Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple · Gene Beresin, MD, MA and Khadijah Booth Watkins, MD, MPH

Alcohol & Drugs - Why Do Teens Use?

·34 min·3 clips

The CDC found 73% of teens use drugs to feel calm, and 44% to forget bad memories—it's not just about fun.

This episode of Shrinking It Down focuses on understanding why teenagers use substances and how parents can initiate constructive conversations about it. Hosts Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Khadijah Booth Watkins, both mental health professionals from The Clay Center, address this complex issue. A recent CDC study found 73% of teens aged 13-18 use substances to feel calm, mellow, or relaxed. The data shows 50% use for fun or experimentation, while 44% use to stop worrying or forget bad memories, and 40% use to help with depression or anxiety. Half of the teens reported using substances alone at least some of the time. The U.S. Surgeon General's 2016 report indicated nearly 70% of adolescents who try an illicit drug before age 13 develop an addiction within seven years. The hosts note this increased addiction risk applies to alcohol and prescription drugs as well, not just illicit substances. Dr. Booth Watkins advises parents to first "check their own pulse" and manage their emotions before initiating a conversation to avoid a judgmental tone. She suggests asking about the function of the behavior—like using to self-soothe or sleep—rather than starting with "why" questions. Dr. Beresin shares a personal story of alcohol intoxication in college to humanize the discussion and illustrate potential dangers. They advise parents to be prepared for pushback, such as a teen noting a parent's own past or current substance use. The hosts explain that modern marijuana potency is far higher than in past decades, which is a factual point for discussion. They emphasize that alcohol and marijuana are illegal for teens and carry legal risks like losing a driver's license. Both substances impair driving and can affect the developing brain, impacting memory and academic performance. The conversation covers over-the-counter medication misuse, noting that dextromethorphan in cough syrup can cause hallucinations and that even Tylenol in excess can cause liver failure. Regarding prescription drugs, more than 50% of teens who misuse them get them for free from a friend or relative. The hosts warn that mixing prescription drugs like Xanax with alcohol is particularly dangerous and can lead to seeking street drugs like heroin, which is often contaminated with fentanyl. They recommend having Narcan available and safely disposing of unused prescription medications. If substance misuse is suspected, a professional evaluation should assess for co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma. Treatment options include 12-step programs, which Dr. Beresin notes have a 75% recovery rate, along with individual, group, or family therapy. The hosts stress that these will be ongoing conversations, not a single talk, and the goal is for the teen to feel supported by a team. The tone is educational and conversational, blending clinical data with practical parenting advice. The style is supportive and non-alarmist, focusing on open communication and harm reduction. Parents of teenagers, especially those concerned about experimentation or seeking communication strategies, will find this episode highly valuable. Listeners looking for a deep dive into specific drug pharmacology or criminal justice aspects might find the scope too general.

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