Trends in Substance Use and Mental Health Among Adolescents in Georgia, 2002-2022
Abstract
Background: While substance use and absence of mental health disorders among youth in the United States (US) have declined over the past two decades, post COVID-19 pandemic, these conditions have increased significantly with notable disparities, and witnessed a crisis in public health. In 2022, 24.7% or 6.1 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the US had either Major Depressive Episodes (MDE) or Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and 3.7 percent had both in the prior year2. Increased stress, lack of peer connections, parental abuse, and poor mental health conditions were attributed to this increase in substance use3-7. Communities that are disproportionately experiencing these challenges contribute to many social challenges including domestic violence and suicide and calls for addressing inequalities among youth at risk to these health conditions8.
Methods: We analyzed trends in adolescents’ substance use and mental health disorders between 2002-2022 in Georgia and the US, utilizing the National Survey on Drug Use and Health data for individuals aged 12-17 years. The analysis included SUD, MDE, along with a selected indicators on substance use, i.e., tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and other illicit drugs. Weighted prevalence was reported for each measure, and differences were assessed using non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Georgia experienced lower rates than the national average. The rate of SUD has decreased from 7.8% in 2005-2006 to 3.5% in 2018-2019 but increased significantly to 7.9% in 2021. On the other hand, the rate of MDE has increased from 8.2% in 2005-2006 to 13.8% in 2018-2019 with further significant increase to 17.3% in 2021. The analyses also highlight the This study highlights differences in selected indicators of substance use and mental health in Georgian adolescents.
Conclusion: These findings have significant implications for public policy and underscores a need for tailored public health education and interventions for the adolescents in Georgia. Expanding gender-sensitive services and affirming care could prove beneficial in further reductions in substance use and mental health conditions
Keywords: Behavioral health, substance use, mental health, Georgia, disparities, adolescents, and United States
Keywords
Behavioral health, substance use, mental health, Georgia, disparities, adolescents, and United States
Trends in Substance Use and Mental Health Among Adolescents in Georgia, 2002-2022
Background: While substance use and absence of mental health disorders among youth in the United States (US) have declined over the past two decades, post COVID-19 pandemic, these conditions have increased significantly with notable disparities, and witnessed a crisis in public health. In 2022, 24.7% or 6.1 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the US had either Major Depressive Episodes (MDE) or Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and 3.7 percent had both in the prior year2. Increased stress, lack of peer connections, parental abuse, and poor mental health conditions were attributed to this increase in substance use3-7. Communities that are disproportionately experiencing these challenges contribute to many social challenges including domestic violence and suicide and calls for addressing inequalities among youth at risk to these health conditions8.
Methods: We analyzed trends in adolescents’ substance use and mental health disorders between 2002-2022 in Georgia and the US, utilizing the National Survey on Drug Use and Health data for individuals aged 12-17 years. The analysis included SUD, MDE, along with a selected indicators on substance use, i.e., tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and other illicit drugs. Weighted prevalence was reported for each measure, and differences were assessed using non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Georgia experienced lower rates than the national average. The rate of SUD has decreased from 7.8% in 2005-2006 to 3.5% in 2018-2019 but increased significantly to 7.9% in 2021. On the other hand, the rate of MDE has increased from 8.2% in 2005-2006 to 13.8% in 2018-2019 with further significant increase to 17.3% in 2021. The analyses also highlight the This study highlights differences in selected indicators of substance use and mental health in Georgian adolescents.
Conclusion: These findings have significant implications for public policy and underscores a need for tailored public health education and interventions for the adolescents in Georgia. Expanding gender-sensitive services and affirming care could prove beneficial in further reductions in substance use and mental health conditions
Keywords: Behavioral health, substance use, mental health, Georgia, disparities, adolescents, and United States
