Small Talks: Youth Substance Use Facts

School-aged kids are going through a critical period of physical and emotional growth. Kids who use substances during this time expose their developing brains, lives, and mental health to serious, even deadly, consequences. Help the kids in your life understand the impacts of youth substance use by getting the facts for yourself.

Youth substance use in Wisconsin

Youth substance use is a community-wide challenge that affects Wisconsin families of all shapes and sizes.

Taking healthy risks is an important part of growing up—but substance use isn't. Kids looking to experiment, fit in with friends, or cope with their feelings often find ways to access harmful substances (usually without much effort). Unfortunately, when kids aren't aware of the risks, it can lead to serious consequences.

• In recent years, Wisconsin youth opioid overdose rates have more than doubled.
• In 2023, one in two Wisconsin high school students reported drinking alcohol in the past year.
• In 2023, one in 10 Wisconsin teens reported using cannabis over the past year.
• In 2023, one in three Wisconsin high school students reported ever using an electronic vapor product (Juul, Elf Bar, Breeze, Mr. Fog).
• In 2023, one in seven Wisconsin high school students reported ever trying a cigarette.

Check out our data library to learn more about substance use in Wisconsin.

While our data library clearly shows how many youth are engaging in substance use, it is important note the data also shows how many youth are not engaging in substance use. And, that's a bigger number than many people realize. In fact, most youth aren't using substances. That's because of caring adults like you who have created supportive environments for youth to thrive substance-free.

Impact of youth substance use

You want your small talks to have an impact, right? Then it's important to get the facts on the substances Wisconsin youth experiment with the most.

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most common drug used by people younger than 21. There’s a reason the legal drinking age is 21. It’s to keep our kids healthy and safe. Research shows that waiting to start drinking alcohol is one of the most effective ways to prevent the development of a substance use disorder later in life. Underage drinking can change the way the brain develops and functions. Drinking alcohol also is associated with higher risk of physical assault, sexual assault, and seven types of cancer.

Cannabis

Cannabis, more commonly known as marijuana, is one of the most misused drugs among adolescents. Cannabis contains a potent chemical called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is responsible for the mind-altering and euphoric effects many users experience. The legalization of cannabis in some states has led many people to view it as more acceptable and safe to use. However, cannabis can still have harmful effects for kids, including difficulty in thinking, problems with memory and learning, impaired coordination, and long-term misuse.

Commercial tobacco

Young people are consuming commercial tobacco in many ways. But whether kids smoke, vape, or chew doesn't matter. Nearly all commercial tobacco products contain highly addictive nicotine, along with a mix of other cancer causing chemicals. As a caring adult, you should know: 90% of daily commercial tobacco users began using before they turned 18. Beyond the increased risk of cancer, using commercial tobacco can lead to heart disease, lung disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. To learn more about commercial tobacco products and their impact on kids, check out our Tobacco is Changing campaign.

Prescription medication

Although prescriptions come directly from medical professionals, they all come with risks. Two of the most misused prescription medications are opioids and stimulants.

• Opioids like Oxycontin® or Vicodin® are often prescribed due to injury or other medical conditions. When used correctly, opioids can be an effective way to relieve pain.
• Stimulants such as Ritalin® and Adderall® are effective medications to treat kids diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Misusing prescription medications—– taking someone else’s medication or taking more of a medication than directed—can lead to an overdose, dependence, heart failure, or seizures.

Counterfeit pills are fake medications that have different ingredients than the actual prescription medication. They may contain no active ingredient, the wrong active ingredient, or have the right ingredient but in an incorrect quantity. Counterfeit pills may contain lethal amounts of a drug and are extremely dangerous because they often appear identical to legitimate prescription pills, and the user is likely unaware of how lethal they can be.

Common questions

You were young once, right? You know kids are resourceful, curious, and often feel above any real harm or serious consequences. That attitude can be dangerous. Help protect the young people around you by tapping into how kids think and feel about substances. Remember, the more you know, the better prepared you'll be when conversation time comes.

Where are kids getting substances?

• Home: The easiest place for kids to get substances is at home, especially prescriptions left in medicine cabinets and alcohol stored in the refrigerator or liquor cabinet.
• Friends and peers: Many kids are given or sold substances from those they know, typically at school.
• Social media, websites, and apps: Kids access substances online via social networks, websites, secret groups, and marketplaces.

What do kids think about certain substances?

• They think that prescription drugs are safer because they come from a medical professional, but they're wrong. All prescription medications have serious risks when not used as prescribed.
• They think they know exactly what they are getting when given or buying substances. Wrong again. Substances are often mixed with other substances to increase the effects.

Is possession of substances a serious offense?

• Most schools have policies that prohibit substances on school property. Offenses can lead to suspension or expulsion, putting their academic future at risk.
• Possessing illegal substances, including cannabis, is against Wisconsin law. Penalties may include large fines and jail time (even for a first offense), suspension of driver's license, and more.
• In some cases, it is against the law to possess legal substances. Possessing someone else's prescription medication with the intent to use or distribute is illegal.

Why kids are using substances?

• To feel good: Kids often use substances to seek psychological or physical pleasure.
• To try and fit in: Kids want to be accepted and often think using substances is the way to fit. The facts tell a different story. Most kids aren't using substances. In other words, it's the norm, not the exception to be substance-free as a kid.
• To study: Kids often turn to stimulants, such as Ritalin® and Adderall®, because they believe it will help them study more effectively.
• To cope with stress: Kids go through a lot growing up and may use substances to deal with stress related to school, friends, family, sports, and more.
• To mimic behavior on social media: Kids look up to the celebrities and influencers they follow on various social media platforms. Unfortunately, many of the people kids follow online use their reach to promote unhealthy behaviors that kids may try to emulate.

What are the signs of youth substance use?

Kids go through many physical, emotional, and social changes as they grow. It’s a natural part of adolescence that can make it hard to recognize when a kid is using substances. That’s why it’s important to look out for the following changes in attitudes and behaviors that could indicate a problem.

Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline

The Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline can help kids experiencing a substance use challenge get connected to local health and wellness resources. It’s free and available 24 hours a day.

• Call: 211 or 833-944-4673
• Text: Your ZIP code to 898211
• Online search: addictionhelpwi.org
• Online chat: Enter the chat room

Start talking

Having short, casual conversations with kids in your life about the impacts of substance use is easier than you think.

Learn how to start talking to kids about substance use