What's Really Going On? - Substance Use & Mental Health Statistics

The Risks of Youth Substance Use

Using drugs, alcohol, or vaping might seem like no big deal—but the truth is, the earlier you start, the greater the risks. Substance use during your teen years can lead to long-term problems with your health, brain, and future goals. Here’s what you should really know:

Your Brain Is Still Under Construction

    • Your brain keeps developing until about age 25. Substances like nicotine, marijuana, alcohol, and pills can mess with that process. They affect memory, learning, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
    • Every year you delay using substances during your teen years lowers your risk of addiction later in life.

 Starting Young Increases Your Risk

    • Approximately 90% of people who struggle with addiction started using nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs before they turned 18.
    • Starting before age 15 makes you nearly 7x more likely to develop a substance use problem compared to someone who waits until 21 or older.

Fentanyl Is a Real Threat

    • Fake pills are a growing danger—some look like real meds but are made with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin.
    • Just a tiny amount can lead to accidental overdose or death, even if it’s your first time using.
    • Teens have overdosed from pills they thought were Xanax, Percocet, or Adderall.

It Can Affect Your Safety

    • Accidents are one of the leading causes of teen death, and substance use plays a major role.
    • Driving under the influence of alcohol or marijuana increases your risk of being in a car accident—and even riding with someone who’s impaired can put your life in danger. It can make it harder to focus, react quickly, and make good decisions while driving. To learn more, visit our Drug-Impaired Driving page.

It Messes With Your Mental Health

    • Some people use substances to cope with stress, anxiety, or trauma—but they often make things worse.
    • Teens who use substances are more likely to experience depression, mood swings, and suicidal thoughts.
    • Regular substance use can intensify anxiety and make it harder to bounce back from tough situations.
    • Researchers have found that about 50% of individuals who experience a mental health disorder during their lives will also experience a substance use issue and vice versa.

One Choice Can Change Everything

    • Suspension, expulsion, lost scholarships, job issues—using substances can impact your future in a big way.
    • Trouble with the law, strained friendships, and broken trust from your family are all real risks.
    • You may not feel addicted now, but the earlier you start, the harder it can be to stop later.


DuPage County Statistics

Want to know what’s happening around here? According to results from the Illinois Youth Survey:

  • In the past 12 months
    • 22% of 8th graders, 27% of sophomores, and 27% of seniors experienced symptoms of depression
    • 1 in 10 sophomores and seniors seriously considered attempting suicide
  • In the past 30 days
    • 5% of 8th graders, 11% of sophomores, and 22% of seniors reported consuming alcohol
    • 1% of 8th graders, 4% of sophomores, and 10% of seniors reported using marijuana
    • 1% of 8th graders, 4% of sophomores, and 8% of seniors reported using vape products


Why It Matters

This isn’t about judging or scaring anyone—it’s about knowing the facts so you can stay safe, healthy, and focused on your goals. Whether you’re making decisions for yourself or looking out for friends, understanding what’s really going on helps.


So, What Can You Do?

You don’t have to face pressure alone. Talk to someone you trust—whether it’s a friend, parent, coach, or school counselor. Looking out for yourself and your friends is a sign of strength, not weakness.


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