Schools are becoming concerned about teen substance use as it grows. Students and experts point to its impact on both physical and mental health. While many teens may see substance use as common, research shows it can have lasting effects, especially on developing brains.
In recent years, schools across the United States have reported increasing concerns about how early exposure to substances can affect long-term success not just in academics but in future careers and relationships. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are among the most commonly used by teens despite the risks they pose to brain development and overall health. Data from National surveys also suggest that early substance use increases the likelihood of continued use into adulthood, making prevention efforts during teenage years especially important.
Freshman Pheobe Byler says, “Substance use can have many effects on someone’s physical health, including laziness, weight gain, damage to the brain, and impaired thinking, which is not good for someone’s physical health.” She also states, “Mental health issues include not thinking straight, struggling to learn, and a terrible memory. It’s really bad because it takes your brain away, shrivelling it up.”
Teachers say comments like these show that students are becoming more aware of the risks, even if they are not directly involved in substance use themselves. Awareness, they say, is a key first step in prevention.
Research from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention shows that substance use can interfere with judgment, memory, and behavior, making it harder for students to succeed in school and daily life.
In addition, studies indicate that teens who regularly use substances are more likely to struggle with attendance and are at a higher risk of dropping out compared to their peers.
A sophomore at Concord Highschool, Darrel Jackson speaks about why someone might use a substance. He mentions “People may feel pressure to use substances because family members do and they think that’s cool, so they do it too. Substance use can make someone sleepy all the time, due to hangovers, and that wouldn’t motivate them to come to school.”
Pure influence, especially during teenage years, can strongly affect decision-making. Experts know that the desire to fit in or appear cool often outweighs awareness of the risk in the moment.
Health professionals emphasize that substance use is not just a bad habit but something influenced by brain chemistry. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry explains that addiction is linked to chemical changes in the brain, which are still developing during adolescence. Because the brain is still forming, these changes can have longer-lasting effects on the mood, behavior, and the ability to make responsible choices later in life.
Health and Fitness teacher Emma Sigman points out the importance of support and awareness: “The best thing to do for someone who is struggling with an addiction is to treat them with care, offer them support, and help them reach out to a trusted adult or substance misuse helpline,” said Sigman. “We as a society can help reduce the stigma around addiction so those who are struggling don’t feel shame for getting help.” School counselors and community programs are increasingly focusing on creating safe spaces where students feel comfortable asking for help without fear of judgment.
Research from the National Governors Association also highlights the connection between youth mental health challenges and substance use, reinforcing the need for early education and intervention. This connection shows that preventing substance use is not just about avoiding drugs but also about supporting overall mental well-being.
Some students, like freshman Olivia Chadwell, suggest healthier alternatives. “Substance use affects the brain by causing poor brain development, such as behavior, attention, and judgment,” says Chadwell. “A healthy alternative could be doing physical activity such as sports.”
Extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and clubs have been shown to reduce the likelihood of substance use by giving students positive Outlets for stress and peer connection.
As schools continue to address the issue, educators and health experts agree that combining student awareness with scientific research may be one of the most effective ways to prevent substance use and support those at risk. Moving forward, many schools hope to expand education programs and involve families more directly, creating a stronger support system both inside and outside the classroom.
If you struggle with substance abuse and seek help, call 988 Suicide and Crisis Helpline
Story continues below advertisement
Jacqueline Hills • May 1, 2026 at 6:15 pm
Very well written. Thank you.