The Epidemic Within a Pandemic…
The pandemic has been tremendously difficult for many. For some, they have found themselves more isolated and with more time than before.
From starting new hobbies to exploring new passions, some people found the newfound “space” to be invigorating, but for others, time and isolation had a more detrimental consequence. Those who struggle or have struggled with substance use can tell you that it is something that doesn’t necessarily ever go away, and certain things can trigger a relapse. Data show an increase in substance use overall across different age groups. While drug use in teens and young adults on the whole has decreased, there has been a dangerous increase in teen deaths associated with drug use, and it is not stopping. Indeed, drug-related deaths in 2020 nearly doubled compared to previous years.
Since the start of the pandemic, teenagers have been more socially isolated during critical developmental periods. This, plus other social and environmental problems have exacerbated mental health among teens and young adults. Increased stress and anxiety has had a domino effect on substance and drug abuse/misuse.
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