they do. Binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks in one sitting for males and four or more drinks in one sitting for females.

Tobacco and Vaping (E-Cigarettes)

Vaping is one of the most common forms of substance use among teens today. Many electronic cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can affect brain development, attention, mood, and impulse control.

While some teens believe vaping is safer than traditional cigarettes, most e-cigarettes still expose users to nicotine and other harmful chemicals. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

Marijuana

Marijuana is one of the most commonly used substances among teens. While some states have legalized marijuana for adults over the age of 21, including Illinois, it remains illegal for minors and can affect memory, attention, learning, and mental health in adolescents whose brains are still developing.

Prescription Medication Misuse

Prescription medication misuse occurs when a person takes medication in a way not prescribed to them — including taking someone else’s prescription or taking higher doses than directed.

Commonly misused medications among teens include opioid pain relievers, stimulants used to treat ADHD, and anti-anxiety medications. Because these drugs are prescribed by healthcare providers, some teens may mistakenly believe they are safer than other substances. However, misuse can lead to addiction, overdose, and serious health risks.

Opioids

Opioid misuse remains a national public health emergency. The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reports a 700% increase in opioid overdose deaths among individuals ages 15 – 24 from 1999 to 2022.

Many overdoses among teens now involve counterfeit pills or substances unknowingly mixed with fentanyl, making prevention, education, and access to Narcan especially important.

Why Teens May Turn to Substances

Teens do not use substances in isolation. Many young people report turning to alcohol, vaping, or other substances to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, academic pressure, or social challenges. Peer influence and a desire to fit in can also play a role.

Substance use can sometimes be a signal that a teen is struggling — not just with a behavior, but with something deeper. When we understand the “why,” we can respond with support instead of judgment.

How Substance Use Affects Teens

Substance use can affect nearly every area of a teen’s life. Because alcohol is the most commonly used substance among adolescents, many studies focus on its impact.

According to the CDC, risks associated with adolescent substance use include:

• Engaging in risky behaviors, including unprotected sex and drinking and driving
• Declines in academic performance
• Increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses later in life
• Experiencing or perpetrating violence
• Physical injury
• Increased risk of anxiety or depression
• Memory and concentration problems
• Slowed brain development
• Relationship challenges
• Developing a substance use disorder
• Legal consequences

Teens are not just smaller adults. Their brains are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol, nicotine, and other substances.

Substance use does not only affect physical health — it can also impact emotional well-being, safety, and a teen’s sense of connection and stability.

A Whole-Person Approach to Prevention and Support

Prevention begins with connection.

Open, honest conversations grounded in facts — without judgment — help teens feel safe asking questions. Clear expectations, strong relationships, and healthy role modeling all matter.

If a teen in your life is struggling with substance use, support is available. We offer:

• Early intervention services
• Outpatient therapy
• Same-day assessments
• Free Narcan available at our locations to help prevent opioid overdose
• Referrals for hospitalization or rehabilitation when needed

To learn more, call 708-PILLARS or visit PillarsCommunityHealth.org.