04/09/2026
April is Stress Awareness Month, and teens are telling us something important. In a CDC analysis of youth assessed for substance use disorder treatment, 73% said they used substances to feel "mellow, calm, or relaxed." Many also said they used to stop worrying or forget bad memories (44%) or to help with depression or anxiety (40%).
For schools, concert venues, and other places where teens hang out, the takeaway is simple. Blowing off stress can turn into risk fast when youth are using illicit street drugs or prescription medications, either not prescribed to them or not obtained from a certified pharmacy.
Make it easier to ask for help and build a plan for an opioid overdose emergency that staff can follow without hesitation. ODRescue™ helps teams put overdose response tools and training within reach of both bystanders and staff when seconds matter. Learn more at www.ODRescue.com