Social Media and Substance Use
The Relationship Between Social Media and Substance Use
As one would expect, parents refuse to accept rising social media and drug use as the “new normal” among their teens. Trends are concerning among all demographics, although teens are bearing the brunt of the issue.
However, no matter how concerning these trends are, there is plenty you can do about it. Let’s talk about the link between social media and substance use, how the two affect each other, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
Who Is It Coming From?
Here’s the thing, many of us assume that all of the blame is placed on peers, but that’s essentially an act of victim-blaming. Their peers are likely struggling with many of the same concerns as you or your teen.
Of course, social media companies share much of the blame, but we’re not trying to play the blame game. Rather, we want to understand the cause of these negative effects. So, what type of content affects your teen the most?
Well, different content affects your teen differently. For example, influencers and celebrities are constantly promoting unrealistic body images for teens from all walks of life.
Teen boys may have an interest in sports and find themselves bombarded with men who use steroids and have professional photographers and lighting experts helping them out. Conversely, teen girls may find plenty of models, celebrities, and fitness influencers using plenty of filters, lighting techniques, and professional makeup.
Either way, this often leads to feelings of inadequacy, as the teens can’t live up to these standards. They may believe that’s how they are supposed to look and that something must be wrong with them if they don’t. Because they have such limited life experience, they don’t inherently know better than that.
Feelings of inadequacy could lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, eating disorders, and even substance abuse.
For another example, posts from friends and family members may have a completely different effect. Teens may do things that aren’t themselves or that could be dangerous to try to “fit in”. This could involve trying new challenges or developing bad habits like using substances.
Social Media and Substance Use: How Big Is the Problem?
While studies are mixed, there have been clear links that suggest social media increases teens’ risks of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and other mental illnesses. These conditions are known to lead to substance abuse in many people, with teens seeing particular risk.
Of course, we aren’t suggesting that social media is the only driver of the rise in substance abuse cases. Recent court cases have essentially ruled that drug companies were responsible for the opioid epidemic.
However, we are suggesting there is a clear link between the rise in social media use among younger generations and their increased mental illness rates. Rising rates of substance use disorder come in tandem with a decline in mental health among larger demographics. Dual diagnosis treatment exists because of this common link.
Social Media Use
Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, social media is a major problem among teens. Much like how the drug companies were found complicit in the rise of opioid use, social media companies allegedly ramped up their targeting of teenagers because of their profitability.
Consequently, those same companies allegedly discovered that the more negative feelings they foster, the more it helps their bottom line. Essentially, they have a vested interest in continuing these trends. So, how big of an issue is this?
Well, surveys show that over 90% of teens are on social media. Again, social media is highly addictive, especially for adolescents who are still developing impulse control skills.
Social Media and Drug Use
Okay, let’s discuss the issue at hand. How big of a problem are drugs and social media together?
While there are few studies surrounding the two issues together, the correlation is too strong to ignore. Social media use has continued increasing and expanding to younger users. One could certainly argue this as a leading cause for the overall rise in teen drug use and the 61% rise in drug use among 8th graders between 2016 and 2020.
Overall, we can only speculate about how strong the connection is. However, it is certain that these trends are both rising simultaneously, that social media leads to increased mental health issues, and that mental health issues lead to addiction. Therefore, it’s also certain that the connection exists.
What Can You Do?
Fortunately, this isn’t all bleak. Even with teen drug abuse on the rise, there is plenty you can do to combat these trends and keep yourself and your loved ones safe from harm. Here’s how.
For Yourself
If you are reading this because you’re concerned about your own social media and/or drug use, then good for you! It’s amazing that you took the first step and recognized you had a problem all on your own, so keep it up!
Now, the best thing you can do if the problem is serious is to reach out for help. If you aren’t sure whether or not it’s serious, have you been abusing drugs? If you’ve felt cravings, anxiety, or discomfort when not taking substances, then it’s time to find treatment immediately.
Don’t worry about how your family will feel. They would rather know the truth and see you succeed than have the problem get worse, so talk to them as soon as possible.
However, if you’re reading this as a preventative measure or to get a better understanding of these issues, then there’s still plenty you can do. If you find social media to affect you in any of the ways previously mentioned, then the best thing you can do is try to limit your social media use.
Also, if you find yourself surrounded by people who are engaged in risky behavior, it’s okay to find new friends. We know that seems like harsh advice and that you care about these people, but you have a long life ahead of you and changing course only gets harder. Put your own well-being first!
For Your Teen
Research shows that 97% of alcohol-related posts among younger people portray alcohol in a positive light. Essentially, this means that the culture among adolescents needs to change, and that starts with education.
Educating your teen should be a top priority for combatting these rising health concerns, and the sooner, the better. Try talking to your teen about the issues around substance abuse and break down some of the stigmas surrounding the issues.
Of course, every parent has their own style. However, reflecting on our own teenage years, we all know that being told “no” only encouraged us. We’re not suggesting you encourage them to “drink small amounts” or “do what you want but be safe”.
Regardless of the policies of your household, education should still play an integral role in your teen’s development. Talk to them about the dangers of alcohol, of mixing drugs, or of taking illegal drugs, and encourage them to avoid any risky behaviors. Also, try to encourage them to talk to you if they have concerns or questions, rather than to try to hide something.
Also, educate them about the harmful effects of social media. There’s nothing inherent in our genes or our childhood that warns you about these dangers, so they have to be taught. If they show signs of concern with their social media use, encourage them to limit their time on social media and spend more time with their real-world connections.
Monitoring your children for changing behavior is also a great way to address issues as early as possible. Try to keep communication as open as possible.
Lastly, if you are concerned that your teen is already abusing substances, then it’s time to intervene before the problem gets worse. Look at your different treatment options and find what works for your teen and sign them up, whether with a drug abuse counselor or residential treatment program.
Find the Right Help
We now understand that social media and substance use have a connection, and both are becoming dangerously popular among adolescents. If you’re worried about your health or the health of your teen, then it’s time to find the right treatment for both social media and drug use.
Keep reading our blog for more information and feel free to reach out with any questions about treatment!